King County Metro and the city of Seattle, Wash., are bringing Metro Flex to the Delridge and South Park communities on July 22.
Metro Flex is a neighborhood transit service that provides on-demand rides throughout the service area for $2.75 a trip, the same cost as bus fare.
The funding for the service is through the Seattle Transit Measure (STM). Approved by voters in 2020, the STM funds more bus service and expanded access to transit across the city through investments in transit service, capital improvements and low-income transit access programming.
The Delridge and South Park neighborhoods were identified as priority areas for STM investments based on an equity analysis of where transit service is most needed and could provide the most benefit. The city of Seattle worked closely with King County Metro to conduct outreach and engagement with more than a dozen community-based organizations in the Delridge and South Park area. The city says those conversations helped better understand community transit access needs in the Delridge and South Park neighborhoods and informed the service areas selected for the two-year pilot program. The city also worked together with the two community groups to help get the word out about Metro Flex.
“We’re excited to announce that Metro Flex is expanding, providing on-demand transit service to thousands of riders in the Delridge and South Park neighborhoods,” said King County Executive Dow Constantine. “With Metro Flex, we’re fine-tuning our transportation network with more options for more communities across King County.”
“Seattle has an outstanding public transit system and these targeted investments will ensure that all neighborhoods – including historically underserved ones like South Park and Delridge – have access to a safe and connected transit option,” said Seattle Mayor Bruce Harrell. “Metro Flex means that more Seattle communities will have access to more options for how to travel in a way that is sustainable, reliable and affordable thanks to the voter-approved Seattle Transit Measure.”
Major community locations in the Metro Flex service area include:
- Chief Sealth High School
- Delridge neighborhood
- Duwamish Longhouse and western Duwamish Valley
- Highland Park neighborhood
- South Park neighborhood
- South Seattle College
- Westwood Village
Metro Flex also opens the door to easier travel for these neighborhoods to access the region’s public transportation network, including the RapidRide H Line, frequent Route 60 service and other local King County Metro bus routes.
King County Metro notes that as with its other transit services, reduced fares are available for customers with disabilities, customers with lower incomes and seniors. Fares are free for all youth 18 and younger and for adults on certain government programs.
All existing King County Metro fare options are accepted on Metro Flex service, including reduced fare programs such as ORCA LIFT and youth 18 and under ride free. Using an ORCA card allows all passengers to transfer for free to bus and rail. Riders may also pay with credit or debit card but not with cash.
“We’re thrilled to collaborate with the city of Seattle and the Delridge-South Park neighborhoods and introduce Metro Flex to these communities,” said King County Metro General Manager Michelle Allison. “This innovative, on-demand service offers convenient transportation choices, fostering stronger community connections and supporting sustainable lifestyles. We look forward to residents experiencing these new options firsthand.”
