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King County Metro previews South Link bus restructuring; Des Moines council urges better Redondo/Woodmont service
Summary
King County Metro presented the South Link Connections project, which proposes network changes timed to the Federal Way Link extension. Metro described new routes and schedule changes affecting Des Moines; council members pressed for better East–West and South Des Moines coverage and urged Metro to consider underserved neighborhoods.
King County Metro staff on Feb. 13 presented the South Link Connections Mobility Project to the Des Moines City Council and described proposed bus network changes timed to Sound Transit’s Federal Way Link extension.
Tommy Owens, the city engineer, introduced the Metro team and Nicola Geary, the Metro project manager for South Link connections, said Metro is proposing changes to 22 routes to integrate local service with the new light‑rail stations. The project includes a three‑phase public engagement process, with a phase‑2 public comment period currently open, revised concepts due summer 2025, King County Council adoption planned in spring 2026 and implementation in fall 2026.
Metro said proposed changes that affect Des Moines include expanded hours and a Kent Des Moines station connection on Route 156; a split of existing Route 165 into two routes (166 and 164) to provide more frequent Sunday service and a frequent east–west connection that serves Highline College and Green River College; and A‑line changes to connect to two new light‑rail stations. Metro staff emphasized trade‑offs: some low‑ridership or peak‑only routes (many currently suspended) are proposed to be removed to free resources for service improvements.
Councilmembers expressed consistent concern about gaps in South Des Moines. Councilmember Mahoney said Redondo, Woodmont and South Des Moines lack bus service and urged Metro to study a route to Star Lake station. Councilmember Harris echoed funding limits but urged a stronger East–West focus. Councilmember Ochsiger asked whether the project seeks to increase service levels or only restructure existing service; Metro replied it aims to both restructure and, where possible, invest resources to make connections more attractive and increase ridership.
Metro staff described outreach including a multilingual online survey available through Feb. 28, in‑person events, social‑media toolkits for cities, and partnerships with community‑based organizations to reach harder‑to‑reach populations. Jessica Vu, Metro community engagement planner, said Metro is working with a Community Mobility Board and a Partner Review Board that include jurisdictions and community organizations to shape trade‑offs.
What council asked Metro to study and return with: better options for South Des Moines neighborhoods (Redondo, Woodmont, south of 240th), investigation of east–west connectors (including the 16th Street corridor), possibilities for MetroFlex last‑mile partnerships, and clearer ridership and performance data. Several council members advised Metro to return to this venue with revised concepts in the summer.
Why it matters The Federal Way Link extension will change regional travel patterns; Metro’s network decisions will affect how riders reach light rail and how much local service remains for destinations in Des Moines. Council members said gaps in South Des Moines currently force many residents to drive to stations.
Provenance Presentation began with Metro introductions and overview; the council’s questions and guidance occurred through the following hour of discussion and concluded with Metro’s promise to return with revised concepts in summer 2025.
