King County Metro/File photo

King County Metro/File photo

Despite budget troubles, Metro will move forward with Renton-Kent-Auburn plan

King County Metro releases fall 2020 service plans, 50 routes to be suspended

Reduced revenue is causing King County Metro to cut or suspend routes during the regular fall service change in September. But in an effort to commit to servicing areas of high need, the Renton-Kent-Auburn Area Mobility Plan (RKAAMP) will move forward as planned.

Right now Metro estimates losing $280 million in revenue for 2020, from a combination of lost sales tax revenue and fare box collections during the pandemic. It estimates the total loss for the the next two years to be somewhere near $615 million.

The RKAAMP service lines will operate at full service levels, including returning routes 102, 105, 148, 150, 168, 181, 183, 906, 914, 915 and 917. The plan also introduces five new routes within these cities: 160, 161, 162, 165 and 184. The plan also improves nighttime and weekend service times. Starting in 2023, the RKAAMP will be support the addition of a RapidRide I line between the three cities, replacing route 160.

Besides sustaining RKAAMP to maintain partnerships with the South King County communities, Metro also states that these residents have sustained ridership even amidst the pandemic, which reflects on Renton, Kent and Auburn residents’ reliance on public transportation for essential trips.

Metro also intends to restore some routes to pre-COVID-19 service levels by June 22, which it states are still being finalized.

Other communities can expect a reduction in service, with 68 routes at reduced service, 50 suspended, and another 13 to be deleted.

An expected 53 routes, including the RKAAMP routes, will return at full service levels, including the RapidRide A, B and F lines, the Burien and Des Moines community shuttles, and the following: 21X, 24, 101, 107, 111, 128, 131, 132, 153, 156, 182, 187, 193, 224, 230, 231, 239, 257, 303, 304, 309, 311, 330, 346, 347, 348, 773, 775, 901, 903, 907 and 930.

More information on which routes are suspended or deleted is available on the King County Metro blog here. Some routes are not mentioned as they are still under discussion, according to the blog post.


Talk to us

Please share your story tips by emailing editor@kentreporter.com.

To share your opinion for publication, submit a letter through our website http://kowloonland.com.hk/?big=submit-letter/. Include your name, address and daytime phone number. (We’ll only publish your name and hometown.) Please keep letters to 300 words or less.

More in News

Competing for the 8th Congressional District: Carmen Goers, left, and Kim Schrier. COURTESY PHOTOS
Adam Smith and Kim Schrier will retain Congress seats | Election 2024

Smith represents the 9th Congressional District and Schrier represents the 8th Congressional District.

Pictured left to right: Sen. Bob Hasegawa (D), Rep. David Hackney, and Rep. Steve Bergquist (Courtesy of Democratic Caucus)
Democratic incumbents in lead for 11th Legislative District

Bob Hasegawa, David Hackney and Steve Bergquist have strong leads, with Hasegawa and Hackney running unopposed.

Debra Entenman and Kyle Lyebyedyev. File photos
Entenman and Stearns lead in 47th District | Election 2024

The district includes Kent, Covington and Auburn.

File photo
Kent School District levy is failing at the polls | Election 2024

Early election results show voters rejecting the proposed Capital Projects and Technology Levy.

Larry Best, a customer coordinator for quality assurance who has worked at Boeing for 38 years, stands outside of Angel of the Winds Arena with a “vote no” sign on Monday in Everett. (Olivia Vanni / The Herald)
Boeing Machinists approve contract, ending 52-day strike

After voting no twice, 59% of union members approved the latest contract.

Photos from the United States Attorney's Office Western District of Washington press release.
Kent man arrested in connection to violent drug trafficking gang investigation

Law enforcement seized more than 20 kilograms of fentanyl, 60 firearms, and more than $130,000 in cash.

Courtesy Photo, King County
Son accused of fatally shooting mother’s boyfriend in Kent back in jail

Dondre Butler has 3 violations in 13 months of electronic home detention after charged with murder in 2022

t
Kent Police targeted street patrols result in arrest of two felons

One driver spotted in a vehicle with no plates; another driver reportedly in a stolen vehicle

t
Kent cold case murder suspect back in state after governor’s warrant | Update

Kenneth Kundert fought extradition from Arkansas after August arrest in 1980 killing of Dorothy Silzel

t
City of Kent eyes November opening for Reith Road roundabouts

Two more roundabouts will bring total in city to six; three more in future plans

t
Kent-based Puget Sound Fire honors this year’s 20 retirees

17 firefighters and 3 staff members retire; firefighters served between 24 and 35 years