RapidRide bus running on the A Line |
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| Slogan | New. Easy. Frequent. |
| Founded | 2010 |
| Headquarters | Seattle, Washington |
| Locale | King County |
| Service area | A Pacific Highway South B Bel-Red Corridor C West Seattle/Downtown Seattle D Downtown Seattle/Uptown/Ballard E Aurora Avenue North F South 154th Street |
| Service type | Bus Rapid Transit |
| Routes | A (in service) B (2011) C (2011) D (2012) E (2013) F (2013) |
| Stops | 130[1] |
| Destinations | 7 |
| Stations | 115[1] |
| Fleet | 100[2] (future deliveries) |
| Fuel type | Diesel-electric Hybrid |
| Operator | King County Metro |
| Web site | RapidRide |
RapidRide is a Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) network in King County, Washington. The planned network consists of five corridors totaling 53 miles,[1] only one of which is in operation as of October 2010[update]. The system is operated by King County Metro Transit and funded by Transit Now.
The first line began service in October 2010.[3] Buses on this line travel in the HOV lanes of Pacific Highway South and use Transit Signal Priority to preempt traffic lights.[4] RapidRide runs no less than every 10 minutes during peak commuting hours.[5]
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RapidRide uses new, low-floor,[4] articulated buses that feature an identifiable look (different color scheme) distinct from other Metro coaches.[5]
A new fare collection system allows riders with passes to pay as they enter any of the 3 doors on the bus.[4] ORCA Card holders can pay their fare prior to boarding.[6] Fares are enforced by stop checks[1] by the Metro's Transit Police. Coaches feature bike racks, WiFi,[7] and security cameras.[1]
The RapidRide A Line was also introduced real-time bus arrival information signs. The 24 stations include signs that display the time until the next arrival.
Coaches also feature on-board automated announcements and signage that inform riders of the next available stop as the vehicle approaches. Metro plans to deploy the same technology to all 1400 vehicles in its fleet within about 18 months of the A Line's opening.[7]
In 2010, New Flyer discontinued the Advanced BRT styling (DE60LFA) that was purchased for the coaches running the A Line, replacing it with the Xcelsior (XDE60). Coaches delivered for the B Line were ordered with New Flyer's "Restyled" package (DE60LFR). The coaches for the B Line are similar to those in service on the A Line but have the addition of one passive restraint for wheelchair users.[8]
Stops are farther apart than typical Metro service to increase speed and reliability[5] and create "stations",[5] more akin to what is found on light rail lines. The stations look different from normal bus stops and have real time information signs[5][7] to communicate estimated arrival times of RapidRide buses. To increase security, stations are lit[7] and patrolled by transit police. Because of the frequent headways, riders do not have to wait as long at stations as they do at normal bus stops.
RapidRide "A" began service on October 2, 2010,[3] and connects with Sound Transit's Central Link light rail beginning at SeaTac and travels along Pacific Highway South to Federal Way. Its southern terminus is Federal Way Transit Center[4] and connects riders to buses serving Tacoma, Pierce County, and Auburn. Its northern terminus is Tukwila/International Boulevard Station. From there, riders can transfer to Link light rail or to buses that serve Burien, Tukwila, SeaTac, Duwamish, and downtown Seattle. Between the termini there are a total of 13 stations[4] plus 13 intermediate stops.[9]
This line used to be served by Metro's Route 174.[10] Metro discontinued Route 174 upon the opening of the "A" Line.[11]
King County Metro runs the "A" Line 24 hours a day on the following schedule:[12]
| Time Period | Headways (minutes) |
|---|---|
| 4:15AM – 4:45AM | 15 weekdays, 30 weekends |
| 4:45AM – 7:00AM | 15 |
| 7:00AM – 9:00AM | 10 weekdays, 15 weekends |
| 9:00AM – 2:00PM | 15 |
| 2:00PM – 6:00PM | 10 |
| 6:00PM – 10:00PM | 15 |
| 4:45AM – 10:00PM | 15 |
| 10:00PM – 4:15AM | 30-60 |
Between 10:00PM and 4:15AM, service operates on a schedule; all other times are estimated headways.
