King County Metro has officially launched its Metro Flex service in the Overlake area, providing residents with an innovative transportation option that enables on-demand rides at an affordable price.
This new service allows riders to travel on their own schedule, connecting various neighborhoods, transit hubs, shopping destinations, and more, all through a user-friendly app.
On September 19, leaders from Bellevue, Redmond, Move Redmond, Sound Transit, and Metro came together to celebrate the ribbon-cutting event that marked the inauguration of this service.
Utilizing the Metro Flex app, users can book rides in Metro-operated minivans across the Overlake service area.
Metro Flex offers a convenient solution for various trips, whether it’s for meeting a friend for lunch, attending a medical appointment, or linking to light rail services without the need for a personal vehicle.
“Metro Flex is more than just a new way to ride,” stated Michelle Allison, Metro General Manager. “It’s a neighborhood-driven solution designed to meet people where they are and take them where they need to go — conveniently, affordably, and sustainably.”
The service operates on weekdays from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. and on weekends from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m., covering an area of approximately 2.8 square miles.
Key destinations within this service zone include Sound Transit’s Overlake Village Link light rail station, Crossroads Bellevue Shopping Center, and Interlake High School.
Metro Flex riders pay a fare of just $3, which is equivalent to the standard Metro bus fare.
Additionally, transfers to both buses and light rail services are free.
Reduced fares are available for seniors, individuals with disabilities, and low-income customers, while youth aged 18 and under can ride free.
To book a ride, users can download the app from the Apple App Store or Google Play Store, or simply call 206-258-7739.
This new service aims not only to facilitate local travel within neighborhoods but also to connect riders to the larger regional transit network.
Metro Flex makes commuting more accessible and encourages individuals to leave their vehicles at home in favor of using public transit.
By addressing the gaps in traditional bus service and providing easy transfers to larger transit options, Metro Flex offers communities greater freedom and flexibility in travel.
“This launch marks an exciting new chapter for Metro and the Overlake community,” expressed Christina O’Claire, Metro’s Mobility Division Director.
“We’ve been committed to listening to the community, refining the service, and ensuring it truly meets local needs. Metro Flex is here to open doors — literally and figuratively — for our riders.”
With Overlake joining an expanding list of Metro Flex service areas, including Delridge/South Park, Issaquah/Sammamish, and Tukwila, the program demonstrates Metro’s commitment to enhancing transportation options across the region.
Redmond Mayor Angela Birney highlighted the importance of Metro Flex in addressing transportation gaps within the Overlake neighborhood, stating, “The sustainable and flexible service gives our community more ways to connect to the region’s greater transit network.”
Metro Flex is designed to be accessible for those using mobility devices by ensuring that accessible vehicles are assigned to riders who indicate their needs when setting up their Metro Flex profile in the app.
Additionally, the app supports multilingual options, automatically translating into the user’s preferred language if their phone is set to one of the supported languages, including Amharic, Arabic, and Spanish, among others.
Riders may also access translation services by contacting Customer Service at 206-258-7739, where they can receive assistance in over 300 languages.
The Metro Flex Pilot in Overlake is scheduled to operate for a duration of two years, after which it will undergo evaluation to determine its potential for long-term continuation as a permanent service.
ABOUT METRO FLEX
Metro Flex represents King County Metro’s commitment to providing on-demand neighborhood transit options designed for quick and convenient rides within specified service areas.
By enabling riders to request a ride via the Metro Flex app or by phone, the service enhances local mobility while fostering stronger connections to high-capacity transit options throughout the metro area.
image source from：kingcountymetro
