Transit Program

In Seattle, Bus Only lanes and BAT lanes (Business Access and Transit) are designated for public transportation vehicles. The City Traffic Engineer exercises the authority to reserve any portion of a street for the exclusive use of public transportation vehicles as stated in SMC 11.16.320.D. Private vehicles and tour operators are not authorized to use lanes marked Bus Only. (SMC 11.53.230)

While the City doesn't run the buses or light rail trains, we do work closely with King County Metro, Sound Transit, and other transit providers on major service and infrastructure changes within the city limits. We enhance transit through:

Transit Service. The Seattle Transit Measure (Proposition 1) provides funding for the City to purchase transit service from King County Metro. We also contribute funding for transit service on both streetcars with sponsorship funds, fare-box revenue, and other funding sources. 

Planning and Policy. We updated the Transit Master Plan in 2016 and regularly coordinate with Metro, Sound Transit, and other City departments on transit improvement projects and station area planning.

Seattle Streetcar. We own the South Lake Union and First Hill streetcar lines.  We contract with Metro for operations. Work on a streetcar line to connect the two existing lines is underway, read more about the Center City Connector project.

Corridor Improvements. Levy to Move Seattle (a voter-approved levy) provides funding for transit corridor improvements, including seven new RapidRide corridors. We plan and build street, signal, bus stop facility, and technology improvements that increase bus speeds and enhance passenger comfort along key corridors. View current capital projects.

2020 Seattle Transit Measure (STM)

Funding transit service, capital projects, and transit access programs like our Transportation Access Program.

Transit-Plus Multimodal Corridor Program

We are working to improve the RapidRide transit network throughout our city.

Seattle Streetcar

Plan your streetcar trip. Get safety tips. And, learn about future expansion to further connect Seattle's people to [...]

Seattle Streetcar/Culture Connector

The Center City Connector will join the existing South Lake Union and the First Hill Streetcar lines, creating new [...]

Columbia St 2-Way Transit Corridor

We have developed a plan for a transit pathway on Alaskan Way and Columbia St to get buses to and from the 3rd Ave [...]

Spot Improvements

Low cost improvements to enhance safety and convenience by making streets more comfortable.

Real-time Information Signs

We have developed a new tool to provide estimates of incoming King County Metro and Sound Transit bus arrivals.

Employer Shared Transit Stop Program

SDOT and METRO collaboration with Microsoft and Children's Hospital to temporarily share a set of public transit stops.

Vehicle License Fee Rebate

This program expired June 30, 2021.

Transit Master Plan

A comprehensive and 20-year look ahead to the type of transit system that will be required to meet Seattle's transit [...]

Transit Planning and Policy Resources

A variety of local, regional and state policies that impact Seattle's transit choices.

King Street Station

King Street Station is a public asset and an important part of Seattle's history

Transportation

Greg Spotts, Director
Address: 700 5th Ave, Suite 3800, Seattle, WA, 98104
Mailing Address: PO Box 34996, Seattle, WA, 98124-4996
Phone: (206) 684-7623
684-Road@seattle.gov

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The Seattle Department of Transportation (SDOT) is on a mission to deliver a transportation system that provides safe and affordable access to places and opportunities for everyone as we work to achieve our vision of Seattle as a thriving, equitable community powered by dependable transportation.