King County Metro unveils South Link Connections project for improved transit service

The Kent City Council meeting on February 18, 2025, highlighted significant developments in public transportation with the introduction of the South Link Connections project. This initiative aims to restructure bus services in South King County in response to the upcoming extension of the Sound Transit Link light rail to Federal Way, set to be operational by 2026.

David Payne, the city’s transportation planner, opened the discussion by emphasizing the importance of integrating bus services with the new light rail stations, which will include stops at Kent Des Moines, Star Lake, and Downtown Federal Way. The project is designed to enhance transit accessibility and efficiency for Kent residents, aligning with community needs and transit gaps identified through extensive public engagement.

Genevieve Jones from King County Metro outlined the project's scope, which involves changes to 22 bus routes to better connect with the light rail. The proposed adjustments include the introduction of new frequent services, particularly the new Route 164, which will operate every 15 minutes on weekdays and every 30 minutes on Sundays, significantly improving service frequency compared to the current offerings.

Key improvements for Kent include the addition of Sunday service on Route 183, which connects Kent Station to Federal Way, and adjustments to Route 162 to optimize service based on ridership data. While some peak-only routes will be removed, the overall transit service in Kent is expected to improve, with a notable increase in weekend service—35% more trips on Saturdays and 75% more on Sundays.

The project is currently in its second phase of community engagement, with plans to finalize proposed changes by spring 2026. The council and Metro representatives encouraged residents to participate in the ongoing feedback process, ensuring that the new transit network meets the evolving needs of the community.

As Kent prepares for these transit enhancements, the South Link Connections project represents a significant step towards a more integrated and efficient public transportation system, promising to improve mobility for all residents in the area.