A couple of weeks ago we noticed that some changes were coming to King County Metro’s bus service starting Feb. 5. But the downtown bus stop changes for routes 16 and 66, both which also stop at the Northgate Transit Center, didn’t seem drastic enough for a post in Maple Leaf Life.
But we forgot to look beyond the Northgate corridor.
Kristen pointed out to us that come Feb. 5, Maple Leaf residents will have a new direct route to both South Lake Union and First Hill. She writes:
Probably worth noting, since it’s a helluva lot more convenient to hop on this bus if you work down in the South Lake Union neighborhood, but live in Maple Leaf.
The only neighborhood stops for the new route 309 are on Lake City Way at Northeast 110th Street, Northeast 95th Street and 20th Avenue Northeast, so it might be a long trek for those who live closer to Roosevelt Way Northeast. But in light of snowstorms in recent memory, options are definitely a good thing. More details from Metro’s Service Change page:
New Route 309 provides weekday peak-period express service to First Hill from the Kenmore P&R via Lake City, I-5 and South Lake Union. Southbound service to First Hill leaves Kenmore P&R every 30 minutes from about 7:30 – 8:30 am. Northbound service to Kenmore P&R leaves 12th Ave S & S Jackson St every 30 minutes from about 4:30 – 5:30 pm.
Route 309 makes no stops, southbound or northbound, between Lake City Way NE & NE 120th St and downtown Seattle except at Lake City Way NE & NE 110th St, NE 95th St and 20th Ave NE. Also, southbound trips do not serve the bus stop at Bothell Way NE & 39th Ave NE.
The Service Change page also has details on other changes, including for the 66 and 16, so be sure to check before you travel next week.
Since many people working on FH are patient care providers whose shifts start at 0700, the morning bus is pretty useless.
It’s a great idea, but needs some time adjustments.
I’ll note a proposed development near 95th and 20th askes to remove the stairs accessing the bus stop at 95th and Lake City Way. They plan to replace it with a driveway, but have submitted no designs so people can determine whether the slope and sidewalk will be a safe incline. Also no word on how long the stairs would be out of commission.