Even though it’s taking a few years longer than originally planned, a $79.6 million federal grant will help build a new King County Metro RapidRide I Line to serve bus riders in Auburn, Kent and Renton.
Construction is expected to begin this summer on the $174 million project with a planned opening in 2027, according to a Jan. 15 email from Metro spokesperson Elaine Porterfield. Metro announced plans for the line in 2019 with a projected opening date of 2023 and a cost of $120 million. Routes were picked in 2019 after feedback from residents.
But the pandemic and a Federal Transit Authority (FTA) analysis delayed the opening date.
“The COVID-19 pandemic impacted the launch of all previously planned RapidRide lines, including the RapidRide I Line,” Porterfield said about the Auburn, Kent and Renton route. “Additionally, the FTA conducted an in-depth risk analysis in late 2023 and required the project to move its planned start of service to 2027 in case any issues or problems arose, instead of the previous timeline target.
“Metro is working to deliver the project sooner than the FTA’s date, but should unforeseen delays occur, the project budget will cover through September 2027.”
The FTA awarded the $79.6 million grant through the Capital Investment Grants (CIG) Program, part of a government funding package that Congress passed in March 2022. The CIG Program is the federal government’s primary grant program for supporting transit capital projects that are locally planned, implemented and operated.
The remaining funding for the project includes $48 million from King County, $27 million from Washington state and $19 million from the Puget Sound Regional Council, Portetfield said.
U.S. Sen. Patty Murray, D-Washington, and U.S. Rep. Adam Smith, D-Bellevue, announced the federal grant award in a Jan. 15 news release from Murray.
The new line will connect transit centers in Auburn, Kent and Renton, including Sound Transit Sounder train stations in Auburn and Kent. RapidRide buses send signals to traffic lights, so green lights stay green longer or red lights switch to green faster.
RapidRide will enhance the current Route 160, formerly Route 169 and 180, between Auburn Station and downtown Renton. RapidRide lines deliver quick, efficient, and reliable service, and carry more riders than any other Metro bus routes.
Once construction starts, residents will notice changes along the route.
“Much of the work will be on civil infrastructure improvements at major intersections and station areas, including roadway widening and traffic lane improvements, additional sidewalks and pedestrian crossings and new signals with priority for buses,” Porterfield said. “The project also includes investments at 80-plus station areas with shelters, real-time information signage, bike racks, trash cans and lighting.”
RapidRide buses are easier to board than regular buses and will come every 10 minutes at peak hours. Most stations will provide real-time arrival information as well as a dry place to wait for the bus.
Mayors excited about project
The mayors of Auburn, Kent and Renton celebrated the release of the federal grant.
“This grant represents a remarkable investment in King County Metro and public transportation as a whole in South King County,” said Auburn Mayor Nancy Backus. “As our region continues to grow, access to public transportation, especially frequent transit like the RapidRide system, continues to be an important cornerstone for our city, and King County’s expansion of services illustrates a promise to our riders, both current and future.”
The I Line expansion is estimated to connect 14,000 residents to the places they want to live, work, shop, and play every day—approximately 6,000 more daily riders than the routes the I Line will be upgrading served before the pandemic.
“As Kent continues to grow, we need to invest in a brighter, more connected future for our residents,” said Kent Mayor Dana Ralph. “This grant will accelerate the rapid transit expansion along the I Line, between Renton, Kent and Auburn creating new opportunities for Kent’s families, workers and students to move more efficiently and sustainably.”
This will be Kent’s second RapidRide line. Metro operates RapidRide A on the West Hill along Pacific Highway South that connects the Federal Way Transit Center and the Tukwila light rail station, and starting in 2026, the Kent Des Moines light rail station.
“Today’s (Jan. 15) announcement of $79 million in federal funding for King County Metro’s I-Line is a significant victory for the city of Renton,” Renton Mayor Armondo Pavone said. “This investment in public transportation connects Renton with services, jobs, and opportunities across South King County. It will make connecting to our neighboring cities and communities much more possible.”
King County Executive Dow Constantine said in a news release that expanding RapidRide transit also has significant economic and environmental benefits, including reducing the need for parking and fostering more vibrant, pedestrian-friendly communities, as well as easing traffic congestion with fewer cars on the road — contributing to cleaner air and a greener future.
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