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Metro Transit ready to tackle winter driving conditions

With more than 1,200 buses on the road serving almost 100 million passengers within a 2,134 square mile area, King County Metro Transit operators are used to driving over hills, through valleys, and across water. In winter, they face that same terrain – only now it’s wetter, or icy and snowy. Advance preparation is the key to delivering Metro’s passengers safely when the weather makes driving dangerous.

“Because we serve all of King County, Metro has to be prepared for every weather condition imaginable,” said Metro General Manager Kevin Desmond. “There could be snow or ice on the road when the Route 152 leaves Enumclaw at 5 a.m., but when that bus reaches downtown Seattle the roads might be dry and clear. That’s why we prepare in advance for the worst.”

Desmond said all of Metro’s newer buses are equipped with state-of-the-art traction control and anti-lock braking for better gripping and stopping on slippery streets. At this time of the year, vehicle maintenance crews are making sure all the buses in the fleet are winter ready. And, communications and rider information staff have updated their plans to keep bus passengers informed about weather-related changes to bus service.

Here are some tips for bus riders during bad weather:

·        Keep timetables handy for quick reference when you hear Metro is
      modifying service because of snow or ice;
·        If you do not normally ride the bus, check timetables ahead of time
      for routes serving your area and the adverse-weather information for
      those routes;
·        Be patient. Buses are not always on schedule in snowy or icy
      conditions;
·        Dress warmly for the walk to the bus stop and possible delays, and
      wear appropriate footwear for the weather;
·        Head for bus stops on main arterials or at major transfer points such
      as malls, colleges, park-and-ride lots, or transit centers;
·        Riders should wait at bus stops at the very top or very bottom of hills,
      because buses are often unable to stop for passengers on inclines.

Desmond said the best thing bus riders can do to prepare for winter travel is to check out the adverse weather information for their particular routes well in advance. That information is included on the paper and online timetables for most routes. Check the adverse weather routing for your most-used bus routes, then be aware of driving conditions in your area when getting ready to travel.

When road conditions warrant, Metro reroutes service or operates chained shuttles on some routes to avoid hazardous streets. Reroutes may vary by route and by weather conditions, and often change quickly. Some snow routes have been changed, so passengers should not assume their bus travels exactly as it did in past winters.

Depending on road conditions, Metro may operate chained shuttles along hilly portions of some routes to connect with buses that can continue service. These shuttles follow regular routing and are signed "shuttle." Routes that may use chained shuttles include: 1, 2, 3, 4, 7, 13, 18, 21, 27, 32, 36, 42, 71, 74, 76, 101, 106, 187, 214, 234, 252, 255, 260, 304 and Metro-operated Sound Transit Express Route 540.

Other buses will follow their regular routes whenever possible, although adverse road and traffic conditions may warrant unplanned rerouting of buses to avoid hazards. Metro may implement reroutes any time, day or night. Buses will return to regular routing on a route-by-route basis as conditions allow.

Buses will continue to make regular stops in park-and-ride lots even if the snow has not been cleared. If conditions in a park-and-ride lot are hazardous, buses will pick up or drop off passengers on the street in front of the lot.

The increased ridership during bad weather can result in crowded buses and a longer-than-usual wait on the phone for the Rider Information Office. Plus, buses operate under the same – usually slower – traffic conditions that other vehicles do when roads are bad, which may mean a longer wait at the bus stop. Also, some trips on some routes may be canceled due to a shortage of equipment or personnel.

Carpool and vanpool riders should check with their drivers in advance to discuss plans for when it snows or roads become icy. Custom Bus riders should check their timetables for snow route information, and then call (206) 684-1743 to find out if their buses will operate on revised routes.

Reroute information is also available in Metro Online, or by calling Metro Rider Information at (206) 553-3000/voice or (206) 684-1739/TTY. Sound Transit alerts are also posted online.

Transit customers are also encouraged to check media sources and the Regional Public Information Network (RPIN) for up-to-date information about local conditions.

Metro Transit timetables are available at local libraries, community colleges, major shopping malls and many work sites throughout King County.

Updated:  November 10, 2005

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