Know Before Your Go: Metro Snow Tips & Inclement Weather

Don't wait outside in the cold for a bus delayed by bad weather. With today's technology, plugged-in public transit users can stay up to date with the latest bus schedule changes.

As of 5 a.m. Wednesday, several locations in Metro's service area are reporting light snowfall.

King County Metro Transit is advising riders to be aware of conditions in their local areas this morning and use caution where roads may be affected by the weather.

Buses are operating normally with possible minor delays, although conditions could change quickly. For now, the temperatures appear to be warming.

The National Weather Service is reporting that snow levels will remain at or near sea level through Wednesday morning, and temperatures are expected to warm throughout the day. A dusting of snow is possible anywhere in Metro's service area, and accumulations could be greater at higher elevations.

Metro is monitoring forecasts and conditions and will provide updated information when it becomes available.

No matter what kind of weather affects transit service in the Puget Sound region this winter, Metro has online information tools for riders.

Riders are encouraged to visit the Metro Alerts page and subscribe to all routes or topics for which they may require updates if conditions change due to weather or other factors.

By signing up for Metro Transit Alerts, riders can receive an email or text message advising them about known significant disruptions to Metro bus service. Visit Metro Online to preview snow routes, and review tips for winter travel.

When snowy, icy or other disruptive conditions affect travel, Metro buses may use alternate routing as necessary, depending on road or traffic conditions in one or more King County geographic areas.

All Metro bus routes are assigned to one or more of seven geographic areas within King County. During a declared snow or other emergency event, the service status of each area is color coded and displayed on Metro’s online snow map. Additional information is then provided in the associated table on the same page.

Pre-planned snow routing for individual bus routes is displayed in print and online timetables.

Winter-travel tips for Metro customers

• Sign up to receive Transit Alerts for the routes you use.
• Check the print and online timetables for snow route maps.
• Pick up the new Metro Snow & Ice Guide on buses and at Metro information racks, or view the videos and other information online.
• If the weather is bad, check the color-coded status map on Metro Online before you travel.
• Be patient. Buses are not always on schedule in snowy or icy conditions. Increased ridership during bad weather can result in crowded buses and a longer-than-usual wait on the Customer Information phone line at 206-553-3000.
• Smartphone apps and online trackers may not be reliable when buses are rerouted or significantly delayed.
• Dress appropriately for the walk to the bus stop and expect delays.
• Avoid hills and wait at bus stops on flat portions of arterials or at major transfer points such as park-and-ride lots, transit centers, or shopping centers.  

Tools for bus riders

• Metro Online
• Sign up for Metro Transit Alerts
• Metro’s Snow & Ice
• Metro Customer Information Office: 206-553-3000
• Metro on Twitter @kcmetrobus
• Metro on Facebook