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Metro reports ridership gains and hiring progress; officials highlight reliability and workforce challenges
Summary
King County Metro briefed the committee on rising ridership and staffing gains — an 8% year-over-year increase reported for July and net addition of 50 FTEs in four months — while noting remaining FTE shortfalls and high overtime. Metro and councilmembers agreed on continued coordination to improve reliability and service.
King County Metro told the Transportation, Economy and Environment Committee on Aug. 19 that ridership is increasing and that workforce improvements are underway, even as reliability pressures continue.
Metro leadership said the system saw an 8% increase in ridership from July 2024 to July 2025 and that summer travel and construction can complicate reliability. The agency reported net additions of 50 full-time equivalents (FTEs) over the last four months and said it remains about 370 FTEs short of the staffing level needed to restore pre-COVID service. Metro described training changes that improved CDL pass rates by about 15% and is focusing on additional coach practice time and CDL instruction to keep graduation rates rising.
Metro also acknowledged operational pressures: overtime remains about 30% (the agency’s target is 17%), and regional construction (for example, Revive I‑5 and other projects) increases traffic-related service interruptions. Metro said it is reviewing scheduling, leave management and training capacity to reduce overtime and improve retention.
On reduced fares and coordination, Metro reported participation in a regional Fair Forum involving ORCA partner agencies; members plan additional meetings in September and a summary policy guidance report by October.
Councilmembers thanked Metro for its engagement with communities affected by the RapidRide I Line negotiations and encouraged continued problem-solving with property owners; they said site visits and direct engagement help produce workable alternatives to condemnation.
Next steps: Metro will continue reporting on ridership and workforce metrics to the committee, will follow up on the Regional Fair Forum’s recommendations for reduced fares and ORCA improvements, and will coordinate with council staff on RapidRide I Line property discussions.
