RapidRide
Encyclopedia
RapidRide is a Bus Rapid Transit
(BRT) network in King County, Washington
. The planned network consists of five corridors totaling 53 miles, only one of which is in operation . The system is operated by King County Metro Transit and funded by Transit Now.
The first line began service in October 2010. Buses on this line travel in the HOV lanes
of Pacific Highway South
and use Transit Signal Priority
to preempt traffic lights. RapidRide runs no less than every 10 minutes during peak commuting hours.
A new fare collection system allows riders with passes to pay as they enter any of the 3 doors on the bus. ORCA Card
holders can pay their fare prior to boarding. Fares are enforced by stop checks by the Metro's Transit Police
. Coaches feature bike racks, WiFi
, and security cameras.
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.
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.
lines. The stations look different from normal bus stops and have real time information signs to communicate estimated arrival times of RapidRide buses. To increase security, stations are lit 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.
'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 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 plus 13 intermediate stops.
This line used to be served by Metro's Route 174. Metro discontinued Route 174 upon the opening of the "A" Line.
Between 10:00PM and 4:15AM, service operates on a schedule; all other times are estimated headways.
, 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. Upon opening, this line is to replace routes 230 and 253 on these streets.
To Redmond Weekday
To Bellevue Weekday
To Redmond Weekend
To Bellevue Weekend
Stops Toward Redmond TC
Stops Toward Bellevue Transit Center
to downtown Seattle
. The "C" Line will replace Metro Route 54 and 54 Express.
, 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.
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.
Transit Center. It will serve the Tukwila International Boulevard Link Station, Southcenter Mall, Tukwila Sounder Station, South Renton Park and Ride in between. The "F" Line will replace Metro route 140.
Bus rapid transit
Bus rapid transit is a term applied to a variety of public transportation systems using buses to provide faster, more efficient service than an ordinary bus line. Often this is achieved by making improvements to existing infrastructure, vehicles and scheduling...
(BRT) network in King County, Washington
King County, Washington
King County is a county located in the U.S. state of Washington. The population in the 2010 census was 1,931,249. King is the most populous county in Washington, and the 14th most populous in the United States....
. The planned network consists of five corridors totaling 53 miles, only one of which is in operation . The system is operated by King County Metro Transit and funded by Transit Now.
The first line began service in October 2010. Buses on this line travel in the HOV lanes
High-occupancy vehicle lane
In transportation engineering and transportation planning, a high-occupancy vehicle lane is a lane reserved for vehicles with a driver and one or more passengers...
of Pacific Highway South
Washington State Route 99
State Route 99, abbreviated SR 99, commonly called Highway 99, is a numbered state highway in the U.S. state of Washington extending just under from Fife in the south to Everett in the north, with a gap in Tukwila.-Southern division:...
and use Transit Signal Priority
Bus priority
Bus priority or transit signal priority is a name for various techniques to speed up bus public transport services at intersections with traffic signals amongst other methods. Trams and light rail vehicles can also be given priority...
to preempt traffic lights. RapidRide runs no less than every 10 minutes during peak commuting hours.
Equipment
RapidRide uses new, low-floor, articulated buses that feature an identifiable look (different color scheme) distinct from other Metro coaches.A new fare collection system allows riders with passes to pay as they enter any of the 3 doors on the bus. ORCA Card
Orca Card
The ORCA ' Card is a contactless, stored value smart card used for payment of public transport fares in the Puget Sound region...
holders can pay their fare prior to boarding. Fares are enforced by stop checks by the Metro's Transit Police
Transit police
Transit police are a specialized police agency or unit employed by a common carrier, which could be a transit district, railroad, bus line, other transport carrier, or the state...
. Coaches feature bike racks, WiFi
WIFI
WIFI is a radio station broadcasting a brokered format. Licensed to Florence, New Jersey, USA, the station is currently operated by Florence Broadcasting Partners, LLC.This station was previously owned by Real Life Broadcasting...
, and security cameras.
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.
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.
Stations and Stops
Stops are farther apart than typical Metro service to increase speed and reliability and create "stations", more akin to what is found on light railLight rail
Light rail or light rail transit is a form of urban rail public transportation that generally has a lower capacity and lower speed than heavy rail and metro systems, but higher capacity and higher speed than traditional street-running tram systems...
lines. The stations look different from normal bus stops and have real time information signs to communicate estimated arrival times of RapidRide buses. To increase security, stations are lit 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.
A Line - Pacific Highway South
RapidRide "A" began service on October 2, 2010, and connects with Sound TransitSound Transit
Sound Transit has been the popular name of Washington state's Central Puget Sound Regional Transit Authority since September 19, 1999. It was formed in 1996 by the Snohomish, King, and Pierce County Councils...
