DRAFT SEATTLE RAPIDRIDE

EXPANSION PROGRAM REPORT

FEBRUARY 2017
Table of Contents
PROGRAM INTRODUCTION . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1
RapidRide Network . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3
What is RapidRide in Seattle? . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4
Why RapidRide? . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5
Transit Service and Performance Objectives . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6
Seattles RapidRide System Today . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7
BACKGROUND . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9
Planning History . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10
NETWORK DEVELOPMENT . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13
Corridor Development Process . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14
Draft Program Timeline . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 16
Corridor Overview Sheets . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 18
PROGRAM FUNDING AND COSTS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 33
Potential Funding Sources . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 34
Program Investments . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 35
NEXT STEPS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 37
PROGRAM INTRODUCTION
The RapidRide Expansion Program is a partnership between
the City of Seattle and King County Metro to deliver reliable,
convenient, high-quality transit options to Seattles growing
population through the implementation of seven new
RapidRide corridors.

Through a combination of transit service improvements,

capital investment, and design treatments, these corridors
will build on the success of existing RapidRide service and
help meet local and regional transportation goals. RapidRide
corridor design considers the unique needs and context
of each location. In addition to the transportation plans
that inform it, corridor development is shaped by transit
performance data, agency partnerships, and public input.

Draft Seattle RapidRide Expansion Program Report | February 2017 1

 5

2024 SEATTLE Northgate

RAPIDRIDE NETWORK North

Beach Greenwood
DRAFT - FEBRUARY 2017
Maple Leaf

E
Roosevelt
Phinney
Ridge Green 5
Lake Wedgwood

Green
Lake University
Ballard
District

RR MARKET
RR Fremont
FR
EM
ON Wallingford
T University
Magnolia of Washington

Lake

RR ROOSEVELT
Washington

D Queen Lake
Union
2024 RapidRide Network* Anne

k
Lin
Madison
Madison - G Line Capitol
Valley
Hill
E
Delridge - H Line

Rainier G

RR 23RD
Roosevelt
Central Madrona
Market 5 District

Elliot Bay
Fremont

23rd 90
East Link
90
Delivery approach subject H
to further analysis Mercer
C Link Island
Harbor Mount
Major Transfer Hub Baker
Island
Other Transit
RR R

Existing RapidRide Beacon Hill

AIN

West
IER

RapidRide Extension Seattle

Columbia
City
Link Light Rail

Seattle Streetcar

Georgetown
*To be refined during corridor H
C Rainier
development Delridge 5
Valley

Not to Scale Fauntleroy

Data Sources: City of Seattle, King County White Center

Rainier
Beach

To Burien
RapidRide Network
The expansion of RapidRide is an important
part of creating a comprehensive, frequent
transit network for Seattle. Expanding on
the existing three RapidRide lines in Seattle,
seven new RapidRide corridors will connect
to Link light rail, the Seattle Streetcar, non-
motorized transportation, ferry terminals, and
other Metro bus routes to provide mobility
options throughout the city and beyond.
The seven corridors identified in the Seattle
Transit Master Plan and further developed by
the RapidRide Expansion Program are:
RapidRide will connect major destinations
and link diverse and growing neighborhoods
with employment, shopping, and transit
hubs. The network will serve areas of the
city where large numbers of people work and
live. By 2035, approximately 1.5 million jobs
and almost 650,000 residents will be located
within half a mile of a new RapidRide corridor.
With such convenient, comprehensive service,
over 50,000 additional daily trips are expected
on the RapidRide corridors by 2035.

Madison (RapidRide G Line)

Downtown Seattle to First Hill to Madison
Valley

Delridge (RapidRide H Line)

Downtown Seattle to Delridge to Burien

Rainier
Downtown Seattle to Mt Baker to Rainier
Beach

Roosevelt
Downtown Seattle to Eastlake to Roosevelt

Market
Ballard to Wallingford to U-District

Fremont
Downtown Seattle to Fremont to Ballard

23rd
Mt Baker to Central Area to U-District

Several corridors have segments where the

delivery approach will be subject to further
analysis, including consideration of bus fleet,
capital infrastructure, layover, and service
integration.

Draft Seattle RapidRide Expansion Program Report | February 2017 3

 What is RapidRide in Seattle?
RapidRide corridors include a combination of
dedicated bus-only lanes, enhanced stations
with real-time bus arrival information,
improved fare collection systems, specialized
vehicles, and smarter traffic signals.

With 96% of people getting to transit by

walking or biking*, RapidRide corridors in
Seattle also include improvements to make it
easier and safer for people to get to transit.

These improvements add up to significant

travel time savings for people who use transit
in the seven corridors.

