King County hears briefing on alternatives to driving alone to Snoqualmie Pass; officials plan follow-up work

Lede: King County staff briefed the Local Services and Land Use Committee on Aug. 20, 2025, about a budget proviso requiring evaluation of alternatives to driving alone to Snoqualmie Pass, focusing on winter-season congestion, safety hazards and access. The committee directed staff to follow up with local partners and to continue exploring partnerships and operational options.

Nut graf: The briefing summarized survey results showing heavy reliance on private vehicles, reviewed existing private and public options such as employer buses, park-and-ride use and the Pave carpool app, and identified constraints to adding regular Metro service for the pass — chiefly seasonality, safety in winter mountain conditions and limited driver and vehicle capacity. Committee members asked staff for specific next steps, including confirming outreach to the Snoqualmie Pass Community Association and further evaluation of park-and-ride and partnership approaches.

Body: Chair Sarah Perry opened the briefing by noting the 2025 annual budget proviso that asked county staff to “explore alternatives to driving alone to Snoqualmie Pass, particularly in the winter to reduce congestion, reduce safety hazards, and expand access to the pass” and introduced Becca Johnson Poppy from the Department of Local Services and Brian Mannion from King County Metro to present.

Becca Johnson Poppy, Chief Administrative Officer, Department of Local Services, summarized outreach and data gathered for…