's Central Link light rail beginning at SeaTac
SeaTac, Washington
SeaTac is an American city in southern King County, Washington, and an outlying suburb of Seattle, Washington. Incorporated in February 1990, the City of SeaTac is ten square miles in area and has a population of 26,909 according to the 2010 census...
and travels along Pacific Highway South
Washington State Route 99
State Route 99, abbreviated SR 99, commonly called Highway 99, is a numbered state highway in the U.S. state of Washington extending just under from Fife in the south to Everett in the north, with a gap in Tukwila.-Southern division:...
to Federal Way
Federal Way, Washington
Federal Way is a city in King County, Washington, United States. Federal Way is located between Seattle and Tacoma. Its western boundary is Puget Sound. It is bordered by Des Moines on the north, Kent, unincorporated King County, and Milton on the east and Tacoma and Fife on the south...
. Its southern terminus is Federal Way Transit Center and connects riders to buses serving Tacoma
Tacoma, Washington
Tacoma is a mid-sized urban port city and the county seat of Pierce County, Washington, United States. The city is on Washington's Puget Sound, southwest of Seattle, northeast of the state capital, Olympia, and northwest of Mount Rainier National Park. The population was 198,397, according to...
, Pierce County
Pierce County, Washington
right|thumb|[[Tacoma, Washington|Tacoma]] - Seat of Pierce CountyPierce County is the second most populous county in the U.S. state of Washington. Formed out of Thurston County on December 22, 1852, by the legislature of Oregon Territory...
, and Auburn
Auburn, Washington
-Parks:Auburn has an extensive system of parks, open space and urban trails comprising 29 developed parks, 5 undeveloped sites under planning, 2 skate parks, 2 water roatary parks, and over of trails , and almost of open space for passive and active recreation.-Environmental Park:The Auburn...
. Its northern terminus is Tukwila/International Boulevard Station. From there, riders can transfer to Link light rail or to buses that serve Burien
Burien, Washington
Burien is a city in King County, Washington, United States, located south of Seattle. As of the 2010 Census, Burien's population is 33,313, which is a 2.9% increase since incorporation. Annexation in 2011 has increased the cities population to about 45,000....
, Tukwila
Tukwila, Washington
Tukwila is a city in King County, Washington, United States. The northern edge of Tukwila borders the city of Seattle. The population was 19,107 at the 2010 census.-History:...
, SeaTac
SeaTac, Washington
SeaTac is an American city in southern King County, Washington, and an outlying suburb of Seattle, Washington. Incorporated in February 1990, the City of SeaTac is ten square miles in area and has a population of 26,909 according to the 2010 census...
, Duwamish
Duwamish
Duwamish may refer to:* Duwamish tribe, a Native American tribe in Washington state* Duwamish River, in Washington state* Duwamish...
, and downtown Seattle
Downtown Seattle
Downtown is the central business district of Seattle, Washington. It is fairly compact compared to other city centers on the West Coast because of its geographical situation: hemmed in on the north and east by hills, on the west by the Elliott Bay, and on the south by reclaimed land that was once...
. Between the termini there are a total of 13 stations plus 13 intermediate stops.
This line used to be served by Metro's Route 174. Metro discontinued Route 174 upon the opening of the "A" Line.
Headways
King County Metro runs the "A" Line 24 hours a day on the following schedule:| 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.
B Line - Bellevue - Redmond
Opened in fall on October 1, 2011 , this line serves downtown BellevueDowntown Bellevue
Downtown Bellevue is the central business district of Bellevue, Washington. It comprises 400 acres bounded by I-405 to the east, NE 12th Street to the north, 100th Ave NE to the west, and Main Street to the south...
, Crossroads Mall area, Overlake and downtown Redmond
Redmond, Washington
Redmond is a city in King County, Washington, United States, located east of Seattle. The population was 54,144 at the 2010 census,up from 45,256 in 2000....
. The "B" Line will operate on NE 8th Street, 156th Avenue NE, NE 40th Street, and 148th Avenue NE. Upon opening, this line is to replace routes 230 and 253 on these streets.
| 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* |
- See "Scheduled Service"
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
- Bellevue Transit Center Bay 3
- NE 8th St & 116th Ave NE
- NE 8th St & 124th Ave NE
- NE 8th St & 134th Ave NE
- NE 8th St & 140th Ave NE
- NE 8th St & 143rd Ave NE
- NE 8th St & 148th Ave NE
- 156th Ave NE & NE 10th St
- 156th Ave NE & NE 15th St
- NE 24th St & Bel-Red Rd
- Overlake P&R
- 156th Ave NE & NE 31st St
- Overlake Transit Center Bay 8
- NE 40th St & 152nd Ave NE
- 148th Ave NE & NE 40th St
- 148th Ave NE & NE 46th St
- 148th Ave NE & NE 51st St
- 148th Ave NE & NE Old Redmond Rd
- 148th Ave NE & NE Redmond Way
- 148th Ave NE & NE 87th St
- NE 90th St & 154th Ave NE
- NE 90th St & 160th Ave NE
- NE 85th St & 160th Ave NE
- Redmond Transit Center Bay 1
Stops Toward Bellevue Transit Center
- Redmond Transit Center Bay 4
- NE 85th St & 160th Ave NE
- NE 90th St & 160th Ave NE
- NE 90th St & 154th Ave NE
- 148th Ave NE & NE 87th St
- 148th Ave NE & NE Redmond Way
- 148th Ave NE & NE Old Redmond Rd
- 148th Ave NE & NE 51st St
- 148th Ave NE & NE 46th St
- 148th Ave NE & NE 40th St
- NE 40th St & 152nd Ave NE
- Overlake Transit Center Bay 7
- 156th Ave NE & NE 31st St
- Overlake P&R
- 156th Ave NE & NE 24th St
- 156th Ave NE & NE 15th St
- 156th Ave NE & NE 10th St
- NE 8th St & 148th Ave NE
- NE 8th St & 143rd Ave NE
- NE 8th St & 140th Ave NE
- NE 8th St & 134th Ave NE
- NE 8th St & 124th Ave NE
- NE 8th St & 118th Ave NE
- Bellevue Transit Center Bay 3
C Line - West Seattle
Opening in 2011, this line will run from West Seattle Junction over the West Seattle BridgeWest Seattle Bridge
The high-level West Seattle Bridge is a cantilevered segmental bridge that serves as the primary connection between West Seattle and the rest of the city. It was built between 1981 and 1984 after the previous bascule bridge was deemed inoperable as a result of being struck by the Chavez freighter...
