King County Executive Dow Constantine today thanked U.S. Transportation Secretary Ray LaHood and Federal Transit Administrator Peter Rogoff for signing off on two federal grants that will expand bus rapid transit in King County.
“I am deeply grateful to the Transportation Department and our congressional delegation for their support of RapidRide in King County,” said Constantine. “This award is recognition that bus rapid transit can be a cost-effective complement to our light rail system, connecting King County cities and neighborhoods with frequent and reliable transit options.”
The two grants, totaling $37.5 million, represent more than half of the start-up cost for the final two lines of Metro’s RapidRide system – a system that is already producing significant ridership gains. The grants will be instrumental in funding improvements such as specially-designed buses, passenger amenities and road improvements.
Today’s final action allows Metro to enter into binding grant contracts with the federal government, clearing the way for construction on the E and F lines. The two new lines, operating between Shoreline and downtown Seattle, and between the cities of Burien, Tukwila and Renton, will be launched in the fall of 2013.
