COUNTDOWN: 2 weeks until Metro Route 120 becomes RapidRide H Line

(Image from kingcounty.gov)

Metro‘s next twice-annual “service change” is set for March 18th, two weeks away, and this one will include a major change for West Seattle – the long-planned, long-delayed conversion of Route 120 into the RapidRide H Line. That means many things, from more service to fewer stops (though the H Line stops are closer together than the usual RR half-mile, because of community concern – see the map here). This won’t be the only Metro change on March 18th, but we don’t have the full list yet; that’s expected to be available “approximately March 8th.”

larree March 4, 2023 (1:36 pm)

I hope this means that within the next two weeks they will finish the RapidRide stops with card readers, ETA boards, etc. I don’t know about other stops, but those on Delridge@Andover aren’t done.

Bus March 4, 2023 (4:27 pm)

The ones on the county half of the project are not even close to ready. If you have a shelter, or even a sidewalk, you’re doing better than half the route. Still, I’m glad they’re changing the service now instead of waiting until the stops are 100% perfect. We have waited way too long for this RapidRide.
sam-c March 6, 2023 (7:30 am)

Plus, at the stop you mention, the busses don’t even stop at the new bus stop, they still go to the corner.
John March 7, 2023 (12:12 pm)

Delridge and Andover SB has the info sign installed so far. Saw workers at the Henderson stops today as well.

InSouthDelridge March 4, 2023 (4:37 pm)

I may be misremembering, but at one point wasn’t the proposed downtown route plan for the H Line meant to go past Virginia and over to Westlake? At what point was that route extension abandoned and does anyone know why?

WSB March 4, 2023 (8:08 pm)

I mentioned this in the previous preview. It was announced in December:
https://kingcountymetro.blog/2022/12/08/future-rapidride-h-line-to-follow-route-120-pathway-in-downtown-seattle-december-2022-construction-update/

StuckInWestSeattle March 5, 2023 (11:40 am)

Hmm two weeks out but all the stops by Delridge park and others nearby are still missing glass and the led signs. Any idea if they are opening it before the stops are actually complete? They have looked like that for quite a long time. It would be nice if they just finish it. oh what about the graffiti on some of the new stops by Andover? This I have a feeling is going to be an issue.

John March 7, 2023 (12:16 pm)

They’re starting signage this week but waiting until last minute due to the inevitable vandalism that will happen. also not all stops will have ORCA readers since busses will have readers at all 3 doors.

Steve March 5, 2023 (1:21 pm)

Are they going to put an escalator on 30th Street SW to High Point? I sure hope so.

Libra March 5, 2023 (9:31 pm)

How “Rapid” can 24 stops be from Burien to downtown Seattle? Seems more like a “Milk Run” than a “Rapid Ride” and what is the likelihood of people on Delridge even getting a seat if they are luck enough to board?

sam-c March 6, 2023 (11:02 am)

I wonder what Metro’s thoughts have been on the Delridge construction/ reconfiguration. In general, I think it’s been mostly good for bus traffic. However, with the bus sizes and maneuverability, I wonder what they think of the medians. Ie, for example I once saw a couple buses stuck at the Delridge/ Findlay intersection, due to emergency services at the DESC building. Fire trucks blocking the buses from going northbound, medians blocking them from trying to go around. And, not making a value statement, only an observation, but emergency services visit that property more than a typical WS property. (it would also be great if people observed the morning hours ‘no parking/ bus lane only’ requirements on the northbound stretch from those few blocks between ~ Brandon and Alaska (not sure exactly which blocks))

WS resident March 6, 2023 (3:03 pm)

Few notes: from the map, seems like too many stops for a Rapid line. Also, for those driving up and down Delridge, some of that bus lane is open to cars after 8pm, holidays and Sunday (possibly Saturday). So say the street signs. This is more so for those that like to tailgate me when I’m driving at 30mph up and down Delridge, and they want to go 50.

BlairJ March 6, 2023 (7:28 pm)

The signage is confusing. I finally came to the concusion it means buses only 3-7 PM except Sat-Sun-Holidays, and parking allowed in that lane at other times. But I have never seen cars parked there. I still don’t know if it is ever legal to drive in that lane except for right turns.

Sorry, comment time is over.