DEDICATED BUS LANES ENHANCED BUS STOPS

Bus-only lanes separate buses RapidRide stations include
from traffic, increasing speed real-time arrival information,
and reliability. larger shelters, lighting, and
other amenities.

OFF-BOARD FARE COLLECTION SPECIALIZED BUSES

Off-board fare collection helps RapidRide buses offer more
buses move faster as riders can capacity and lower floors for
pay fares without waiting in line. easier loading and unloading.

SMART SIGNALS BIKE AND PEDESTRIAN

Transit signal priority extends or activates green CONNECTIONS TO TRANSIT
lights to reduce waiting times for buses at signals. Improvements to crossings,
neighborhood greenways, and bike
lanes will help people access new
RapidRide lines.

*King County Metro Transit Access to Transit Report (July 2015)

4
Why RapidRide?
Seattle is creating a safe, interconnected, Population and Employment Growth
vibrant, affordable, and innovative city for all.

Seattle is growing. Over the past 20 years,

Seattle gained 100,000 new residents and
approximately 50,000 jobs. And, over the next
20 years, an additional 120,000 residents and
115,000 jobs are anticipated. The RapidRide
network will help deliver an easy-to-use,
interconnected, reliable system that connects
people, places, and products by increasing the
number of people that can be moved within
the existing street network.

Additionally, delivering the RapidRide network

is a key component to meeting the Move
Seattle transit promise of providing 72% of
households with 10-minute all-day service
within a 10-minute walk from their home.

These capital investments complement and

build on investments in service Seattle is
making through the Seattle Transportation Households Within Walking Distance to
Benefit District. In 2014, Seattle voters 10-Minute or Better Service
approved Proposition 1 to fund the purchase
of increased Metro service and additional
transit programs for Seattle residents. The
combination of capital investments from the
RapidRide Expansion Program and service
investments will make significant progress
toward accommodating growth and meeting
the Move Seattle transit promise.

Draft Seattle RapidRide Expansion Program Report | February 2017 5

FACT SHEET February 2017

Seattle is one of the nations fastest-growing cities

with ever-increasing demands on our transportation
system. SDOT is working with King Country Metro to

Transit Service and Performance Objectives

improve the RapidRide transit network throughout
our city, planning seven new lines to help better
connect people, places, and products.
The City of Seattle and King County Metro Reliability in each new corridor to exceed
EXPANDING RAPIDRIDE WILL IMPROVE TRANSIT
have developed the following performance the 85 percent system-wide headway
CONNECTIONS
goals for the RapidRide Expansion Program, adherence goal.
Advances our transit promise from the Levy to
based on an analysis of corridor need and
Move Seattle topast
review of provide 72% of Seattle
performance on theresidents
three Target 50 percent increased transit
with transit service that runs
existing RapidRide lines: every 10 minutes ridership on each new corridor within five
or better all-day within a 10-minute walk from years.
their home
Provide a minimum of 10 to 15 percent
Provide frequent, all day, evening and
Incorporatesfaster
thebus travel
best times.
of King This reflects
County Metros travel weekend service, with the following
time savings during the peak
service, with simple, frequent service in commute
the minimum service levels:
time, the
latest Metro vehicles period in which bus riders
typically experience the greatest travel 10-minute or better service all day
Goes beyond timetransit
delay. to better connect people
walking and people riding bikes to the transit 15-30 minute or better during nights
network by improving sidewalks, paths, and and weekends
neighborhood greenways
Links diverse neighborhoods to downtown, Brings SDOT and King County Metro together to
transit hubs, employment opportunities, and address bus speed and service reliability, so we can
shopping districts better ensure fast and on-time buses

Frequent service 10-15% faster

performance goals all day, evening, weekend bus travel times

10-min
or better
all day +50% ridership
within 5 years
15-30 min or better
night and weekend 85% on-time
scheduled bus arrival

PROGRAM INFORMATION & CONTACT

Dawn Schellenberg, SDOT
RapidRide@Seattle.gov or (206) 684-5189

6
Seattles RapidRide System Today
RapidRide was launched by King County
Metro in 2010 as their premier transit service,
complete with more trips, enhanced stations,
unique branding and other improvements to
speed up bus service. It was partially funded
by the Transit Now initiative, a sales tax
increase approved by King County voters in
2006, and with federal funding in partnership
with the Federal Transit Administration.

Three of the six existing RapidRide

There has been an

corridors serve the City of Seattle and were
implemented by King County Metro working

average 87 percent
closely with the City:

ridership increase
RapidRide C Line Connecting West
Seattle to Downtown Seattle (launched in

since launching
2012) and extended to South Lake Union in
2016
RapidRide D Line Connecting Ballard to RapidRide; carrying
Uptown and Downtown Seattle (Launched
in 2012) more than 43,000
RapidRide E Line Connecting Downtown
Seattle and Shoreline (Launched in 2014)
riders per weekday.
More than 275,000 annual service hours were
provided to the system by the three lines.
On average, they have seen an 87 percent
ridership increase since launching and carry
more than 43,000 riders per weekday. Each
line has sped up travel time during the busiest
commute hours by an average of 11%. The
number of trips coming on time has improved
to 84% from 76%.

