King County Executive Girmay Zahilay recently joined partners and community members to mark the start of construction on the RapidRide I Line in Seattle, Washington.

The $174 million, 17-mile project will transform the existing Route 160 corridor, which currently serves about 5,000 daily riders, into a high-capacity transit line. The corridor serves one of the region’s most diverse areas and includes many residents who rely on transit to access jobs, education, and essential services.

According to an agency release, “when complete, riders will benefit from faster trips, more frequent service, and improved connections across the regional transportation network.”

“The groundbreaking of the RapidRide I Line delivers on a long-standing commitment to expand fast, reliable transit service in South King County,” Zahilay said. “Auburn, Kent, and Renton are among the most diverse and fastest-growing communities in our region, and this new line will help more residents and families get to work, school, medical appointments, and other essential services without needing a car. Projects of this scale don’t happen overnight, and I’m grateful to the federal, state, county, and local partners who made today possible.”

RapidRide I Line Project Backed by Federal, State, and Local Investment

This project is supported by nearly $80 million in federal funding through the Federal Transit Administration’s Capital Investment Grant Program, along with more than $19 million in additional federal grants, $27.5 million in state funding, and $47.5 million in King County Metro funds.

Construction of the RapidRide I Line is also expected to create “economic opportunity” by supporting small businesses and expanding access to careers in the trades. The contract with Stacy Witbeck meets the county’s requirement that at least 20% of the total contract value go to certified small or disadvantaged businesses, including women- and minority-owned firms.

According to King County Metro, the project also invests in workforce development, with “a goal that 15% of total labor hours be completed by apprentices, helping build a pipeline of skilled workers.”

Additional efforts will focus on expanding access to these opportunities for women, people of color, economically disadvantaged youth, and people with disabilities. This work is further supported by federal equal employment requirements, including the Seattle area’s 7.2% participation goal for women in construction.

Faster Service, Improved Access Coming in 2027

When service begins in 2027, RapidRide I Line buses will run every 10 minutes during peak periods and every 15 minutes most of the day. Riders are expected to travel 26% faster during the morning commute and nearly 30% faster during the evening commute, reducing travel times and improving reliability.

The project includes 82 RapidRide stations, along with new or upgraded crosswalks, mid-block crossings, curb ramps, and sidewalks, improving safety and access for people getting to and from transit.

The RapidRide I Line will strengthen regional connections by linking riders to downtown Renton, the future Renton Transit Center (currently under construction), Kent Station, Auburn Station, the RapidRide F Line, future Sound Transit Stride S1 Line service, Sounder trains, and local bus routes.