King County Metro is encouraging people to leave the driving to them this New Year’s Eve, with free rides and added service to wrap up 2017.
Between 4 a.m. on Dec. 31 and 4 a.m. on Jan 1., Metro will operate on its Sunday schedule at no charge, with extra buses as needed to serve destinations like Seattle Center, Capitol Hill, and downtown. Routes with added service include the 1, 3, 4, 32, and RapidRide D Line. Fareboxes and ORCA card readers will be covered to remind riders not to pay.
"We want people to go have a good time and know they can get home safely, affordably, and reliably," said King County Councilmember Dave Upthegrove — who proposed the idea — in a press release.
The Seattle Streetcar will also be free on New Year’s Eve, while Sound Transit will extend service on Link light rail, with trains running northbound until 1:30 a.m., and southbound from the University of Washington until 2 a.m. Light rail will still require a full, valid fare to ride.
For more information on King County Metro, go to www.kingcounty.gov/depts/transportation/metro.aspx.