The Seattle Transportation Benefit District,

approved by voters in 2014, has invested in
the three Seattle RapidRide lines. These
investments help to reduce overcrowding,
improve reliability, and provide more service
at night on weekends.

Draft Seattle RapidRide Expansion Program Report | February 2017 7

Source: Oran Viryincy
BACKGROUND
Seattles strong economy, vibrant culture, and attractive
location have made it one of the fastest growing cities in
the nation. Transit ridership is at an all-time high with over
45% of commuters accessing downtown via transit. With the
voter approval of the Levy to Move Seattle, the City of Seattle
has committed to building a high-quality transportation
system that connects people, places and products, and meets
tomorrows transportation needs.

There are many efforts underway to improve mobility in the city

and the region, such as Link Light Rail expansion, the Center
City Connector Streetcar, downtown bus service restructuring
and improvements to pedestrian and bicycle connections.
The RapidRide network is an essential piece of an integrated
transit network.

The RapidRide Expansion Program is built on a foundation of

extensive planning done by the City through the approval of
the Levy to Move Seattle, the 2016 Transit Master Plan update,
and continued partnership with King County Metro as reflected
in their recently developed METRO CONNECTS Long Range
Vision.

Draft Seattle RapidRide Expansion Program Report | February 2017 9

 Planning History
2014
SEATTLE PEDESTRIAN
AND BICYCLE MASTER
PLANS (2014)
The Seattle Pedestrian Master
Plan and the Seattle Bicycle
Master Plan were adopted in
2014. Connecting to transit is a
key part of the mission statement
of both plans. Recommended
bike and pedestrian projects
overlap all seven RapidRide
corridors. Improvements to
sidewalks, pedestrian crossings,
ADA accessibility, greenways,
and bike lanes are all examples
of what might be integrated
into the planning process to
create safer and easier access
to frequent transit service,
effectively leverage funding,
and help create a complete
multimodal network for Seattle.
10
2015
LEVY TO MOVE SEATTLE
(2015)
The Levy to Move Seattle, which
passed in 2015, expands the
transportation system over
the next nine years to meet
tomorrows needs. Projects in
the Levy to Move Seattle were
prioritized by integrating the four
Seattle modal plans (freight,
bicycle, pedestrian, and transit)
into a cohesive, near-term
strategy. By integrating with
modal plans, the City can define
neighborhood transportation
projects that address several
needs. The Levy expanded the
transit vision in the Transit
Master Plan by emphasizing
multimodal improvements for
each corridor. A desired outcome
of the RapidRide Expansion
Program is to further the vision
of the Levy to build a system
that provides not only great
transit service but optimizes the
movement of people and goods.
 2016
THE CITY OF SEATTLE
TRANSIT MASTER
PLAN UPDATE (2016)
Originally adopted in 2012, the
Seattle Transit Master Plan set
forth a comprehensive 20-year
look-ahead for the type of transit
system required to meet the
Citys needs. Through extensive
public and agency involvement,
the plan identifies the Citys most
important transit corridors that
improve mobility throughout
the city. The Seattle City Council
subsequently approved an
update to the Transit Master Plan
in 2016, providing a framework
for the RapidRide Expansion
Program.
Draft Seattle RapidRide Expansion Program Report | February 2017
2017
KING COUNTY METRO
CONNECTS LONG RANGE
VISION (2017)
King County Metro recently developed their
long range vision, METRO CONNECTS. This
plan identifies a 70% increase in transit
service by 2040, with a vision for service that
comes more often, is faster and more reliable,
and that is easier to use for customers.
Integration with other transportation service
providers and partnerships with King County
cities are key to achieving the METRO
CONNECTS vision.
In addition to expanded frequent, local, and
express service, the plan envisions thirteen
new RapidRide corridors throughout the King
County service area by 2025, including the
seven Seattle corridors, and 20 new lines
total by 2040. King County will continue to
operate and maintain RapidRide service,
while partnerships and coordinated planning
can contribute to making sure each corridor
reaches the targeted level of service and
service quality.
The partnership between the City of Seattle
and King County Metro is critical and is
underscored by a common goal to expand and
improve the Seattle transit system, improving
performance levels on each corridor.
Together, the City of Seattle and King County
Metros work will translate into faster buses,
better reliability, capacity to meet growing
ridership demand and more frequent night
and weekend service.
11
NETWORK DEVELOPMENT
The framework for designing, funding, and building the seven
RapidRide Expansion Program corridors is outlined in the
following pages.

