Reminder: Major changes to bus service starting September 14
Community Transit is making major changes to bus service on Sept. 14. These changes include the elimination of commuter routes into Seattle, and more transit than ever before, including new express routes that will connect to light rail. Other changes include replacing some local routes with new routes, extending or rerouting some routes, and making minor schedule adjustments.
In general, riders can expect:
- Commuter routes to Northgate and Seattle will be eliminated and replaced with new express and local bus routes that connect to light rail.
- More bus service, running more often, including extending the Swift Blue Line.
- New schedules on most bus routes for more reliable service. All riders should check their schedules for changes.
- Changes to bus bays at many transit centers and park & rides. Be sure to check if your bus stop has moved.
Keep reading for a summary of what is happening on Sept. 14!
New transit options for Seattle commuters
Community Transit will replace our downtown Seattle (400s) and Northgate (800s) routes with new express bus routes (900s). The 900s are mostly peak-hour, weekday express buses that will connect various communities to light rail to continue their journey into Seattle.*
One commuter route will remain – Route 424. That route serving Snohomish and Monroe does not travel on I-5 but travels to Seattle via Hwy 522, I-405, and Hwy 520. It will remain in operation until East Link reaches Seattle. Learn more.
Sound Transit will add on a new ST Express Route 515 between Lynnwood City Center Station and downtown Seattle during rush hour when we expect 1 Line trains to be the most crowded.
*Routes 905 and 909 are all-day service, Route 909 operates all days, and Route 907 travels to Seaway Transit Center, not light rail.
Light rail connections
Starting Sept. 14, you will be able to take Community Transit buses to connect with light rail at Lynnwood City Center Station (formerly Lynnwood Transit Center), Mountlake Terrace Station (formerly Mountlake Terrace Transit Center), and the new Shoreline North/185th St Station. Learn more.
Use Plan My Trip to plan your connection from bus to light rail, and make sure to plan your return trip as well. Keep in mind that Link light rail operates trains later than Community Transit bus service, so if your return trip is at night be sure to check if your bus is still in service. Be sure to set your arrival or departure date for Sept. 14 or later.
Eliminating and replacing some local routes
Some local routes will be eliminated and replaced with new or existing transit options to get you where you need to go. Click on the routes below to learn more:
Changes to some local routes
Some local routes will have changes to their routes, or more stops will be added to the route. Click on the on the routes below to learn more.
- Route 106 (Mariner – Bothell)
- Route 130 (Edmonds – Lynnwood)
- Route 120 (Canyon Park – UW Bothell)
- Swift Blue Line (Everett – Shoreline North/185th Station)
Take the bus to light rail starting Aug. 30
On Aug. 30, Link light rail opened in Snohomish County. Some Community Transit buses now connect riders to light rail stations at Lynnwood City Center Station (formerly Lynnwood Transit Center), Mountlake Terrace Station (formerly Mountlake Terrace Transit Center), and Northgate Station. This is a great time to test out light rail if you have never ridden it before.
Starting Sept. 14, Community Transit will implement major changes to bus service. Many bus routes will be modified or replaced with new ones designed to connect directly to light rail. It’s likely that you'll need to take a different bus to reach light rail at that time.
DART Paratransit service to serve additional areas
With bus service covering new areas of Snohomish County, DART riders may gain access to new travel areas or have expanded service hours. Learn more.
Where to learn more
The Service Change webpage is your go-to place to learn about everything service change related. This webpage contains route specific information, including maps and videos that explain the upcoming changes in detail.
This page also links to the Maps & Schedules and Plan My Trip tools which you can use to preview your new route or plan a trip to see the updates to your route. Be sure to set your arrival or departure date to Sept. 14 or later to see your new route options.
Sign up for email or text Rider Alerts to stay up to date on changes to your bus. Get real-time Rider Alerts about bus delays, reroutes or cancellations, and learn about changes to the routes you ride. Sign up for Rider Alerts here.
To talk with a person about the upcoming service change and get personalized trip planning, contact the Community Transit Customer Care team, available Monday to Friday from 6:30 a.m. to 6:30 p.m. at (800) 562-1375 or (425) 353-RIDE (7433), TTY: 711 or you can email riders@commtrans.org.
You can also visit the new Community Transit Ride Store at Lynnwood City Center Station, your go-to destination for all things transit—whether it's getting your questions answered, purchasing or reloading your ORCA card, or recovering lost items left on the bus. Learn more.
Ride Store hours
- Monday – Friday | 7 a.m. – 6 p.m.
- Saturday | 8:30 a.m. – 4 p.m.
- Sundays and major holidays | Closed
Important dates
- Friday, Aug. 30 – Link light rail arrives in Snohomish County.
- Sunday, Sept. 1 – Community Transit will be updating fares. All standard adult fares for all Community Transit bus service will be $2.50.
- Saturday, Sept. 14 – Community Transit’s major service change.
