With 3 new link light rail stations opening, bus service changes are on the way in Seattle

Transit services in King and Snohomish counties are about to change with the much-anticipated opening of three new link light rail stations on Oct. 2.

Adding 4.3 miles of track and stations in Northgate, Roosevelt and the U District, the new extension will connect Northgate to downtown Seattle's Westlake station in just 14 minutes. Trains are expected to run every eight minutes during peak hours.

"The opening of Northgate Link marks the start of a transformative period for transit in our region," said Sound Transit CEO Peter Rogoff. "Starting October 2, everyone will be able to enjoy fast, traffic-free rides from Northgate to downtown Seattle and beyond."

With the new openings adding more transit options, King County Metro is also adjusting its bus routes with its fall service change. Riders, especially those in North Seattle, should be prepared for major changes starting Oct. 2 as six new routes will be added while even more will be eliminated.

"We're asking riders to study up on these changes and understand how the expanded transit network opens up more opportunities," said King County Metro General Manager Terry White. "We are on the path to recovery and are doing all we can to support riders through these exciting changes in our region."

Riders are encouraged to use King County Metro's trip planner service to see what transit options will be available after the fall service change.

King County Metro changes starting Oct. 2:

48 bus routes with restored or added service: 9, 15X, 17X, 18X, 22, 29, 60, 113, 114, 120, 121, 167, 177, 190, 204, 208, 214, 216, 217, 221, 225, 226, 232, 237, 241, 246, 249, 250, 255, 268, 271, 342, 630, 891, 892, 893, 894, 895, 981, 982, 984, 986, 987, 988, 989, 992, 994, and RapidRide C Line.

Six new bus routes: 16X, 20, 79, 302, 320 and 322.

27 routes with routing or stop revisions: 31, 32, 40, 44, 45, 48, 49, 64, 67, 70, 73, 75, 177, 255, 301, 303, 304, 345, 346, 347, 348, 372, 987, 988, 994, Sound Transit Express routes 522 & 550.

Deleted trips on 20 routes in response to reduced funding: 2, 3, 4, 5, 10, 11, 12, 13, 21, 24, 28X, 33, 56, 57, 106, 107, 125, RapidRide C Line, D Line and E Line.

18 deleted and replaced bus routes: 5X, 26X, 41, 63, 71, 74, 76, 77, 78, 308, 309, 312, 316, 355, 373, 628, 980 and 995.

18 bus routes will remain fully suspended as of Oct. 2:19, 37, 47, 116, 118X, 119X, 122, 123, 143, 154, 157, 178, 179, 197, 200, 219, 252 and DART 931.

Changes are also coming to Snohomish County Community Transit bus services with the new link light rail openings. Eventually, Sound Transit service will include a Lynnwood extension, due to open in 2024 serving four new stations including two in Shoreline, one in Mountlake Terrace, and one at the Lynnwood City Center.

While some Community Transit routes will see added service and time adjustments, the biggest changes will occur on the Transit 800-series bus routes and three Sound Transit bus routes (511, 512, 513) which will now connect to the light rail at the Northgate Station. Those routes will no longer serve the U District, University of Washington and downtown Seattle as riders can take the light rail.

"This connection is a game-changer for people in Snohomish County as it expands all-day, frequent transit options between the two counties," said Community Transit CEO Ric Ilgenfritz. "Having an easy connection to the regional light rail network increases the possibilities for using transit to get to where people want to live, work, or go to school."

The service changes are expected to be implemented between Oct. 2-4. Riders can use the county's trip planner service to see what transit options are available.

Snohomish County Community Transit changes:

Added service on 13 routes: 105, 112, 113, 119, 120, 130, 222, 535, 810, 821, 860, 871, 880.

Changes to service on 15 routes: 196, 209, 222, 413, 415, 810, 821, 860, 871, 880; Sound Transit Routes 510, 511, 512, 513, 532.

One route deleted: Route 855 is eliminated; all trips added to Route 821.