King County Metro expanding Metro Flex services to city of Issaquah

King County Metro is partnering with the city of Issaquah, Wash., to expand Metro Flex service across the city’s many neighborhoods and 42,000 residents. Riders will be able to use the Metro Flex app to book rides on minivans and travel to local places and fast, frequent bus service to the rest of the region. Service will be available in the service area across Issaquah and Sammamish.

 Metro Flex delivers flexible, reliable transportation for $2.75 a trip – the same fare as a ride on a King County Metro bus. As with other King County Metro services, reduced fares are available for customers with disabilities, customers with lower incomes and seniors.

“Metro Flex is already a success with riders across the region, and now we are taking it to the next level with this expansion to thousands of future riders in the city of Issaquah,” said King County Metro Executive Dow Constantine. “On-demand transit has the power to transform and improve a city’s transportation network and give residents first-mile/last-mile connections to transit hubs, services, shopping and opportunities. We look forward to rolling out this exciting service.”

King County Metro is sharing costs with Issaquah on the expansion of the program.

“The City of Issaquah has been working for at least 10 years to bring an on-demand transit option to several neighborhoods historically not served by transit,” said John Larson-Friend, transportation program coordinator for the city of Issaquah. “Metro Flex will provide our neighborhoods much needed access to local services, bus routes and transit centers, helping to fulfill multiple aspects of the city’s comprehensive plan and mobility master plan. The added service will fill intracity mobility gaps, which will benefit all residents of Issaquah. The city is excited to partner with King County Metro to bring this service to our community.”

 Metro Flex service currently operates in Juanita, Kent, Sammamish, Othello, Rainier Beach/Skyway, the Renton Highlands and Tukwila.

“We are so excited to partner with the city of Issaquah to expand the Metro Flex program and help meet the unique mobility needs of Issaquah, District 3 and the broader community,” said King County Councilmember Sarah Perry, whose district includes Issaquah. “It is so great to have on-demand access through the touch of an app that move us towards transit solutions for all.”

After downloading the Metro Flex app from the app store, riders choose their desired destination. They’ll receive a nearby pick-up location to meet their driver and may share the ride with other passengers. Riders with mobility needs—such as using a wheelchair—can save their information within their Metro Flex profile. Only one wheelchair passenger will fit in each Metro Flex vehicle. The wheelchair ramp can accommodate up to 800 pounds and wheelchairs up to 36 inches wide.

“We’re excited to partner with the city of Issaquah and deliver expanded Metro Flex service to new communities,” said King County Metro General Manager Michelle Allison. “Smart on-demand solutions bring convenient options to better connect the communities across Issaquah and support a car-lite lifestyle. We can’t wait for residents to give it a try.”

All existing King County Metro reduced fare programs, including ORCA LIFT, are accepted, and all youth 18 and younger 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.