Executive Zahilay joins South King County leaders to celebrate new Metro Flex service in Auburn and Federal Way

King County Executive Girmay Zahilay joined Auburn Mayor Nancy Backus, Federal Way Mayor Jim Ferrell and King County Metro General Manager Michelle Allison Thursday to cut the ribbon on two new Metro Flex pilots bringing on-demand transit to Auburn and Federal Way. 

Launched Aug. 31, the new service expands access to convenient, on-demand transportation in South King County, connecting riders to neighborhoods, schools, transit hubs, jobs, shopping, and other destinations. The two-year pilots are part of Metro’s broader South Link Connections service improvements. 

Metro’s Operator of the Year, Tamieko Cook, joined the leaders for the ceremony at the Auburn Transit Station.

In Auburn, Metro Flex connects riders to Auburn Station and Sounder service, while in Federal Way, riders can connect to the Federal Way Transit Center and Link light rail. Riders can book on-demand trips within designated service areas using the Metro Flex app or by phone. 

Metro Flex allows riders to book on-demand trips within designated service areas, providing connections between neighborhoods, transit hubs, jobs and other destinations. Riders can book trips through the Metro Flex app or by phone, with rides provided in Metro-operated minivans. The Auburn and Federal Way pilots will run for two years.

 Expanded transit options for a rapidly grow region

“Expanding Metro Flex into Auburn and Federal Way adds an important new transit option and helps reshape how people move through their daily lives in two of our fastest-growing communities,” said King County Executive Girmay Zahilay. “I want to thank Mayors Nancy Backus and Jim Ferrell for their partnership in bringing this service to their communities. As we continue to strengthen our multimodal transit network across King County, partnerships like these help us keep South King County moving and make it easier for people to get to work, appointments, events and everything our region has to offer without relying on a car.”

The Metro Flex launch builds on Metro’s previously announce fall service changes, which began August 29, bringing more frequent service, expanded service hours and strong regional transit connections.

“King County Metro’s expansion of Metro Flex in Auburn gives our residents more access to everything – to work, school, appointments and communities across our region,” said Auburn Mayor Nancy Backus. “It’s as low-cost as any regular bus trip, with the speed and convenience of transportation being just a few taps away on an app. I’m grateful to King County Metro for making this important investment in Auburn.”

“Metro Flex provides a new level of mobility for the Federal Way community. It solves one of transit’s biggest challenges by connecting residents from their homes to transit hubs, expanding their transportation options throughout the region,” said Federal Way Mayor Jim Ferrell. “All of our residents, especially seniors and those with disabilities, are now able to more easily get where they need to go. Our neighborhoods and residents are better connected to the rest of the region than ever before.”

The Auburn and Federal Way Metro Flex pilots are supported by the Federal Highway Administration’s Congestion Mitigation and Air Quality (CMAQ) Improvement Program. The funding was awarded through the Puget Sound Regional Council and is administered by the Federal Transit Administration, with King County Metro funding the remaining 20 percent of eligible project costs.

Easy to book a ride, pay fare

Rides cost just $3, the same as a standard Metro bus fare. Transfers are free to a bus or light rail. Reduced fares are available for seniors, riders with disabilities and customers with lower incomes. Youth 18 and under always ride free.

Download the app in the Apple App Store, Google Play Store or call 206-258-7739 to book a ride.

What People Are Saying

“As the World Cup highlighted the importance of transit and accessibility in our region, with record number of boardings and transit riders, it is especially important to create more opportunities for our neighbors, particularly those in transit deserts, to access major transit hubs and connect to their daily activities, such as work, grocery shopping, appointments, games and more,” said King County Councilmember Pete von Reichbauer. “With the uncertainty of rising gas prices and the increasing costs of driving, the arrival of Metro Flex in Auburn and Federal Way, along with the South Link Connections project, will allow many, if not all, to benefit from enhanced transit options both regionally and in their local neighborhoods.”

“Metro Flex is about giving people more freedom in how they get around,” said King County Metro General Manager Michelle Allison. “Whether you’re catching light rail, heading to work, running errands or meeting up with friends, Metro Flex makes those trips easier and more convenient. We’re excited our South Link Connection project is bringing this service to Auburn and Federal Way and helping even more people connect to the places that matter most.”

“Metro Flex is reimagining what public transportation can look like,” said Metro Mobility Director Christina O’Claire. “By combining the affordability of public transit with the convenience of on-demand service, we’re giving people another flexible way to travel and strengthening connections throughout South King County.”