King County Executive Ron Sims announces major initiative to deliver 21 million more rides on Metro Transit

The following is the text of a letter dated April 18, 2006 from King County Executive Ron Sims to the residents of King County:

Dear King County Resident:

You and those who ride King County Metro Transit have told us time and again that you think Metro is doing a great job and that you want more service. With our region expecting significant growth in the number of jobs and people in the next 10 years, I’m proposing we give you what you’ve asked for—more bus service more frequently.

I am proposing to add up to 20 percent more Metro service over the next 10 years that will take 60,000 drivers off our congested roads and highways each day. We’re calling it Transit Now because once approved, you will see immediate results—better service in 2007. Half a million people will be within a quarter mile walk of the new service by the time we’re done adding new bus service to the areas needing it most. You will be able to throw away your bus schedule for many of our most frequent routes with new RapidRide service guaranteeing a bus will be along every few minutes all day to take you where you want to go. And we will set aside money to create new partnerships with major employers or cities to match our money and leverage even more bus service.

This is the biggest increase in bus service in two decades, and it will be financed by a one-tenth of a penny increase in the sales tax. It will amount to about $25 a year for the average household, less than a tank of gas.

I encourage you to take part in the public process as this proposal moves to a vote of the people. Let us know what you think of the proposal, and consider taking the bus. In Transit Now, we are designing service that is responsive to your needs in the 21st century so that Metro will continue to excel as a people mover.

Sincerely,

Ron Sims
King County Executive

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Last update: October 12, 2007