King County Metro will launch Metro Flex on March 6. The on-demand service replaces Community Ride, Ride Pingo to Transit and Via to Transit with a new united option that will support mobility around a neighborhood or the region for the same cost as riding the bus.
“Metro Flex transforms and merges three popular and proven on-demand services so riders will be able to travel more seamlessly around their neighborhoods and across the region,” said King County Executive Dow Constantine. “Ensuring access to easy and equitable transit options is essential to helping people stay connected to their community every day and Metro Flex is the latest way for everyone to get around King County.”
Riders can download the Metro Flex app, which is powered by Via and features an image of the Metro Flex logo on a Flex van, and book a ride to anywhere within a service area. Metro Flex will operate in seven service areas including Juanita, Kent, Othello, Rainier Beach/Skyway, Renton Highlands, Sammamish and Tukwila.
“It’s critical we move riders where they need to get to, when they need to travel. Metro Flex will help us deliver for those asking for more transportation options. Metro’s popular on-demand services have proven their value over the past several years, and we are delighted to bring them together under one program,” said King County Metro General Manager Michelle Allison. “We think our on-demand services will now be even better and more convenient, and we urge riders to download the Metro Flex app.”
What will change with Metro Flex
Some services previously required riders to start or end their journeys at a transit center or community hub, but Metro Flex will allow curb to curb service within the area of operations. Additionally, Metro Flex will display the best ride options (Metro Flex, bus or other transit) to riders based on their start and end points.
Fares are equivalent to a bus ride, but Metro Flex will not accept cash or paper transfers/tickets. ORCA, Transit GO Ticket and credit/debit cards can be used for payment. Reduced fares are available for customers with disabilities, customers with lower incomes and seniors. People on certain government programs and all youth 18 and younger ride free.
King County Metro reports that since the start of on-demand services in 2019, nearly 6,200 rides are provided every week.
“Services like Metro Flex are part of Metro’s mobility framework principles — something that helps our agency adapt to the changing transportation landscape in an equitable and sustainable ways. We’re excited to introduce this investment to and for the community,” said King County Metro Assistant General Manager of Partnerships and Strategy De’Sean Quinn.
