RapidRide I Line newsletter (February 2026)
South Link Connections: Metro proposes final route improvements in south King County
Link light rail has expanded south with three new stations in Kent/Des Moines, Star Lake and downtown Federal Way. Metro continues to work with Sound Transit and other partners to improve public transportation options for communities in south King County.
The South Link Connections project will create a new transit network that connects Metro buses with Link light rail, ST Express buses, and Pierce Transit services in King County.
After the feedback we heard from community members and partners, Metro is excited to share our final transit network proposal. These were developed in collaboration with residents and officials from Algona, Auburn, Burien, Des Moines, Federal Way, Kent, Normandy Park, Pacific, SeaTac, Tukwila and parts of unincorporated King County.
Executive Zahilay transmits legislation to expand Metro bus service and strengthen Link light rail connections in South King County
King County Executive Girmay Zahilay transmitted legislation to the King County Council proposing major updates to Metro bus service across South King County as part of the multi-year South Link Connections project.
The proposal builds on the recent opening of the Kent-Des Moines, Star Lake, and Federal Way Downtown Link light rail stations and would create a more connected, reliable transit network serving Algona, Auburn, Burien, Des Moines, Federal Way, Kent, Normandy Park, Pacific, SeaTac, Tukwila, and nearby unincorporated areas.
If approved, the new service would launch as part of Metro’s August 2026 service change.
“South King County is one of the fastest-growing parts of our region, and we have a responsibility to make sure our transit system keeps pace,” said King County Executive Zahilay. “This proposal reflects the voices of our residents and my administration’s commitment to building a transit network that connects people to opportunity, supports our region’s growth, and makes it easier to get around without a car. By aligning our bus network with light rail and expanding all-day service, we’re delivering the reliable, connected transit system our communities deserve.”
“Making transit an easier choice is fundamental to everything we do at Sound Transit,” said Sound Transit Chief Executive Officer Dow Constantine. “Adding Tap to Pay as a fare option increases rider convenience and helps occasional riders get on board.”
“Adding Tap to Pay is a major step forward in how our region moves people and delivers on our commitment to making Puget Sound a modern, transit-friendly destination,” said Christina O’Claire, ORCA Joint Board Chair and King County Metro Mobility Division Director. “By giving visitors the ability to tap and ride using the cards they already carry, ORCA is removing barriers and creating a welcoming and inclusive transit experience. This launch ensures our regional transit system is easy to use and benefits both residents and the global community we’re preparing to host.”
Pay: Puget Sound Region Transit Systems to Accept Credit and Debit Cards, Digital Wallets as Fare Payment
On February 23, ORCA launched a new Tap to Pay feature allowing riders to use credit and debit cards, and digital wallets, to pay for transit across the Puget Sound region.
Riders can simply tap their contactless Visa, Mastercard, Discover® Network, or American Express credit or debit cards, or cards in digital wallets, using Apple Pay™, Google Pay™, or Samsung Pay™ to ride. This new feature expands access to public transportation and supports seamless travel experiences for both daily riders and visitors alike.
RapidRide I Line is coming to Renton, Kent and Auburn
King County Metro is preparing to build 17 miles of new RapidRide service in Renton, Kent, and Auburn. Once I Line is in service in 2027 it will provide connections to the Renton Transit Center, Kent Transit Center and Auburn Station. The I Line will also connect riders to the RapidRide F Line, Sound Transit buses; Sounder Train; and local bus service, making it easier for people to travel to and from regional destinations and access a network of local bus routes. Metro is building RapidRide I Line to meet a critical need for improved north-south transportation options in south King County. Visit our new website to check out our interactive map and learn about the passenger stations, and other improvements this project will bring!
What to expect during construction
Construction activity, mainly along roads and sidewalks, is anticipated to begin in the first quarter of 2026. Typical work hours will be Monday through Friday, 7:00 am to 4:00 pm, with some nighttime and weekend work. Construction may cause temporary changes or disruptions to your usual access or travel patterns along the RapidRide I Line route. The contractor will work in designated construction zones with potential temporary local impacts over the course of the project.
During construction, you can expect:
- Temporary parking restrictions
- Periodic lane and driveway closures
- Large machinery and truck activity
- Construction staging and parking impacts near some construction sites
- Some sidewalk, intersection, and lane closures
- Detours for people walking, biking, and rolling
- Temporary bus detours and bus stop relocations for Route 160 and other area transit and bus routes.
- Flaggers to direct traffic around work areas
Community highlights
Renton
Celebrate the Year of the Horse
Feb. 28 | All day | The Landing (828 N 10th Pl)
Celebrate the Year of the Horse at The Landing! Have a stunning photo experience at the Year of the Horse Pagoda Set-Up located in the plaza across from Regal. Immerse yourself in vibrant Lunar New Year décor featuring an elegant pagoda backdrop and festive themed accents. Learn more.
Craft Social
Recurring Weekly Thursdays | Tomato Tomato Creative (226 Main Ave S Ste C)
Get crafty and be as social as your battery allows. This is a community craft time that allows like-minded creatives to gather and work on projects together. Learn more.
Kent
Team Up 2 Clean Up
Feb. 28 | 9AM-Noon | Kherson Park (307 W. Gowe St)
A clean downtown is a healthy downtown! Join Kent to focus clean-up efforts along Meeker Street and the surrounding downtown area. Kent is looking for individuals, families, and groups to help with trash/recycle pickup, vegetation control/trimming, sweeping, etc. Meet up with old friends and make new ones! Learn more.
Book & Art Festival
Mar. 14 | 10AM-3PM | Kent Lutheran Church (336 S. 2nd Ave)
Kent Lutheran Church is hosting this fun-filled event for all ages! Meet local authors and artists, enjoy kids activities, hear readings, and win prizes. Learn more.
Auburn
The Teen Lounge
Mar. 2 | 3:30PM-5:30PM | Auburn Library (1102 Auburn Way S)
Auburn library hosts the Teen Lounge, where middle and high school students can come relax, play games, work on homework or get creative with art activities in a space made just for them! Learn more.
Auburn Community Players: Legally Blonde
Mar. 13 | 7:30PM | Green River College – Student Affairs Building (12401 SE 320th St)
The Auburn Community Players present a fabulously fun award-winning musical based on the adored movie, Legally Blonde The Musical, follows the transformation of Elle Woods as she tackles stereotypes and scandal in pursuit of her dreams. Action-packed and exploding with memorable songs and dynamic dances – this musical is so much fun, it should be illegal! Buy tickets.
