Metro resumes several bus routes

Dozens of King County Metro bus routes will be returning to full service on June 22 as the state’s reopening plan moves forward.

There will be 23 bus routes returning to service. They were canceled in March and April in response to the coronavirus pandemic. Some recently canceled peak commuter routes will be restored, while other routes will remain suspended due to financial constraints and lower ridership.

Metro will operate more than 11,000 weekday bus trips, accounting for 85 percent of its previous service level. Revised schedules will be available on Metro’s Reduced Schedule page by June 20.

Restored routes include: 21 Express, 74, 102, 111, 118, 119, 125, 208, 212, 217, 218, 221, 224, 226, 257, 301, 304, 311, 330, 773, 775, 907, 930.

Ridership remains about 70 percent lower than this time last year.

In September, service will be adjusted further. More weekday peak routes and service will be added.

But Metro is facing a revenue crisis. It is expecting to lose up to $615 million by the end of 2022. Changes in September’s service will “align future transit and mobility service with available revenue”, a press release from Metro states.

“The latest financial forecast reflects the dire economic repercussions Metro faces due to the COVID-19 crisis. The unfortunate result are reductions not only to service, but also to our workforce. Metro is exploring the nature and timeline of reductions needed in the coming weeks and months.”