Seattle Public Transport Service Changes in 2025
The passenger transportation infrastructure in Seattle is also experiencing considerable upgrades with the introduction of the major changes in transit connectivity in the region by the King County Metro and the Sound Transit. The 2025 overhaul with new extensions of the Link light rail, revised bus schedules, increased frequencies during the weekend and evenings, and new fare structures should render the experience of using a public transport more reliable and efficient. The modifications are meant to enhance the buses to be more integrated with recently established and future stations of the Link, especially in high-traffic areas in Bellevue, Redmond, and Seattle. These developments guarantee smoother travels by the riders since the city is enhancing its rapid transit network.
Major Service Updates from August 30, 2025
The most significant changes made in Seattle were brought through the Eastside Link Connections project that aimed at tying bus services with the new 2 Line (East Link). A number of new services were introduced such as Route 203 between Issaquah and Factoria and South Bellevue Station, Route 222 between Overlake and Redmond to Downtown Redmond Station and Route 223 routes between Eastgate and Lake Hills, and to Downtown Redmond Station. There is a peak-only Route 256 which serves between Woodinville and Seattle.
The routes that are already present in Bellevue and Redmond like 224, 226, 240 and 249 routes were improved to directly connect with new light rail stations and were also improved in terms of frequency. Routes 8, 36, 106, 107, 124, RapidRide G, and RapidRide H in Seattle were provided with the addition of weekend and evening trips with the help of the Seattle Transit Measure.
Some of the existing or suspended routes such as 217, 219, 232, 241, 246, 257 and 311 were permanently dropped in favor of new ones and increased coverage of the Link. Moreover, Metro Flex came into operation in the Overlake area, which was an on-demand service that could assist its riders to reach the Overlake Village Station more effectively.
Upcoming Extensions and Fare Updates
Federal Way Link Extension, which opens on the 6th of December 2025, will bring the 1 Line another mile south so it can provide the area with better access to the rail system. King County Metro was also matched to Sound Transit, raising adult fares to $3.00 starting September 1, 2025, but continuing to provide lower fares to eligible riders.
The other portion of the 2 Line between Bellevue and downtown Seattle should be completed in early 2026. The King County Metro Trip Planner or customer service (206-553-3000) can be used by riders to get the latest schedules.
