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Traffic-Weary Commuters Taking Advantage of Free Bus Rides Across SR 520 Bridge
Initial feedback from Metro Transit drivers indicates commuters are taking advantage of free bus service across the Evergreen Point Floating Bridge. Starting today, passengers can ride free on regular routes that cross the SR-520 Bridge while crews work to repair a damaged support column.
Early reports show ridership is up as much as ten percent on various regularly scheduled routes across the bridge. Since the bridge was damaged last weekend, some drivers are reporting ridership up as much as one-third during peak commute times. While more commuters appear to be taking the bus, Metro reports there are still seats available for commuters who would like to avoid congestion and leave their car at home. Additional customer service representatives have also been added to rider information lines to help the public with trip planning and other travel needs.
Yesterday, King County Executive Ron Sims and Governor Gary Locke announced a partnership aimed at helping commuters get into buses, carpools and vanpools while repairs are being made to the Evergreen Point Floating Bridge during the busy Seafair festival period. The state is providing emergency funding to pay for free bus service on regular Metro routes crossing the SR-520 Bridge through the end of service on Friday, August 11th. An estimated 496 buses and 11,650 passengers travel across the bridge each weekday. Commuters can also take advantage of extra seats currently available on existing car and vanpools that travel over the bridge. Commuters who sign up will ride free during the month of August.
As of this morning, Metro reported very few scheduling problems on routes crossing the SR 520-bridge. If buses do get bogged down in traffic, Metro will make every attempt to add additional coaches to help maintain schedules for commuters crossing Lake Washington.
The partnership between the state and King County will give commuters more real choices for travel during the SR-520 lane closure. The partnership is expected to produce additional long-term benefits by introducing commuters to regular bus service and vanpools.
Metro Transit passengers can ride free on the following routes through August 11th: Routes 167, 242, 243, 250, 251, 252, 254, 255, 256, 257, 258, 259,260, 261, 262, 263, 266, 267, 268, 271, 272, 275, 276, 280 and 311.
Customers can find out more about routes serving their area by calling 206-553-3000, TTY users call 206-684-1739. Residents interested in signing up can call Metro Vanpool/Carpool Services at 206-625-4500 or 1-800-427-8249 to be matched with a vanpool serving their travel route and schedule. Commuters can also visit Metro Online.
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