to downtown Seattle
Downtown Seattle
Downtown is the central business district of Seattle, Washington. It is fairly compact compared to other city centers on the West Coast because of its geographical situation: hemmed in on the north and east by hills, on the west by the Elliott Bay, and on the south by reclaimed land that was once...
. The "C" Line will replace Metro Route 54 and 54 Express.
D Line - Ballard - Uptown
Opening in 2012, this line will serve BallardBallard, Seattle, Washington
Ballard is a neighborhood located in the northwestern part of Seattle, Washington. To the north it is bounded by Crown Hill, ; to the east by Greenwood, Phinney Ridge and Fremont ; to the south by the Lake Washington Ship Canal; and to the west by Puget Sound’s Shilshole Bay. The neighborhood’s...
, Uptown
Lower Queen Anne, Seattle, Washington
Lower Queen Anne is a neighborhood in Seattle, Washington, at the base of Queen Anne Hill. While its boundaries are not precise, the toponym usually refers to the shopping, office, and residential districts to the north and west of Seattle Center. The districts to the west of the Center are also...
and the downtown Seattle
Downtown Seattle
Downtown is the central business district of Seattle, Washington. It is fairly compact compared to other city centers on the West Coast because of its geographical situation: hemmed in on the north and east by hills, on the west by the Elliott Bay, and on the south by reclaimed land that was once...
Stadium Area. The "D" Line will replace Metro Route 15 and 15 Express; the 18 may be truncated as well.
E Line - Aurora
Opening in 2013, this line will run from Pioneer Square, Seattle in downtown SeattleDowntown Seattle
Downtown is the central business district of Seattle, Washington. It is fairly compact compared to other city centers on the West Coast because of its geographical situation: hemmed in on the north and east by hills, on the west by the Elliott Bay, and on the south by reclaimed land that was once...
to the Aurora Village Transit Center (connect to existing Swift BRT
SWIFT Bus Rapid Transit
Swift Bus Rapid Transit is a bus rapid transit system in Snohomish County, Washington, that is operated by Community Transit. The line extends from Everett Station to the Aurora Village Transit Center and opened on 29 November 2009 at a cost of about $29 million., by Scott Gutierrez, Seattle...
) in Shoreline
Shoreline, Washington
Shoreline is a city in King County, Washington, United States, north of Downtown Seattle bordering the northern Seattle city limits. As of the 2010 census, the population was 53,007, making it the 19th largest city in the state of Washington....
via Aurora Avenue North
Washington State Route 99
State Route 99, abbreviated SR 99, commonly called Highway 99, is a numbered state highway in the U.S. state of Washington extending just under from Fife in the south to Everett in the north, with a gap in Tukwila.-Southern division:...
. The "E" Line will replace Metro route 358.
F Line - Burien - Renton
Opening in 2013, this line will run from Burien Transit Center to the RentonRenton
- People :* David Renton, , a British politician* Frank Renton, British musician, conductor and broadcaster* Kris Renton, Scottish footbal player* Kristen Renton, American actress* Tim Renton, Baron Renton of Mount Harry, British politician....
Transit Center. It will serve the Tukwila International Boulevard Link Station, Southcenter Mall, Tukwila Sounder Station, South Renton Park and Ride in between. The "F" Line will replace Metro route 140.
External links
- Official RapidRide website
- Details about planned RapidRide service
- RapidRide Blog
- Metro Transit
- Central Puget Sound Regional Fare Coordination
- Prototype bus photo sets on Flickr
See also
- King County Metro
- Bus Rapid TransitBus rapid transitBus rapid transit is a term applied to a variety of public transportation systems using buses to provide faster, more efficient service than an ordinary bus line. Often this is achieved by making improvements to existing infrastructure, vehicles and scheduling...
- Sound Transit Central Link