The corridors are developed as a network to provide an

integrated transit system that functions seamlessly with other
transportation elements as well as regional transit projects
such as Sound Transits light rail expansion. This integrated
approach ensures the network will best serve the citizens of
the City, while optimizing corridor project delivery and funding
opportunities.

As this network is further developed, conceptual corridor

planning and design will draw on the Citys Transit, Pedestrian,
Bicycle and Freight Master Plans and the Vision Zero Initiative
to guide safety and multimodal improvements to provide better
access for people and goods.

Draft Seattle RapidRide Expansion Program Report | February 2017 13

 Corridor Development Process
The framework for designing, funding, and
delivering RapidRide Expansion Program
corridors in Seattle will use the following
process, which aligns with the approach
used to develop projects in the Levy to Move
Seattle.

Community participation throughout

the process is critical to meet the vision
of an integrated and enhanced transit
corridor project. Detailed development of
the corridors, including corridor-specific
timelines, designs and environmental review,
will start when the individual corridors are
advanced. The City is currently working on
the Madison, Roosevelt, and Delridge corridor
projects.

The Seattle City Council will receive regular

briefings on the RapidRide Expansion
Program over the course of program delivery.
For corridors seeking a Federal Transit
Administration Small Starts grant, Council
will be asked to adopt a Locally Preferred
Alterative that supports the corridor delivery
strategy outlined in this document.

Each new RapidRide line is expected to

require two actions by the King County
Councilone to adopt the corridor alignment
and another to replace or change underlying
transit service along the corridor. The exact
timeline for King County Council review will
be based on the RapidRide corridor phasing
and complexity of the projects.

14
Corridor Development Process

KEY
City Public Engagement Opportunities

Decision Milestones
Levy to Move Seattle
passes King County Metro coordination

Transit Master Plan

Recommendations
King County Metro
Connects Plan Help us identify mobility issues
Preferred route alignment
Input on how you use the corridor
Existing Conditions Share what you see as mobility issues along
corridor
Discuss mobility tradeoffs/preferences

Options Analysis
PLANNING

Help us select a preferred option

Develop options, discuss trade-offs and
prioritize multimodal investments

Preferred option
identified
King County
Council reviews and Community shapes design
approves alignment
Specific station details
Transit riders access to stations
Deliveries access
Bike amenities
DESIGN

City environmental
review complete
Inform construction phasing
Share your ideas on when and how work occurs
Comment on updated design

Help us get ready for construction

King County Metro Feedback on phasing plan
begins outreach on Input on best ways to keep you informed
service changes
CONSTRUCTION

Connect with us during construction

Dedicated, responsive, and coordinated
neighborhood liaisons
Regular updates, advanced notice, and signage
King County Council during detours
approves service change Your thoughts on construction

RapidRide
service begins

Draft Seattle RapidRide Expansion Program Report | February 2017 15

 Draft Program Timeline
The draft timeline for the RapidRide Supports Move Seattle delivery: review
Expansion Program is based on evaluation of of near-term projects in the corridor for
a number of factors, including: opportunities to coordinate with RapidRide
implementation.
Funding opportunities: assessment
of corridor characteristics and Partner considerations: assessment of
potential benefits compared to funding potential changes to existing King County
opportunities. bus services and identification of regional
projects that will complement RapidRide
The scope of the project: assessment implementation.
of corridor needs and review of
existing transit infrastructure, corridor Equity assessment: consideration of how
improvements and technology each corridor serves areas with a high
investments. minority and/or low income population.

Draft Timeline RAPIDRIDE EXPANSION PROGRAM

Corridor Implementation Schedule
2016 2017 2018 2019 2020 2021 2022 2023 2024

RapidRide Expansion Plan

Madison: RapidRide G Line Downtown Seattle to First Hill to Madison Valley

Delridge: RapidRide H Line Downtown Seattle to Delridge to Burien

Roosevelt: Downtown Seattle to Eastlake to Roosevelt

Rainier: Downtown Seattle to Mt Baker to Rainier Valley

Market: Ballard to Wallingford to U-District

Fremont: Downtown Seattle to Fremont/Ballard to Northgate

23rd: Mt Baker to Central Area to U-District

Planning Design Construction Service Potential Federal Transit Administration (FTA) Small Starts Projects
Begins

16
[this page intentionally blank]
 Green
University
MADISON - G LINE
Lake
District
OVERVIEW
Downtown Seattle
RR MARKETto First Hill to Madison Valley
Fremont

Wallingford 2019 Opening Date

3
miles in Length
RR ROOSEVELT

en Anne Lake
Union
PROJECT TIMELINE
I-5
PUBLIC ENGAGEMENT
Madison YEAR PROJECT PHASE OPPORTUNITIES
k

