With three new Link light rail stations opening in north Seattle (University District Station, Roosevelt Station, and Northgate Station), Metro is adjusting our bus network to improve connections to Link, better use limited resources, and address local mobility needs.

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COVID-19 has had an unprecedented impact on all of us, in many aspects of our lives. Metro is currently facing budget shortfalls within the next few years and is planning on reducing service levels throughout the county, including in the North Link project area. We recognize the impact that decreased service has on individuals’ everyday lives, how they access services, how they get to work, and how they interact with their communities. However, due to projected funding shortfalls, we are using this project as a way to minimize impacts to the north Seattle, Shoreline, Kenmore, Lake Forest Park, and Bothell areas.

Right now, we are in Phase 3 of the project. Earlier this year between February and March, we were in Phase 2 where we presented a previous draft network for the public’s consideration. Based on that feedback, we made some changes to the draft network. 

Terms to know:

Peak: 5AM - 9AM and 3PM - 7PM. These are the times of day Metro sees the most riders, usually regular commuting times Monday through Friday. 

Off-Peak: 9AM - 3PM and 7PM - 5AM. These are the times of day Metro sees the fewest riders. It includes the midday, the very early morning, the late evening to night, and weekends.

Frequent: The bus comes every 15 minutes or less during peak periods and every 30 minutes or less during off-peak periods.

Overall feedback we heard from the community:

  • Transfers should be between frequent services where possible, especially during midday, night, and weekends
  • Improve transit connections to/from major community assets and important destinations (Urban Centers, Hospitals, Universities, etc.) 
  • Provide fast and reliable bus connections to Link so travel times are better than or similar to what’s experienced today
  • Improve east-west and crosstown connections
  • Provide reliable service all-day and especially during the busiest times of day 
  • Provide transit connections that are safe, convenient, and easy to understand for all riders

North Link Connections Phase 3 Network Map

Phase 3 Network Map showing the pathways of bus routes in north Seattle and north King County.

You can click on the map to open a PDF of it in a separate window.