Summary

Riders can continue to get where they’re going in the wee hours

Story

The King County Council this week unanimously approved an agreement between King County Metro Transit and the City of Seattle that assures continued operation of “Night Owl” bus routes 82, 83, and 84.

Under the agreement, the City of Seattle will pay for the continued operation of the routes between approximately 2 a.m. and 4 a.m. The routes provide basic transit service to many Seattle neighborhoods including Greenwood, Greenlake, Wallingford, Fremont, Queen Anne, South Lake Union, Belltown, and Downtown.

“Night Owl service is a lifeline for many riders,” said Council Chair Larry Phillips, who represents northwest Seattle neighborhoods. “I appreciate the City of Seattle’s commitment to restoring transit service with this agreement, but there is much more to be done given Metro Transit’s funding shortfall and upcoming reductions to transit service.”

Metro Transit has a funding shortfall, and earlier this year a ballot measure which would have provided needed funding for transit failed at the polls. Metro Transit is beginning to implement a series of service reductions necessary to ensure that Metro operates our transit system under a balanced budget.

Night Owl service was slated for elimination this month, but Seattle agreed to buy back the service in order to serve those who need to get to work, home, and appointments in the early morning hours when transportation options are scarce.

Read more about this legislation on the King County Council’s LEGISEARCH system at https://mkcclegisearch.kingcounty.gov  and type in “2014-0375”

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