King County Metro Transit in Seattle introduced its fifth RapidRide Bus Rapid Transit route, the E Line, on Feb. 15.

The existing bus route it replaces is the second most popular in the system, providing 12,000 rides each weekday.

The RapidRide E Line covers 11 miles on one of the most congested traffic corridors in the region. It operates every 5-15 minutes, 24 hours a day.

“Just like our existing RapidRide service, the E Line will carry more riders more efficiently,” said Metro General Manager Kevin Desmond. “And thanks to Federal Transit Administration funding, about 40 percent of the E Line’s capital cost, including buses and station improvements, will be covered.”

King County Metro received more than $25 million in FTA grants for new coaches, passenger and pedestrian improvements, and dedicated lanes on the route.

The agency also worked with the cities of Seattle and Shoreline to support investment and economic development along the Aurora Avenue corridor.

RapidRide is expected to contribute to that development by spurring housing and commercial/retail activity.

Amenities of the new service include 60-foot, articulated hybrid-electric vehicles with free Wi-Fi, off-board fare-card payment, real-time “next bus” signs, and shelters with improved lighting.

The F Line, Metro’s sixth RapidRide line, is scheduled to begin service in June.

Metro anticipates that, with the addition of the E Line, ridership will grow by 50 percent to 5.4 million annual rides within the next five years. The corridor will see an overall 25 percent increase in service with the introduction of BRT.

Share: