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About Metro
Our mission is to provide the best possible public transportation services and improve regional mobility and quality of life in King County.
King County Metro has the most riders of any transit agency in the northwestern United States. Metro provides bus, on-demand, paratransit, vanpool and water taxi services, and operates the Seattle Streetcar, Sound Transit Link light rail and Sound Transit Express buses.
Metro is a three-time winner of Best Large Transit Agency in North America, as awarded by the American Public Transportation Association. Metro was also named the Most Equitable Agency in Tackling Climate Change by the Federal Transit Administration.
Budget
The King County Council adopted Metro’s 2026-2027 budget in November 2025. The budget increases Metro bus service and totals $4 billion across Metro’s operating and capital programs, including all of Metro’s modes of transit as well as safety, cleaning, and zero emissions, among other priorities.
- Adding bus service
Metro will add more than 400,000 service hours to connect riders to new Sound Transit Link light rail stations, provide more frequent service, and redesign service to meet current and future needs.
- RapidRide expansion
Metro is also continuing to expand its RapidRide network with significant investments that will ultimately increase ridership, including:
- Construction and opening of the RapidRide I Line (between Auburn, Kent and Renton) and the RapidRide J Line (between the University District, Eastlake, South Lake Union, Belltown, and Pioneer Square), and
- Designing for the RapidRide R Line (serving the International District, Mount Baker, Columbia City, Hillman City, Brighton and Dunlap) and the RapidRide K Line (serving Bellevue and Kirkland).
- Improving transit across modes, and in rural areas and south King County
The budget invests in Access Paratransit, Dial-a-Ride Transit (DART), the King County Water Taxi, Metro Flex, and Sound Transit Link light rail (which Metro operates). The budget initiates new Metro Flex pilot zones in Auburn and Federal Way. The expanded frequency of Snoqualmie Valley Transportation would be maintained in alignment with expanding service in unincorporated areas of King County.
- Making transit safe and welcoming
To continue improving safety and security on and near Metro, the budget extends the Safety, Security and Fare Enforcement (SaFE) Reform initiative, which includes the Behavioral Health Support and Metro Ambassador programs. The budget maintains expanded staffing levels for Metro Transit Police and Transit Security Officers, as approved by the King County Council in the recent 2025 supplemental budget.
- Cleaning buses, bus stops and transit centers
Funding to enhance the rider experience also is included, making permanent the frequent cleaning of bus interiors and continuing a pilot project delivering additional cleanings of high-priority bus stops.
- Upgrading air quality and tackling climate change
Focusing on climate and the environment, the budget adds staff and support services for the future Tukwila bus base – the agency’s first-ever bus base designed specifically to support zero-emissions buses. Tukwila Base will open next year, serving as home to up to 120 battery-electric buses. Metro is transitioning existing diesel-hybrid buses to run on renewable diesel at our other bases.
- Hiring operators, supporting community members and looking ahead to the World Cup
Other notable investments include continuing the Service & Workforce initiative to hire and train the bus operators that provide transit service, providing transportation to residents of the Health Through Housing initiative within the Department of Community and Human Services, and delivering additional service during the 2026 FIFA Men’s World Cup.
Policies
We believe mobility is a human right.
Our policies are created with input from community partners, elected officials and national stakeholders to help us contribute to healthy communities, a thriving economy, and a sustainable environment.
Working together, these policies help our Metro teams plan for today, tomorrow, and beyond.
- Strategic Plan
Our plan addresses opportunities and challenges facing King County residents, such as a growing, diversified population, historic inequities and a worsening climate crisis. - Service guidelines
These guidelines help ensure our decision-making and recommendations to policy makers are objective, transparent and aligned with King County’s overall goals for public transportation. - Metro Connects
Our vision for bringing more improved mobility services to King County over the next 30 years.
The Long Game
Metro’s Long Game is the blueprint to how we leverage the power of public transit to create a mobility system that advances equity by serving underserved communities, providing new economic opportunities in those neighborhoods, and combating climate change.
Advisory groups
Access Paratransit Advisory Committee
Enhances Metro’s Access paratransit program by advising the agency on priorities and areas of mutual concern while developing a vision for ongoing improvements.
Future of Paratransit Mobility Board
The Future of Paratransit mobility board will provide community perspective on policies, procedures and other service components of Access Transportation as part of King County Metro's Future of Paratransit project.
Lynnwood Link Connections Boards
Through a three-phase community engagement process, Metro will focus on listening to mobility needs, learning about barriers that riders face and opportunities to improve transit in northwest King County.
Transit Advisory Commission
The King County Transit Advisory Commission improves transit services, planning, and programs by advising Metro’s staff members and general manager, the King County Executive and Council, local jurisdictions, and subarea transportation boards concerning transit policy issues.