Opened in fall on October 1, 2011 ,[13] this line serves downtown Bellevue, Crossroads Mall area, Overlake and downtown Redmond. The "B" Line will operate on NE 8th Street, 156th Avenue NE, NE 40th Street, and 148th Avenue NE.[13] Upon opening, this line is to replace routes 230 and 253 on these streets.[13]
| Time | Monday-Friday | Weekend/Holidays |
|---|---|---|
| 4:21-6am | 15-30* | No Service |
| 6-9am | 10 | 15 |
| 9am-3pm | 15 | 15 |
| 3-6pm | 10 | 15 |
| 6-10pm | 15 | 15 |
| 10pm-12:25am | 30* | 30* |
To Redmond Weekday
| Bellevue TC Bay 3 | Overlake TC Bay 8 | Redmond TC Bay 1 |
|---|---|---|
| 5:02 am | 5:18 am | 5:31 am |
| 5:22 am | 5:38 am | 5:51 am |
| 5:37 am | 5:53 am | 6:06 am |
| 5:52 am | 6:08 am | 6:21 am |
| 6:07 am | 6:23 am | 6:36 am |
| 9:58 pm | 10:14 pm | 10:27 pm |
| 10:25 pm | 10:41 pm | 10:54 pm |
| 10:55 pm | 11:11 pm | 11:24 pm |
| 11:25 pm | 11:41 pm | 11:54 pm |
| 11:55 pm | 12:11 am | 12:24 am |
| 12:25 am | 12:41 am | 12:54 am |
To Bellevue Weekday
| Redmond TC Bay 4 | Overlake TC Bay 7 | Bellevue TC Bay 3 |
|---|---|---|
| 4:21 am | 4:32 am | 4:50 am |
| 4:51 am | 5:02 am | 5:20 am |
| 5:21 am | 5:32 am | 5:50 am |
| 5:41 am | 5:52 am | 6:10 am |
| 6:01 am | 6:12 am | 6:30 am |
| 10:13 pm | 10:24 pm | 10:42 pm |
| 10:43 pm | 10:54 pm | 11:12 pm |
| 11:13 pm | 11:24 pm | 11:42 pm |
| 11:43 pm | 11:54 pm | 12:12 am |
To Redmond Weekend
| Bellevue TC Bay 3 | Overlake TC Bay 8 | Redmond TC Bay 1 |
|---|---|---|
| 10:10 Sat/10:00 Sun pm | 10:26 pm | 10:39 pm |
| 10:25 pm | 10:41 pm | 10:54 pm |
| 10:55 pm | 11:11 pm | 11:24 pm |
| 11:25 pm | 11:41 pm | 11:54 pm |
| 11:55 pm | 12:11 am | 12:24 am |
| 12:25 am | 12:41 am | 12:54 am |
To Bellevue Weekend
| Redmond TC Bay 4 | Overlake TC Bay 7 | Bellevue TC Bay 3 |
|---|---|---|
| 10:13 pm | 10:24 pm | 10:42 pm |
| 10:43 pm | 10:54 pm | 11:12 pm |
| 11:13 pm | 11:24 pm | 11:42 pm |
| 11:43 pm | 11:54 pm | 12:12 am |
Stops Toward Redmond TC
Stops Toward Bellevue Transit Center
Opening in 2011, this line will run from West Seattle Junction over the West Seattle Bridge to downtown Seattle. The "C" Line will replace Metro Route 54 and 54 Express.
Opening in 2012, this line will serve Ballard, Uptown and the downtown Seattle Stadium Area. The "D" Line will replace Metro Route 15 and 15 Express; the 18 may be truncated as well.
Opening in 2013, this line will run from Pioneer Square, Seattle in downtown Seattle to the Aurora Village Transit Center (connect to existing Swift BRT) in Shoreline via Aurora Avenue North. The "E" Line will replace Metro route 358.
Opening in 2013, this line will run from Burien Transit Center to the Renton Transit Center. It will serve the Tukwila International Boulevard Link Station, Southcenter Mall, Tukwila Sounder Station, South Renton Park and Ride in between.[14] The "F" Line will replace Metro route 140.
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