King County Metro has implemented a comprehensive restructuring of its eastern bus network, introducing four new routes and adjusting service frequencies to better integrate with Sound Transit’s expanding 2 Line light rail service.
The changes, which took effect Saturday, represent the first phase of a two-part modernisation plan designed to strengthen regional transportation connections and streamline access to light rail stations. Additional updates are scheduled for next spring as Metro continues adapting its network to complement rail expansion.
Passengers may notice new signage at bus stops indicating discontinued or revised routes throughout the eastern county. The restructuring includes launching four new bus lines and increasing service frequency on five existing routes, fundamentally altering how residents travel within and between communities.
However, the transition has created confusion for some regular commuters. Ben Banai, attempting to catch his usual bus at Downtown Redmond Transit Station on Saturday, expressed frustration with the changes.
“I just don’t understand why they would change the route. Now I have to figure out how to get to work,” Banai said. In Redmond, Route 222 has been replaced by Route 223, which no longer serves the East Hill neighbourhood and now terminates at the transit centre.
The four new routes target specific regional connections:
Route 203 connects Issaquah Highlands, North Issaquah, Issaquah Transit Center, Newport Way, Factoria, and South Bellevue Station, providing comprehensive service along the Interstate 90 corridor.
Route 222 serves Overlake, Idylwood, Downtown Redmond, Education Hill, and Cottage Lake, connecting to both Downtown Redmond and Redmond Technology Stations.
Route 223 links Eastgate, Lake Hills, Overlake, and Downtown Redmond Station with 20-minute weekday service, offering frequent connections between major employment and residential centres.
Route 256 provides peak-only service from Woodinville to South Lake Union and Downtown Seattle, addressing commuter needs for workers travelling to the urban core.
Five existing routes received enhanced service levels:
DART Route 224 now offers hourly service between Duvall and Redmond, improving rural connectivity. Route 226 provides 20-minute peak service in Bellevue with connections to South Bellevue Station. Route 240 operates every 20 minutes during peak and midday hours between Bellevue, Newcastle, and Renton. DART Route 249 features 30-minute weekday service with additional evening trips.
Route 106 received the most significant enhancement, now arriving every 15 minutes from 6 a.m. to 7 p.m. daily, with 30 new weekly trips connecting Chinatown-International District to Rainier Valley and Renton.
The restructuring reflects Metro’s broader strategy to adapt bus service around light rail expansion, concentrating resources on routes that feed into rail stations rather than duplicating rail service. This approach aims to create a more efficient regional transit network whilst potentially causing temporary disruption for passengers accustomed to previous routing patterns.
