Summary
King County Metro’s popular Metro Flex service will expand to Auburn and Federal Way on Aug. 31, launching two new pilots in Auburn and Federal Way, giving riders more flexible connections to transit, jobs, shopping, appointments and other destinations. The expansion is part of Metro’s broader improvements to transit service in South King County and will offer on-demand rides with $3 fares.
Story
King County Metro will launch two new Metro Flex pilots serving Auburn and Federal Way on August 31. The pilots expand on-demand transit in South King County as part of a broader set of transit improvements made possible through the South Link Connections project.
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.
“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 begins August 29, bringing more frequent service, expanded service hours and strong regional transit connections. In addition to offering seamless travel within neighborhoods, Metro Flex connects riders to the broader regional transit network, including buses and Link light rail at Federal Way Transit Center and bus and Sounder service at Auburn Station. By bridging gaps in traditional bus service and creating easy transfers to larger transit options, Metro Flex empowers communities with more freedom to get where they want to go.
“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.”
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.”