MI-related bus routes part of immense King County Metro service expansion

Published 5:30 pm Wednesday, August 5, 2026

New and revised King County Metro bus routes are on the way for Mercer Islanders and riders rolling into the local light rail station.

Beginning Aug. 29, the MI-related routes will be part of King County Metro’s immense service expansion that features nine new routes, more than 3,000 additional weekly trips and stronger light rail connections, according to the agency.

Here’s the MI lowdown:

New Route 215 will provide an all-week connection between North Bend, Snoqualmie, Issaquah and Mercer Island Station.

Revised routes 111, 218 and 269 will run more frequently and connect riders to the 2 Line at South Bellevue or Mercer Island stations.

Routes 111 (between Renton and South Bellevue Station) and 269 (between Sammamish and Mercer Island Station) will expand to all-day, all-week service, with earlier morning trips, later evening service and more frequent buses.

Buses linking up with light rail helps connect people and make trips easier, noted Metro General Manager Michelle Allison.

“Across King County, Metro bus routes connect communities to dozens of light rail stations, extending the reach of public transportation farther than ever before,” said Allison. “Strong transit connections bring neighborhoods closer, make everyday travel simpler, and give everyone a clear path to reach the places they want to go.”

King County Metro staff will delve into the upcoming Eastside route changes during an information session at noon on Aug. 19 via Zoom. To register, visit: https://tinyurl.com/4s82bhp4.