Countdown to Metro changes: 4 weeks until RapidRide and more

Four weeks from today, big changes take effect for Metro riders in West Seattle, among other places. The start of RapidRide Line C is the biggest one, but as discussed and decided months ago, other routes will change too, so in case you aren’t already thoroughly familiar with what’s happening to the route(s) you use, here’s early warning. The schedules won’t be out till mid-September, Metro says, but you can follow the links to the “summary of changes” and the new route maps from the right side of this page.

Harry Reems September 1, 2012 (11:43 am)

Interesting to see how this develops. I have always liked the 54 and how it quick it gets me downtown. Hopefully these changes won’t be for the worse.

Also happy to see the ride free program going away and requiring all riders to pay as they board. Long time overdue.

Andi September 1, 2012 (11:59 am)

As a stay at home mom who is about to go back to work part time, I’m excited to (hopefully) shave some commute time! Living on the ass end of the 21 line in Arbor Heights can take awhile when not on an express!

patt September 1, 2012 (12:34 pm)

Anyone having trouble getting on this site?
Had trouble with trip planer Thursday.
http://metro.kingcounty.gov

Other pages I have never gone to work fine.
this one just a blank page and a blue bar going only to the r.

http://metro.kingcounty.gov/have-a-say/projects/restructuring-system.html

All I want to know are the plans for the 22, the only WSJ to SODO bus

WSB September 1, 2012 (12:44 pm)

direct link to the “summary of changes” PDF – maybe that will work for you:
.
http://www.kingcounty.gov/transportation/~/media/transportation/kcdot/MetroTransit/HaveASay/201209P5/Sept2012ServiceChanges.ashx

patt September 1, 2012 (1:17 pm)

wsb-thanks

AnotherArborHeightsRes September 1, 2012 (2:36 pm)

Note to Andi:

I hope you are aware that there will be NO midday/evening/weekend #21 service in the Arbor Heights loop after the change. Only the 21EX will continue to serve us.

Mel September 1, 2012 (2:38 pm)

RapidRide: it’s a bus…with a marketing budget!

Pam September 1, 2012 (4:25 pm)

Looking at the new changes it seems some parts of West Seattle will have no service at all or only at peak times and no weekend service, i struggle to understand how this is going to encourage people out if their cars?

Andi September 1, 2012 (5:39 pm)

Another–

Well that stinks! I live close enough to Roxbury that I don’t have a bad walk, but for others farther down, that’s a bummer.

Paul September 1, 2012 (7:26 pm)

patt – the 22 turns into an hourly Arbor Heights to WS Junction bus. It won’t go downtown anymore.

To get to SODO you can catch the RapidRide or other bus to 35th/Avalon and catch the 21 local, which will operate more frequently than it does now.

Lisa September 2, 2012 (12:12 pm)

I too am a stay at home mom going back to work, not looking forward to going to Roxbury to catch the bus. This will also affect kids riding the bus to Denny and back home so will look for carpools for the daughter.

Greg September 3, 2012 (9:38 am)

Travesty to see the 56 discontinued in exchange for the worthless 50, especially now that the West Seattle onramp is back online. The 56 hasn’t been a good route for years as it got stuck at the drawbridge and train tracks, and now they’re taking it away now that those problems are moot.

buddsmom September 3, 2012 (12:04 pm)

I too live on the end of the 21 route. What is considered “nights”? NO service at night? And only once an hour at other times,and a transfer at that? How early will I have to leave to get downtown? How about getting home after “bankers hours” M-F?

Lisa September 3, 2012 (2:15 pm)

That is another big concern I have too buddsmom, I won’t always get off work at 5 even 6pm. I guess the only good news is that the 21 express will still be running @ 6-9am.

bret September 3, 2012 (3:37 pm)

yep killing the 56 pretty much ends my bus riding. nice work city. fillerup!

piced September 4, 2012 (9:50 am)

Without a bus I wouldn’t be able to go to work. When I work late in SoDo I take a taxi hone. Happens about once a month! Anymore would be more $ in transportation then pay;(
Late nite the bus stops are to far apart, badly lite and ill timed.

Now with the days getting darker
it will be a 2 bus trip. With a stop at late nite party central, 35th and Avalon. I can’t type the words on how I feel about that. bless their hearts.

nicholas September 4, 2012 (6:29 pm)

i saw the new sign on delridge near andover that had the 50 listed…any other sightings that might be ironing out the exact route? (the metro website shows a few route variants, but never identifies the stop locations)

WSB September 4, 2012 (8:04 pm)

Nicholas – Metro has a media briefing tomorrow – we’ll ask about the route. – TR

Lisa September 5, 2012 (6:15 pm)

No only is the #21 bus service being greatly reduced in Arbor Heights, now I find out that SDOT is making the Southbound left lane a left turn only lane which make no sense.

http://www.seattle.gov/transportation/btg_newsidewalks_35th.htm

Fraynkee September 6, 2012 (1:42 pm)

Why no consideration for the more heavily traveled routes, specifically the 120 and the 125? I realize theses routes do not travel through the “healthier” socio-economic areas of West Seattle but this is where a heavy portion of the ridership exists and where the need for safety and more stops is needed the most. Hope these routes are on a list somewhere.

Victoria September 7, 2012 (7:06 am)

My only concern with this change is the removal of bus stops. For example, anyone living anywhere north of the ferry dock will have to walk blocks to access the nearest north bound bus stop unless they are comfortable taking stairs to reach the ferry dock stop. The elderly, disabled, parents with strollers etc may have trouble with these stairs. I would really like this to be taken into consideration and at least the Cloverdale stop be left.

Sorry, comment time is over.