Capitol
Lin

Valley
Hill
E

2015 2016
23rd RapidRide HELP US IDENTIFY
Connection MOBILITY ISSUES
D G

PLANNING
Streetcar
RR 23RD

Connection
3rd Avenue
HELP US SELECT A
Transit Spine Central Madrona PREFERRED OPTION

2016 2017
Streetcar District
I-5
Connection H
ay
COMMUNITY SHAPES
DESIGN

INFORM CONSTRUCTION
I-90
East Link PHASING
DESIGN

2017 HELP US GET READY FOR

CONSTRUCTION
2018
H
I-5

C
Link
Harbor
Island

2018 2019
CONSTRUCTION

Mount CONNECT WITH US

Baker DURING CONSTRUCTION
RR R

Madison Corridor Beacon HillRapidRide

AIN

Key Connection Link

R IE

Seattle Streetcar Columbia

City
2019 SERVICE 2020
Not to Scale BEGINS
Data Sources: City of Seattle, King County

Georgetown

RAPIDRIDE EXPANSION PROGRAM | FEBRUARY 2017

PROJECT INFORMATION & CONTACT
www.seattle.gov/transportation/rapidrideexpansion.htm
RapidRide@Seattle.gov
EVALUATION METRICS* PROJECT INTEGRATION

10,000
The RREP will build on and integrate with existing and
Consolidated Corridor
planned improvements in the corridor, including:
Boardings

+7,000
PAST CORRIDOR INVESTMENTS
New Daily Boardings
(2035)
i Additional Bus Service (funded by City)

190k Jobs Served (2035)

56k Residents Served

(2035)

36% of Residents Served

are Low Income

35% of Residents served

are People of Color

38% of Households Served

Do Not Own a Car
Up to flickr user SounderBruce, https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/2.0/

25%
legalcode

Travel Time Savings

*Data Sources: Consolidated corridor boardings per FTA documentation, King
County Metro, Puget Sound Regional Council, US Census American Community
Survey 2015 5-Year Estimates

TREATMENT TOOLBOX
DEDICATED BUS LANES ENHANCED BUS STOPS OFF-BOARD FARE
Bus-only lanes separate RapidRide stations include COLLECTION
buses from traffic, increasing raised platforms, real-time Off-board fare
speed and reliability. arrival information, larger collection helps buses
shelters, lighting, and other move faster as riders
amenities. can pay fares without
waiting in line.

SPECIALIZED BUSES SMART SIGNALS BIKE AND PEDESTRIAN

All-electric RapidRide buses Transit signal priority extends or activates CONNECTIONS
offer more doors and lower green lights to reduce waiting times for Improvements to crossings,
floors for easier loading and buses at signals. neighborhood greenways, and
unloading. bike lanes will help
people get to new
RapidRide lines.
 DELRIDGE - H LINE

RR ROOSEVELT
OVERVIEW
Downtown Seattle to Delridge to Burien

Queen
Anne
Streetcar and
RapidRide 2020 Opening Date

k
D Capitol

Lin
Connections

14
Hill
E

G
miles

RR 23RD
in Length
Central
3rd Avenue District
Transit Spine

PROJECT TIMELINE
Elliott Bay

YEA
RR R PUBLIC ENGAGEMENT
H I-5
AIN
IE YEAR PROJECT PHASE OPPORTUNITIES

C
R
Link

2016 201
C Line HELP US IDENTIFY
Connection MOBILITY ISSUES

PLANNING
Beacon Hill
West
Seattle
HELP US SELECT A
PREFERRED OPTION

H
2017 COMMUNITY SHAPES 201
Georgetown DESIGN
C I-5
Delridge

INFORM CONSTRUCTION
DESIGN

PHASING

2018 201
DESIGN
HELP US GET READY FOR
CONSTRUCTION
Fauntleroy White Center
C Line
Connection

2019 201
CONSTRUCTION

To Burien CONNECT WITH US

DURING CONSTRUCTION

Delridge Corridor RapidRide

Delridge Corridor
Subject to Link
RapidRide
Further Analysis
High-Capacity Seattle Streetcar
Link Light Rail
Not to Scale
2020 202
Transit Connection
Key Connection Data Seattle Streetcar
Sources: City of Seattle, King County SERVICE
BEGINS
Not to Scale
Data Sources: City of Seattle, King County

2021 202
RAPIDRIDE EXPANSION PROGRAM | FEBRUARY 2017
PROJECT INFORMATION & CONTACT
www.seattle.gov/transportation/rapidrideexpansion.htm
RapidRide@Seattle.gov
EVALUATION METRICS* PROJECT INTEGRATION

5,200
The RREP will build on and integrate with existing and
planned improvements in the corridor, including:
Daily Boardings Today

+7,100
PAST CORRIDOR INVESTMENTS
New Daily Boardings
(2035) i Stop Consolidation
i BAT/Bus Lanes
187k Jobs Served (2035)
i Signal Priority
i Safety & Non-Motorized Investments
49k Residents Served (2035)
i Additional Bus Service (funded by City)
i Repaving
39% of Residents Served are
i Greenway Development
Low Income MAJOR PROJECTS
Delridge-Highland Park Greenway (2016)

48% of Residents Served are

People of Color
Constructed a neighborhood greenway along 17th
and 21st Ave SW between the West Seattle Bridge
Trail and White Center.

