Metro Flex Sammamish/Issaquah shifting borders to serve more riders
After two years of service, King County Metro Flex Sammamish/Issaquah will shift its borders in Issaquah to better serve riders in Issaquah Highlands neighborhood.
The adjustment to the service area, which begins March 9, was developed in partnership with the City of Issaquah to meet community needs and to serve areas with greater expected ridership demand. This change includes adding service to the Issaquah Highlands, while shifting service away from the Squak neighborhood, where there was low ridership demand.
Riders can use the Metro Flex app to book rides on minivans and travel to local places and fast, frequent bus service to the rest of the region.
“Accessible, reliable transit grows strongest when it’s built hand‑in‑hand with the people we serve,” said Christina O’Claire, Metro Mobility Director. “Metro is proud to work alongside our Issaquah and Sammamish communities to expand opportunities, strengthen connections and design services that reflect the needs and voices of riders who rely on them every day.”
The service area across Issaquah and Sammamish allows riders to go shopping, meet friends for lunch or head to appointments – wherever a destination is within the service area, Metro Flex will take you there.
Metro Flex, also offers easy access to the Issaquah Transit Center, connecting riders to the region’s larger public transportation network. This solution helps fuel car-free lifestyles for the communities served by Metro Flex, including neighborhoods where regular transit service isn’t currently available.
All existing King County Metro reduced fare programs, including ORCA LIFT, are accepted, and all youth 18 and younger ride free. Using an ORCA card allows passengers to transfer for free to bus and Link light rail. Riders may also pay with credit or debit card via the app, but cannot tap to pay aboard Metro Flex vans with anything but an ORCA card. Cash is not accepted, and drivers can’t accept tips.
Use your phone to tell Metro Flex where you are and where you want to go. You’ll receive a nearby pickup location only a short walk away. Metro Flex vans use “virtual bus stops.” Customers may be asked to take a short walk to the virtual bus stop—the app provides walking directions.
Got a bicycle? You can indicate that in your app preference prior to pick up, so you can connect with a van carrying a bike rack.
In addition to people requiring a wheelchair-accessible vehicle, if you need other mobility assistance, or have trouble walking short distances, just indicate this within your Metro Flex profile. If you book rides over the phone (206-258-7739) tell the customer service agent about your ride support needs as well.
Only one wheelchair passenger will fit in each Metro Flex vehicle. The wheelchair ramp can accommodate up to 800 pounds and wheelchairs up to 36 inches wide.
These updated boundaries are another step toward making local travel simpler, more inclusive and more responsive to community needs. Whether you’re heading to a transit connection, a lunch spot or just across the neighborhood, Metro Flex makes everyday trips easier and more accessible.