Metro seeks public input on North Eastside Mobility Project

Locals can have a say on future transportation options in Bothell, Kenmore, Kirkland and Redmond.

The North Eastside Mobility Project aims to develop an improved network with more frequent service, better connections and more local mobility options for customers on the north Eastside.

Metro will begin looking at how to bring service levels closer to what is envisioned in Metro Connects, the agency’s long-range plan. Metro connects details an enhanced set of mobility solutions throughout King County by 2040. As part of the project, Metro will explore new travel options that complement fixed-route bus service through its Community Connections program.

Metro will review the local transit network served by the routes 234, 235, 236, 238, 243, 244, 245, 248, 249, 255, 277, and 930. Any changes to fixed-route bus service would take place in September 2019. Other mobility options could be implemented at other times.

North Eastside communities will see several major public transit investments between now and 2024 such as Link light rail service to Bellevue and Redmond and new Sound Transit Bus Rapid Transit service along Interstate 405 from Lynnwood to Burien and planned Metro RapidRide service between Totem Lake and Eastgate.

Metro established a North Eastside Mobility Board to advise the project and will host three Community Conversation meetings for the public to attend:

  • June 12, 6 to 8 p.m., UW Bothell Campus, 18115 Campus Way NE, Room HH-1160
  • June 13, 6 to 8 p.m., Kirkland Library, 308 Kirkland Ave.
  • June 20, 6 to 8 p.m., Kingsgate Library, 12315 NE 143rd St.

The public also can participate in this online survey. Metro staff will be at various locations throughout north Eastside communities to answer questions and provide information.

The North Eastside Mobility Project follows Metro’s decision to no longer consider changes to most of the bus routes that cross State Route 520. Initially, Metro proposed restructuring several routes to connect customers with the University of Washington Link light rail station after the Downtown Seattle Transit Tunnel closes to buses sometime in 2019.

Only one route, Route 255, is still under consideration for restructuring to connect with the UW light rail station instead of continuing into downtown Seattle.