King County commuters hit with bus fare increase
Sep 1, 2025, 3:18 PM | Updated: 3:20 pm
A King County Metro bus. (Photo courtesy of KIRO 7)
(Photo courtesy of KIRO 7)
Taking the bus in King County is now more expensive.
On Labor Day, King County Metro increased adult bus ticket prices by 25 cents. Single adult tickets for King County Metro buses are now $3.
The agency wanted prices to align with Sound Transit’s light rail fare.
Prices also increased for Metro Flex, the West Seattle Water Taxi, and the Seattle Streetcar, according to KIRO 7.
Metro Flex and Seattle Streetcar tickets also now cost $3. The West Seattle Water Taxi costs $5.25 with an ORCA card and $6.25 with cash.
ORCA cards can be purchased at a ticket machine, online, or at a retail location.
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King County Metro launches 4 new eastside routes
King County Metro also launched four new routes on the eastside: Route 203 with service throughout Issaquah, Newport Way, Factoria, and Bellevue.
Route 222, with service between Overlake, Idylwood, downtown Redmond, Education Hill, and Cottage Lake.
Route 223, with service between Eastgate, Lake Hills, Overlake, and downtown Redmond.
Route 256, with peak-only service between Woodinville, Brickyard Park and Ride, Totem Lake, Kingsgate Park and Ride, Yarrow Point Freeway Station, Evergreen Point Freeway Station, South Lake Union, and downtown Seattle.
Reduced fare prices
King County Metro does offer reduced ticket prices for low-income riders, students, and seniors through the ORCA LIFT program, Regional Reduced Fare Permit, subsidized annual pass, and the Taxi Script Program.
Contributing: KIRO 7
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