Metro Flex Service Boundary Updates
King County Metro's fixed route bus network provides extensive coverage in King County. To complement fixed route service in some neighborhoods, Metro operates Metro Flex, an on-demand transit service. Metro began operating on-demand service 2019 and has used the Metro Flex branding since 2023. The neighborhoods currently served by Metro Flex include: Delridge/South Park, Issaquah/Sammamish, Juanita/Totem Lake, Kent, Northshore, Othello, Overlake, Renton Highlands, and Tukwila. Passengers can use Metro Flex within the same neighborhood, not to travel between Metro Flex neighborhoods.
Map of Metro Flex neighborhoods. (Metro)On April 20, Metro will be updating the Metro Flex service boundaries for two neighborhoods: Northshore and Juanita/Totem Lake.
The Northshore service boundary will be adjusted to remove service from Snohomish County and parts of Lake Forest Park, in favor of a larger service area in Bothell. Metro is anchoring the on-demand service around the Kenmore Park & Ride, which has fixed route service from routes 225, 322, 331, 372, and ST 522.
Map of the Northshore service area changes. (Metro)Metro is also updating the service boundary in Juanita. This update removes service from parts of Finn Hill and Inglewood to provide more service around Totem Lake. Metro Flex will be anchored at the Totem Lake Transit Cener, which has fixed route service from routes 225, 239, 255, and 930. The Totem Lake Freeway Station is also served by Metro Flex and has regional service from routes 256, CT 424, and ST routes 532, 535.
Map of the Juanita/Totem Lake area changes. (Metro)The service boundary updates in Northshore and Juanita/Totem Lake are in response to lower ridership in both neighborhoods. In Metro's 2025 System Evaluation, the two neighborhoods had the lowest ridership per platform hour and the highest cost per ride across all Metro Flex areas.
Metro Flex performance evaluation for active service areas. (Metro)Metro Flex provides an essential connection for King County residents who cannot drive and live far from fix route service. Metro should strive to provide this service to as many people who need it as possible. These service boundary adjustments should help improve ridership, thus lowering the cost per ride.