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RapidRide I Line
Coming to Renton, Kent and Auburn
King County Metro will upgrade Route 160, which currently runs between Renton, Kent, and Auburn—to the future RapidRide I Line. RapidRide is part of a larger, system-wide approach to improve transit access in south King County, and I Line service is planned to begin in 2027.
Buses that keep up with your schedule.
Morning to night, every day.
RapidRide I Line is planned to operate every 10 minutes on weekdays in the peak periods, every 15 minutes off-peak, and every 30 minutes late at night. On weekends, service will run every 15 minutes throughout the day and every 30 minutes in early mornings and at night.
Project overview
RapidRide I Line route map
RapidRide I Line will offer fast and reliable bus service along a 17-mile route. It will connect three transit centers (Renton Transit Center, Kent Transit Center and Auburn Station), as well as the RapidRide F Line, Sound Transit buses, Sounder train and local bus service. Metro is building RapidRide I Line to meet a critical need for improved north-south transportation options in south King County. All work will make it easier for passengers to travel to and from regional destinations and to access the network of local buses. Tap or select the map to enlarge and explore the new I Line route.
Improvements along the bus route
Passenger stations
82 RapidRide stations with new features designed to improve customer safety and comfort.
Transit signal and lane priority
Improvements at 27 intersections and 12 Business Access and Transit (BAT) lane widenings to enhance bus speed and reliability.
Improving access and safety
64 new or enhanced pedestrian crossings and over 100 new ADA-accessible curb ramps to improve pedestrian safety and access.
Connecting to main transit lines
Enhanced transit connections with the RapidRide F Line, the Sounder train in Auburn and Kent, Sound Transit (ST) express bus service and future ST bus rapid transit service in Renton (planned opening in 2028).
Community engagement
How community input shaped the I Line
Transit goes where you need, when you need to get there
A route that connects to community assets with more evening and weekend service.
Faster, more reliable and frequent bus service
Capital improvements to help buses move through traffic with more frequent departures.
Comfortable and safe stations
Improved lighting, shelters and benches at stations.
Connections to other transit options
A route that connects to Sounder, Stride and other Metro services.
Service to historically underserved communities
Route and station locations identified in partnership with underserved communities and organizations that serve them.
Getting to the bus station easier and safer
New crosswalks near stations, sidewalk improvements, curb ramps, pedestrian activated crossing signals and special bike lanes.
How local artists are shaping this project
Ryan! Feddersen
Artist Ryan! Feddersen has been selected to develop a series of small sculptures and related retaining wall treatments.
Rey Daoed
Rey Daoed’s featured artwork is part of the series of limited-edition ORCA cards in celebration of the RapidRide Expansion Program.
Timeline
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2019
Needs assessment
During this first phase of community engagement, Metro introduced the project and gathered feedback on transit needs and priorities. Planning included route and station locations, as well as ideas for easier and safer access.
Completed
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2019
Conceptual design
Initial concept
In this second phase, Metro gathered feedback on proposed RapidRide station locations and other community concerns and interests. Opinions helped Metro plan for speed and reliability changes, station design and access.
Completed
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2020
Conceptual design
Preferred concept
Metro presented the preferred design concept, including the proposed route , station locations, and speed,reliability and accessibility improvements. Developed using community input received from the initial concept and needs assessment, Metro continued to gather feedback to inform the final design of the project.
Completed
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2021
30% final design
Metro used community feedback to inform and revise preliminary design plans. In September 2020, bus routes 169 and 180 combined to create Route 160 (the future I Line).
Completed
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2022
60% final design
Metro conducted field work and teamed up with property owners and businesses along the route. Metro also gathered feedback on final design concepts.
Completed
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2023
90% final design
Metro used community feedback to revise final designs. Metro also shared information with the public at community events to increase awareness of RapidRide I Line and report back on how community feedback shaped design plans.
Completed
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2024
100% final design
Metro reviewed past community feedback and focused on completing design to secure construction permits and finalize property acquisitions.
Completed
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2025 to 2027
RapidRide I Line construction
- Construct new stations and other capital improvements such as sidewalks and curb ramps; improved pedestrian street crossings and bike lanes; roadway widening, paving, and re-striping; and Business Access and Transit (BAT) lanes, traffic signal upgrades, and other transit priority treatments
- Construction of public art treatments
- Community engagement of construction-related activities
Startup and testing
- Operator training for I Line service
- Testing and commissioning of IT systems (such as new signals, real-time information signs, and ORCA fare payment)
Current
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2027
Service launch
RapidRide I Line start of service
What to expect during construction
Metro plans to begin construction in fall 2025. Typical work hours are Monday through Friday, 7 am to 3:30 pm, with some nighttime and weekend work.
During construction, you can expect:
- Noise, vibrations and dust in the project area
- 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
Resource library
Community Engagement resources
- Outreach summary (2022)
- Final community engagement report (2021)
- Phase 3 community engagement report (2020)
- Phase 2 community engagement report (2019)
- Phase 1 community engagement report (2019)
- Phase 1-3 community engagement report (2019)
Design resources
- Summary of design changes report (2023)
- Corridor planning upgrade report (2020)