The G Line has established itself as a vital transportation option, darting through densely populated neighborhoods with a steady stream of riders throughout the day.
Recent data highlights ridership patterns that indicate consistent usage across various stops along the route, reflecting the area’s strong demand for public transit services.
At the northeastern terminus, Madison St & MLK emerges as a crucial stop.
Here, riders demonstrate a reliable boarding pattern, with inbound counts holding steady throughout the day.
In contrast, the stop experiences a noticeable spike in outbound departures during the afternoon hours.
Its location within the bustling commercial sector of Madison Valley allows for seamless transfers to Routes 8 and 11, further enhancing its utility.
The 23rd Ave (inbound)/24th Ave (outbound) stop pair reveals a contrasting reality: they possess the lowest ridership on the entire route.
Despite Route 48’s operation on 23rd Ave, very few transfers occur between it and the G Line, possibly due to inconvenient stop placements necessitating a block’s walk for transferring passengers.
In addition, the transfer requirement between routes may deter potential riders, especially those traveling from First Hill or Capitol Hill to the University of Washington, who prefer using the Link train.
For destinations in Central District, riders may opt for Routes 2, 3, 4, or 8.
Moving on to the 22nd Ave stop, the surrounding apartment buildings contribute to a stable influx of inbound boardings throughout the day.
Outbound departures peak during the afternoons and evenings, indicating this stop supports a diverse range of trips, including commuting, errands, and dining outings.
Similarly, 17th Ave experiences consistent traffic, with passengers able to transfer to/from Route 12.
The 12th Ave stop serves the central areas of shops and restaurants along Pike St and Pine St in Capitol Hill.
It showcases a similar ridership pattern, with consistent inbound boardings throughout the day and a spike in outbound departures during the afternoon and evening hours.
More outbound riders boarding in the afternoons reflects the stop’s popularity for diners and commuters alike.
The Boylston Ave stop marks a shift in ridership dynamics, featuring significant inbound and outbound activity.
Located near the Swedish Medical Center and within the lively Pike-Pine commercial area, it attracts considerable attention.
The patterns of high inbound afternoon boardings and significant outbound morning departures suggest an influx of employees traveling to and from downtown.
Passengers can easily transfer here to/from Route 60, adding to its appeal.
Next is the Terry Ave stop, strategically located in the heart of First Hill near major institutions such as Virginia Mason Medical Center and O’Dea High School.
This location is popular among commuters and students, with both inbound and outbound trips yielding substantial drop-offs in the morning hours.
At 8th Ave, the G Line runs a one-way loop along Madison for inbound travelers and Spring for outbound.
Unfortunately, low ridership at this stop can be attributed to half its walkshed being affected by the I-5 freeway, limiting its accessibility.
In the 5th Ave (inbound)/4th Ave (outbound) stop, ridership mirrors a commuter-centric pattern, as passengers frequently board in the morning for inbound trips and flow out during the afternoons.
Situated next to the Central Library and numerous office buildings, this stop serves as a transit hub for many workers and residents.
The 3rd Ave stop holds the distinction of being the busiest along the route, catering to countless passengers who transfer to an array of routes in the vicinity.
Additionally, its proximity to the Symphony Link station enhances its utility, making it a pivotal point on the G Line.
Finally, the G Line’s stop on 1st Ave, while not reaching the waterfront, is instrumental in serving a wide range of offices, shops, restaurants, and residential buildings nearby.
Initially planned as a connection with the now-defunct Cultural Connector Streetcar, its strategic location may give rise to future transit opportunities along 1st Ave.
Currently, the G Line boasts an average weekday boarding count of 6,113, although this figure lags behind many other routes within King County.
The G Line’s shorter length and limited number of stops contribute to impressive per-stop ridership numbers, highlighting its efficiency.
Looking ahead, as the G Line just opened last year, there are currently no forthcoming changes on the route.
Nevertheless, as residential populations in the area continue to grow, ridership is expected to increase steadily.
Moreover, the presence of the G Line is likely to spur new developments along the Madison corridor, further bolstering ridership numbers and enhancing community connectivity.
image source from：seattletransitblog
