RapidRide I Line Construction Update (Sept. 2026) - Metro Matters
By Elaine Porterfield, King County Metro (September 18, 2026)
King County Executive Girmay Zahilay joined Auburn Mayor Nancy Backus, Federal Way Mayor Jim Ferrell, and King County Metro General Manager Michelle Allison on Thursday to cut the ribbon on two new Metro Flex pilots bringing on-demand transit to Auburn and Federal Way.
Launched on August 31st, the new service expands access to convenient, on-demand transportation in South King County, connecting riders to neighborhoods, schools, transit hubs, jobs, shopping, and other destinations. The two-year pilots are part of Metro’s broader South Link Connections service improvements.
Tamieko Cook, Metro’s Operator of the Year, joined the leaders for the ceremony at the Auburn Transit Station.
In Auburn, Metro Flex connects riders to Auburn Station and Sounder service, while in Federal Way, riders can connect to the Federal Way Transit Center and Link light rail. Riders can book on-demand trips within designated service areas using the Metro Flex app or by phone.
Metro Flex allows riders to book on-demand trips within designated service areas, providing connections between neighborhoods, transit hubs, jobs, and other destinations. Riders can book trips through the Metro Flex app or by phone, with rides provided in Metro-operated minivans. The Auburn and Federal Way pilots will run for two years.
RapidRide I Line Coming to Renton, Kent, and Auburn
King County Metro is building 17 miles of new RapidRide service in Renton, Kent, and Auburn. Once the I Line is in service, it will provide connections to the Renton Transit Center, Kent Transit Center, and Auburn Station. The line will also connect riders to the RapidRide F Line, Sound Transit buses, Sounder Train, and local bus service, making it easier for people to travel to and from regional destinations and access a network of local bus routes.
Visit our website to check out our interactive map and learn about the passenger stations, and other improvements this project will bring!
What to Expect During Construction
Construction activity, mainly along roads and sidewalks, is underway. Typical work hours are Monday through Friday, 7:00 am to 5:00 pm, with some nighttime and weekend work.
During construction, you can expect:
- Temporary parking restrictions
- Periodic lane and driveway closures
- Large machinery and truck activity
- Construction staging and parking impacts near some construction sites
- Some sidewalk, intersection, and lane closures
- Detours for people walking, biking, and rolling
- Temporary bus detours and bus stop relocations for Route 160 and other area transit and bus routes.
- Flaggers to direct traffic around work areas
Learn more about the specific construction zones and their respective timelines.