Improvements to Traditional Commute Options Will Make Viaduct Closure Manageable

This ain't your grandma's shutdown-King County Metro has a suite of new options that will enhance traditional commute modes during the Alaskan Way Viaduct Closure to get you out of gridlock.

The ripple effects of the Alaskan Way Viaduct Closure will mean longer travel times and more congestion on neighboring roadways. There are some new and improved options to traditional commute alternatives that will help you keep your sanity during the closure.

Getting to Transit

On-Demand Shuttle Service "Ride2" 

Ride2 offers on-demand shuttle service to and from West Seattle (Alaska Junction and Water Taxi) or the Eastgate Park and Ride using mobile apps. 

Discounted Uber and Lyft Rides to Transit Centers

Lyft’s $2.75 discounts can be applied to the following transit hubs using the promo code REALIGN99:

  • Burien Transit Center
  • Northgate Transit Center Park & Ride
  • Olson Place & Myers Way Park & Ride
  • Columbia City Station
  • Mt. Baker Station
  • Othello Station
  • Rainier Beach Station
  • Tukwila International Boulevard Station
  • University of Washington Station
  • West Seattle Water Taxi

Uber's $2.75 discounts can be applied to these transit hubs when you use the promo code COMMUTESMART:

  • Beacon Hill Station,
  • SeaTac Airport Station
  • Angle Lake Station
  • Burien Transit Center
  • Northgate Transit Center Park & Ride
  • Columbia City Station
  • Mt. Baker Station
  • Othello Station
  • Rainier Beach Station
  • Tukwila International Boulevard Station
  • University of Washington Station
  • West Seattle Water Taxi

Bike Share to the Bus Stop

Uber, which owns the portable bike rental company JUMP, is waiving $1 fees to unlock bikes between Jan. 11 and Feb. 15 and increasing the number of bikes available on streets.  Grab a bike to get to transit

 

On-Demand, Flexible Carpooling

King County Metro has teamed up with Waze Carpool and Scoop to offer discounts to commuters who use their services. The apps connect commuters with neighbors who are going in the same direction or workplace. The county will offer discounts to riders and incentives to people who volunteer to be carpool drivers.

  1. Download a free carpool app
    1. Scoop -For a limited time only, Metro will provide discounts for riders and higher reimbursements for drivers.
    2. Waze Carpooling -$2 for all rides starting or ending in King County and up to $0.54 for drivers
  2. Enter your trip locations and times.
  3. Get matched with neighbors or co-workers going your way.
  4. Book a ride and enjoy the benefits.

 

Flex Schedule to Avoid Peak Hours

Use the Waze App to find the best times to leave and your fastest route.  If you can adjust your work schedule to avoid peak times (typically 6 AM to 10 AM and 3 PM to 7 PM) it'll not only be faster for you, but help those that don't have flexibility.

You can set the app to alert you when it's the best time to leave, and you'll get real time updates to any changes.  Flip over to the "Waze Carpool" app and you can pick up riders to earn up to $0.54/mile and get in the HOV lane.

 

Teleworking at Home or the Library

Set yourself up for success before you start working at home, or working remotely from your local King County Library.  The library is inviting people to come work there, to combine some of the advantages of home and office: a familiar, accessible neighborhood spot where you can find a welcoming space, access to technology, and a helping hand.