King County Metro is temporarily implementing free public transit across all services in response to the escalating COVID-19 pandemic.
The major transit authority has announced that the free transit measures across all buses, water taxis, and Access paratransit services in the region will begin Saturday, March 21, the same day that a rear-door bus boarding policy will go into effect to help promote social distancing between drivers and passengers.
Passengers in need of mobility assistance can still use the front doors and accessible ramp if needed.
“Changing how riders board and exit our bus fleet and also suspending all fares is part of that effort [to keep people safe],” said King County Executive Dow Constantine during a conference on Friday.
“It is essential to keep this community on the move, and I thank all the operators, mechanics, support staff, and riders who are helping us get through this, together.”
As of last month, King County Metro Services has initiated enhanced cleaning and disinfecting measures for all of its vessels.
