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SEARCHKing County Council approved Executive Constantine’s 2025 budget, allowing for 168,500 additional bus service hours, and support for light rail system.
Transit services in King County are on track to expand as proposed budget is approved.
Photo: King County Metro
Seattle's King County Council approved the 2025 budget proposed by King County Executive Dow Constantine.
During transmittal, the Executive noted investments in expanding transit across King County and connecting people to opportunities via fast, safe, reliable and environmentally sustainable service.
Specific transit highlights of the approved budget include the following.
Increasing transit services: $33 million to add 168,500 hours of bus service, including investments for Sound Transit and Seattle Transit Measure supported service, along with investments in mobility services like Access Paratransit, Metro Flex, Community Van and DART.
Expanding RapidRide bus service: $58 million to improve the RapidRide H line, to continue planning and design for the RapidRide R, J, and K lines, and to conduct studies on further network expansion.
Operating new Link light rail service: $22 million for Metro to add staffing and resources to operate and maintain increased service for Sound Transit Link light rail expansions on the Eastside and in Federal Way.
Supporting a safe and secure experience on transit: $23 million to expand cleaning practices for Metro’s passenger facilities and buses, to increase investments through Safety, Security and Fare Enforcement (SaFE) Reform Initiative pilots to reimagine safety and security functions to ensure equitable and safe services for customers and employees, and to continue providing an increased level of Transit Security Officers in our system.
“This budget reflects King County’s values by directing investments toward our environment, shared prosperity, and support for those furthest from opportunity, access, and justice — building a welcoming community where every person can thrive,” said Executive Constantine. “I want to extend my gratitude to the King County Council for their dedication in passing this budget for 2025, with special thanks to Budget Chair Girmay Zahilay for his thoughtful leadership. I also want to thank the residents of King County who participated in the budget deliberation process.”
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