34% of Households Served

Do Not Own A Car
Route 120 Speed and Reliability Improvements
(2013) Consolidated bus stops, installed transit
Up to signal priority and a bus lane between SW Andover

10-15%
St and SW Oregon St.
Travel Time Savings Delridge Way SW Safety and Paving Improvement
*Evaluation based on representative concept, does not include the segment from Projects (2013) - Narrowed travel lanes, installed
Seattle City limits to Burien.
Data Sources: King County Metro, Puget Sound Regional Council, US Census Ameri-
pedestrian safety improvements, installed bike
can Community Survey 2015 5-Year Estimates lanes and repaved roadway.

TREATMENT TOOLBOX
DEDICATED BUS LANES ENHANCED BUS STOPS OFF-BOARD FARE
Bus-only lanes separate RapidRide stations include COLLECTION
buses from traffic, increasing real-time arrival information, Off-board fare
speed and reliability. larger shelters, lighting, and collection helps buses
other amenities. move faster as riders
can pay fares without
waiting in line.

SPECIALIZED BUSES SMART SIGNALS BIKE AND PEDESTRIAN

RapidRide buses offer lower Transit signal priority extends or activates CONNECTIONS TO TRANSIT
floors for easier loading and green lights to reduce waiting times for Improvements to crossings,
unloading. buses at signals. neighborhood greenways, and
bike lanes will help
people access new
RapidRide lines.
 ROOSEVELT RAPIDRIDE OVERVIEW
Downtown Seattle to Eastlake to Roosevelt

Northgate
Transit
2021 Opening Date

11
Center

miles
Greenwood
in Length

E
Maple Leaf

Phinney Roosevelt Link

PROJECT TIMELINE
Green
Ridge Lake
Connection
I-5 Wedgwood

PUBLIC ENGAGEMENT
Green YEAR PROJECT PHASE OPPORTUNITIES
University YEAR
Lake
District
U-District
RR MARKET Link and RapidRide
Fremont

2016 2016
Connections HELP US IDENTIFY

PLANNING
RR MOBILITY ISSUES
FR Wallingford
EM
ON
T
HELP US SELECT A
RR ROOSEVELT

PREFERRED OPTION

Lake
Union
2017 COMMUNITY SHAPES 2017
Queen DESIGN
Anne
Streetcar &
RapidRide Madison
k

Capitol INFORM CONSTRUCTION

Lin

Connections Valley
Hill PHASING
DESIGN

2018 2018
DESIGN
E HELP US GET READY FOR
D
G CONSTRUCTION
RR 23RD

Central
District
Madrona
3rd Avenue International
Transit Spine District/

Elliott Bay
King Street
Station 2019 2019
CONSTRUCTION

H I-90
East Link
C I-5
CONNECT WITH US
DURING CONSTRUCTION

Roosevelt Corridor
Harbor
Link
RapidRide 2020 2020
Island
Subject to Link
Mount
Further Analysis Baker
Seattle Streetcar
RR R

Beacon Hill
AIN

Key Connection
IER

Columbia
City
2021 SERVICE
BEGINS 2021
Not to Scale
Data Sources: City of Seattle, King County

RAPIDRIDE EXPANSION PROGRAM | FEBRUARY 2017

PROJECT INFORMATION & CONTACT 2022 2022
www.seattle.gov/transportation/rapidrideexpansion.htm
RapidRide@Seattle.gov
EVALUATION METRICS* PROJECT INTEGRATION

6,300
The RREP will build on and integrate with existing and
planned improvements in the corridor, including:
Daily Boardings Today

+9,200
PAST CORRIDOR INVESTMENTS
New Daily Boardings
(2035)
i Stop Consolidation
i Safety & Non-Motorized Investments
288k Jobs Served (2035)
i Additional Bus Service (funded by City)
i Repaving
99k Residents Served (2035) MAJOR PROJECTS

37%
Roosevelt Paving and Safety Project (2015)
of Residents Served are
Installed bus bulbs and bike lanes as well as safety
Low Income
improvements along segments of the corridor.

