Metro Connects
Service Quality Investments
PASSENGER FACILITIES Metro Connects proposes well-designed stops, stations, and transit centers as well as improvements to existing facilities. Passenger facilities will help keep riders safe, give them better service information, make transfers convenient and close, and support equitable, transit-oriented communities.
What will passenger facilities look like? Metro will improve more than 26 existing and new transit centers and more than 3,500 bus stops. The upgrades will emphasize enhanced safety, new customer features, and seamless integration between transit providers and other travel modes. As of 2020, Metro owned and maintained more than 7,000 bus stops, including RapidRide stations and at transit centers. With Metro Connects’ proposed expansion of transit service and integration with Sound Transit, the number of Metro-owned stops will increase. For many trips, the fastest option will include a transfer between bus and rail or between buses. Sound Transit’s planned and proposed investments will add more light rail and bus rapid transit stations. The number of people using these facilities will increase. The activity at many stops will change, with more riders transferring among buses and rail. As Metro builds or rejuvenates facilities to accommodate more passengers, it will design them for easy connections across modes—bus, light rail, train, ferry, streetcar, biking, walking, etc. Access for single-occupancy vehicles will be low priority.
Passenger facility design principles Metro Connects envisions top-notch passenger facilities that will give customers a high-quality transit experience. Passenger facilities will be in the right locations. While following general guidelines for stop spacing, Metro will consider topography, safety, lighting, surrounding land use and development, and the presence of sidewalks when deciding where to place stops. Street crossings will be highly visible, well-lit, and located to minimize conflicts between vehicles and pedestrians. Metro is coordinating with Sound Transit to ensure bus loading areas will be at or next to light rail stations so customers transferring will have short walks, short wait times, and minimal street crossings. Wayfinding and transit information will be easy to see and understand for people of all abilities and languages. It will clearly direct passengers through transfer areas. Consistent signage across all major transfer points will help riders easily navigate Metro’s and transit agency systems. Stops, stations, and pathways will be safe for and accessible to all customers, regardless of age, ability, or gender. They will have ample space for passenger
King County Metro Long Range Plan
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