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# King County Metro increases bus routes
- URL: https://www.cascadepbs.org/transportation/2015/03/king-county-metro-increases-bus-routes/
- Published: 2015-03-02T07:34:18.000Z
- Updated: 2026-05-08T10:50:38.000Z
- Author: Cody Olsen
- Tags: Transportation, Troll, #wp, #wp-post, #Import 2025-04-14 08:04, #Import 2025-05-09 14:49

The public voted for it, and now it's time: King County Metro is increasing its bus service in Seattle. Last fall Seattle voted to bolster our sometimes-lacking bus system by 10 percent, paid for by hikes in the sales tax and vehicle licensing fees. [KUOW](http://kuow.org/post/higher-bus-fares-hiring-spree-now-effect-king-county-metro?ref=cascadepbs.org) reported that Metro is hiring 240 more drivers, some of whom will start in July, to help with overcrowded bus routes, and the rest will begin in September.

A 25 cent increase in bus fare also went into effect over the weekend. Buses are now accepting [ORCA LIFT cards](http://metro.kingcounty.gov/programs-projects/orca-lift/?ref=cascadepbs.org), offering a reduced fare to individuals who qualify under low-income guidelines.

Kevin Desmond, head of King County Metro, tells KUOW that finding bus drivers isn't an issue: "So every single day, five days a week, there are people coming down here, filling out applications." The challenge, he says, will be selecting and training drivers.