34% of Residents Served are

People of Color

37% of Households Served

Do Not Own A Car

Up to

15-20% Travel Time Savings

*Evaluation based on representative concept.
Data Sources: King County Metro, Puget Sound Regional Council, US Census
American Community Survey 2015 5-Year Estimates

TREATMENT TOOLBOX
DEDICATED BUS LANES ENHANCED BUS STOPS OFF-BOARD FARE
Bus-only lanes separate RapidRide stations include COLLECTION
buses from traffic, increasing real-time arrival information, Off-board fare
speed and reliability. larger shelters, lighting, and collection helps buses
other amenities. move faster as riders
can pay fares without
waiting in line.

SPECIALIZED BUSES SMART SIGNALS BIKE AND PEDESTRIAN

All-electric RapidRide buses Transit signal priority extends or activates CONNECTIONS TO TRANSIT
offer lower floors for easier green lights to reduce waiting times for Improvements to crossings,
loading and unloading. buses at signals. neighborhood greenways, and
bike lanes will help
people access new
RapidRide lines.
 RAINIER RAPIDRIDE OVERVIEW
Downtown Seattle to Mt Baker to Rainier Beach

Lake
RR ROOSEVELT 2020 Opening Date

8
Union
Queen

23rd
Anne
Streetcar and
k
Lin
RapidRide Madison
miles
k

Capitol
Lin

Connections Valley
E
Hill Lake in Length
Washington

G
RR 23RD

PROJECT TIMELINE
Central
3rd Avenue District
Madrona
Transit Spine
YEA
Streetcar PUBLIC ENGAGEMENT
Elliott
Connection YEAR PROJECT PHASE OPPORTUNITIES
International
Bay
District/ Rainier
King Street Station HELP US IDENTIFY

PLANNING
Station East Link MOBILITY ISSUES
I-90

H
C
I-5
2017 HELP US SELECT A
PREFERRED OPTION 201
Link Mt. Baker
Transit
COMMUNITY SHAPES
Center
DESIGN
Mount
Baker
RR R

Beacon Hill
INFORM CONSTRUCTION
AIN

2018 PHASING
201
IER

Columbia
DESIGN
City
HELP US GET READY FOR
CONSTRUCTION

Georgetown

2019 201
Rainier
I-5 DESIGN
Valley
CONSTRUCTION

Rainier
CONNECT WITH US
Beach
C Line
White Center Station DURING CONSTRUCTION

2020 202
Connection
Rainier
Beach

Rainier Corridor RapidRide

To Burien
Rainier Corridor RapidRide
Subject to Link
High-Capacity
Further Analysis Link Light Rail
Transit Connection Seattle Streetcar

2021 202
Key Connection Seattle Streetcar
5
SERVICE
Not Not to Scale
to Scale BEGINS
Data Sources: City of Seattle, King County
Data Sources: City of Seattle, King County

2022 202
RAPIDRIDE EXPANSION PROGRAM | FEBRUARY 2017
PROJECT INFORMATION & CONTACT
www.seattle.gov/transportation/rapidrideexpansion.htm
RapidRide@Seattle.gov
EVALUATION METRICS* PROJECT INTEGRATION

13,900
The RREP will build on and integrate with existing and
planned improvements in the corridor, including:
Daily Boardings Today

+9,900
PAST CORRIDOR INVESTMENTS
New Daily Boardings
(2035)
i Stop Consolidation
i BAT/Bus Lanes
261k Jobs Served (2035)
i Signal Priority
i Stop Enhancements
107k
i Safety & Non-Motorized Investments
Residents Served (2035) i Additional Bus Service (funded by City)
i Repaving
43% of Residents Served are
Low Income
i Greenway Development

57%
MAJOR PROJECTS
of Residents Served are
Rainier Avenue Corridor Safety Project (2015)
People of Color
Implemented safety improvements along Rainier

36%
through the Columbia City neighborhood.
of Households Served
Do Not Own A Car Rainier Corridor Improvements (2011) Added bus
bulbs, real-time information signs, and pedestrian
Up to safety improvements.

10-15% Travel Time Savings

*Evaluation based on representative concept.
Data Sources: King County Metro, Puget Sound Regional Council, US Census
American Community Survey 2015 5-Year Estimates

TREATMENT TOOLBOX
DEDICATED BUS LANES ENHANCED BUS STOPS OFF-BOARD FARE
Bus-only lanes separate RapidRide stations include COLLECTION
buses from traffic, increasing real-time arrival information, Off-board fare
speed and reliability. larger shelters, lighting, and collection helps buses
other amenities. move faster as riders
can pay fares without
waiting in line.

