CHOKEPOINTS

Metro Transit launches first ride-hailing app for on-demand shuttle service

Oct 23, 2018, 12:10 PM

shuttle service, park n ride...

(KIRO 7 screenshot)

(KIRO 7 screenshot)

King County Metro is getting in on the ride sharing craze with a new app that launched Tuesday morning.

Currently, the on-demand shuttle service is only offered to and from the Eastgate Park & Ride, but the plan is to eventually make the service available across King County.

For now, Metro is testing the pilot project in Bellevue to see if how many people will download the app and use it.

The app is called Ride2 Park&Ride and it gives commuters the ability to request on-demand or scheduled shuttles to get them to and from the Eastgate Park & Ride.

The initial app operates in the 2- to 3-mile area flanking Interstate 90, including Factoria, Lake Hills, Somerset, and Lakemont neighborhoods. Rides can be scheduled on-demand or in advance via the app (downloaded here) or by calling 866-750-5057.

Metro said that even with 1,600 parking spaces, the lots at the Eastgate Park & Ride are full, but using the shuttle, riders will be able to board one of 15 Metro or Sound Transit bus without worrying about finding a space.

Similar to Uber and Lyft, users put in their location and the shuttles will either pick them up at home or they’ll have to walk a short distance to find their ride.

“We are trying to find new solutions and get you out of your car and connect you to public transportation,” said Christina O’Claire with King County Metro.

The service will be free for the first few months, and then users will pay the standard Metro fare to connect with a regular bus.

Metro said it will make similar service available to other transit hubs throughout King County over the next several months as a part of a year-long pilot project.

For more information on how the pilot project works and for future ride-hailing apps in the county, follow this link.

Chokepoints

I-5 overpass 145th seattle...

Chris Sullivan

Sullivan: I-5 overpass at 145th in Seattle to close

The North 145th Street overpass of I-5, right there at the new light rail station, is about to close for seven months.

6 hours ago

Photo: WSDOT crews pump concrete at new Veterans Drive tunnel....

Nate Connors

Late night I-5 closures coming up this week as WSDOT works on new tunnel

Contractors WSDOT are prepping for work on the new Veterans Drive Tunnel beneath I-5, adjacent to State Route 516.

20 hours ago

Image: A Pierce Transit Stream Bus can be seen in Pierce County....

Micki Gamez

South Sound travelers may opt for transit after major service change

It's been seven years since Pierce Transit announced a major service change. The change means more access to Tacoma and the region.

2 days ago

headphones windshield obstructions...

Chris Sullivan

Sullivan: Driving with headphones, windshield obstructions in Washington

It's another episode of "rules of the road," I'm tackling two driving questions: Using headphones or windshield obstructions while driving.

2 days ago

four-way stops...

Chris Sullivan

Sullivan: Why do so many people get freaked out at four-way stops?

There is no mystery to how four-way stops work, so why do so many people mess up this simple maneuver?

7 days ago

There's a right way and a wrong way to turn into traffic with a bus lane. (Graphic: Bill Kaczaraba,...

Chris Sullivan

Sullivan: Sweeping bus-only lanes, what’s the right move?

I received feedback from my story on lane sweeping last week. But what happens when you are turning and the closest lane is restricted?

9 days ago

Metro Transit launches first ride-hailing app for on-demand shuttle service