‘Temporary workforce challenge’ suspends handful of King County Metro bus routes

King County Metro has announced the suspension of six bus routes through Jan. 21.

Blame the weather, not vaccine mandates, for the current pass closures

The agency cites a confluence of problems contributing to the cancellations, including recovery from recent snowstorms and a recent uptick in sick calls.

Routes 162, 177, 304, 320, and 330 will not run on weekdays, and route 125 will not run on Saturdays. Metro otherwise plans to operate its full network outside of those few cancellations.

Metro spokesperson Sean Hawks told MyNorthwest that the agency has recently hired and onboarded 37 new part-time drivers. A subsequent class of 42 new drivers started on Monday, Jan. 10.

“We face a temporary workforce challenge,” Hawks said. “We have more cancellations through Jan. 21 than usual. That’s why we’re taking this proactive effort to give tools to customers to plan their travel.”

“Whether you are taking an earlier or later bus than usual, or are making an alternative travel plan, we apologize for the inconvenience and greatly appreciate your patience as our fleet is repaired and our workforce stabilizes,” an online announcement of the cancellations reads.

King County Metro recommends the Puget Sound Trip Planner for up-to-date announcements on route cancellations. Updates can also be found through the Service Advisory page, or by texting a bus stop number to 62550 to receive information on bus trips headed that way or cancellation notices.

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