Executive Braddock announces upgrades to Metro’s Access paratransit service, improving freedom and flexibility for riders with disabilities living in rural communities

Media release from the King County Executive 

Summary:

King County Executive Shannon Braddock, in partnership with Metro, has announced easier and more convenient trip-planning options for Access paratransit customers, including the piloting of innovative services such as grocery delivery and same-day reservations. These efforts will especially benefit riders with disabilities and seniors in rural and less densely populated areas, where transportation options can be limited.

Story:

Today, King County Executive Shannon Braddock and Metro announced an improved customer experience for Access paratransit service customers and seniors, especially in rural communities, delivering on one of the key priorities in the Executive’s 200-Day Plan. People with disabilities who live in rural communities and use Access will have an easier time making reservations and enjoy improved on-time arrivals. There are also pilot programs that range from grocery delivery to same-day reservations.  These services – alongside new in-person support for Access paratransit, Community Van, and Hopelink – will offer more flexibility and independence.  

Additionally, community transportation coordinators and navigators will deliver in-person support to help all customers with mobility challenges access the full range of Metro services.

“We’re always looking for smart, new ways to strengthen transit access—especially for riders with mobility challenges,” said Executive Braddock. “These improvements, pilot programs, and support services follow through on the commitment in my ‘200-Day Plan’ to expand the transportation options for our residents, with a focus on people who are elderly, have a disability, are lower-income, or live in rural areas with fewer resources nearby.”

“Paratransit service is a vital part of our commitment to equitable and inclusive transportation,” said Metro Deputy General Manager Ernest Kandilige. “Every trip represents independence, access and opportunity for members of our community who rely on us most. I’m proud of the work the Access team is doing. As we look to the future, we’re focused on innovating — using technology, partnerships and customer feedback — to make paratransit more reliable, flexible and responsive.”

New and improved services include the following:

• Easier reservations and improved on-time service in rural areas and countywide: An additional transportation contractor will soon enhance Access paratransit service with new staff and vehicles to make it easier for Access riders across King County, and in less-dense areas, to reserve their desired pick-up time. Riders will also have greater confidence in on-time arrivals.
• Grocery deliveries: To deliver innovative, cost-effective ways to increase customers’ mobility and cut down on multiple rides, Access has launched a delivery pilot program for groceries and other essential items. The delivery pilot enrolled 100 Access riders, who will each receive a year of no-cost deliveries on groceries, pet food, prescriptions, and more. The pilot launched in late October.
• Same-day reservations: The same-day reservations pilot program provides more flexibility and requires less advanced planning than the existing requirement to book at least a day beforehand. Access is hoping to expand same-day reservations to more customers later this fall.
• Community transportation coordinators: In October, Metro added community transportation coordinators for its Community Van program, which allows several riders to borrow a Metro vehicle to travel to one or more shared destinations. Enhanced in-person support in underserved areas of King County will help people discover and use Community Van. Partners include the City of Algona, the City of Kirkland, Hopelink, the King County Department of Local Services, UW Bothell, and the Vashon Chamber of Commerce.
• Community transportation navigators: Beginning in the spring of 2026, new in-person support will also be provided by community transportation navigators, who work as part of a case management approach within King County’s Health Through Housing (HTH) initiative. Community transportation navigators will help participants understand and access transit services to meet their needs, including medical, mental health, and substance abuse care.

About Access Paratransit

Access is a critical service for individuals whose disabilities prevent them from using the standard bus or light rail. Each year, Access serves more than 960,000 rides and 7,500 active riders; an average of 3,000 trips per day. Studies show Access customers are 39% people of color and 29% people with lower incomes.

Access will pick you up and drop you off anywhere within about a mile radius of where Metro buses or Sound Transit Link light rail operate during regular service hours. Access extends to rural towns such as Carnation, Duvall, Fall City, North Bend, Preston, and Snoqualmie. Access service locations and times can be found on the Access Service Area Map.