SPECIALIZED BUSES SMART SIGNALS BIKE AND PEDESTRIAN

All-electric RapidRide buses Transit signal priority extends or activates CONNECTIONS TO TRANSIT
offer lower floors for easier green lights to reduce waiting times for Improvements to crossings,
loading and unloading. buses at signals. neighborhood greenways, and
bike lanes will help
people access new
RapidRide lines.
 MARKET RAPIDRIDE
Ballard to Wallingford to U-District
Market Corridor
Puget Maple Leaf
Sound E Subject to
Phinney Further Analysis
D Ridge Green
Lake
Fremont Wedgwood
RapidRide Key Connection
Connection Green
RapidRide Lake
E Line U-District

Ballard Connection Link and RapidRide RapidRide

Connections
RR MARKET Link
RR Fremont University
FR I-5 District Seattle Streetcar
EM
ON Wallingford
T UW/Husky Stadium
Magnolia Link and RapidRide
Connections

RR ROOSEVELT
Lake
Not to Scale
Washington

Lake
Data Sources: City of Seattle,
Union
King County
Queen
Anne

OVERVIEW PROJECT TIMELINE

PUBLIC ENGAGEMENT

2022
YEAR PROJECT PHASE OPPORTUNITIES
YEAR

HELP US IDENTIFY
Opening Date

PLANNING
MOBILITY ISSUES

2018 2018
6 HELP US SELECT A
PREFERRED OPTION

miles in Length COMMUNITY SHAPES

DESIGN

2019 INFORM CONSTRUCTION

2019
PHASING
DESIGN

HELP US GET READY FOR

CONSTRUCTION

2020 2020
DESIGN
CONSTRUCTION

CONNECT WITH US

2021 DURING CONSTRUCTION

2021

2022 SERVICE
BEGINS 2022

RAPIDRIDE EXPANSION PROGRAM | FEBRUARY 2017

PROJECT INFORMATION & CONTACT 2023 2023
www.seattle.gov/transportation/rapidrideexpansion.htm
RapidRide@Seattle.gov
EVALUATION METRICS* PROJECT INTEGRATION

8,300
The RREP will build on and integrate with existing and
planned improvements in the corridor, including:
Daily Boardings Today

+6,400
PAST CORRIDOR INVESTMENTS
New Daily Boardings
(2035) i Stop Consolidation
i BAT/Bus Lanes
69k Jobs Served (2035)
i Signal Priority
i Safety & Non-Motorized Investments
57k
i Additional Bus Service (funded by City)
Residents Served (2035) i Repaving
30% of Residents Served are
Low Income
MAJOR PROJECTS
Route 44 Enhancements Study (2015) Identified

26%
transit improvements for the corridor.
of Residents Served are
People of Color Market/NW 45th Transit Improvement Project
(2012) Added bus bulbs, transit signal priority,

21% of Households Served and bus lanes through portions of the corridor
Do Not Own A Car between Ballard and Wallingford. Installed real-
time information signs at high-use stops.
Up to

20 - 25% Travel Time Savings

*Evaluation based on representative concept.
Data Sources: King County Metro, Puget Sound Regional Council, US Census
American Community Survey 2015 5-Year Estimates

TREATMENT TOOLBOX
DEDICATED BUS LANES ENHANCED BUS STOPS OFF-BOARD FARE
Bus-only lanes separate RapidRide stations include COLLECTION
buses from traffic, increasing real-time arrival information, Off-board fare
speed and reliability. larger shelters, lighting, and collection helps buses
other amenities. move faster as riders
can pay fares without
waiting in line.

SPECIALIZED BUSES SMART SIGNALS BIKE AND PEDESTRIAN

All-electric RapidRide buses Transit signal priority extends or activates CONNECTIONS TO TRANSIT
offer lower floors for easier green lights to reduce waiting times for Improvements to crossings,
loading and unloading. buses at signals. neighborhood greenways, and
bike lanes will help
people access new
RapidRide lines.
 FREMONT RAPIDRIDE OVERVIEW
Downtown Seattle to Fremont/Ballard to Northgate

Northgate
2023 Opening Date

13
miles
North
Beach Greenwood in Length
RapidRide D Line
Connection E
Maple
Leaf

Market
Phinney
Ridge Green
Lake
PROJECT TIMELINE
RapidRide
Connection I-5 PUBLIC ENGAGEMENT
Green YEAR PROJECT PHASE OPPORTUNITIES
Ballard Lake
University YEA
District
RapidRide D Line RR MARKET HELP US IDENTIFY
Connection Fremont MOBILITY ISSUES
RR
2019 201

PLANNING
FR
EM
ON Wallingford
HELP US SELECT A
T
Magnolia
PREFERRED OPTION
RR ROOSEVELT

COMMUNITY SHAPES
DESIGN
Lake

2020 202
Union

Queen Streetcar & INFORM CONSTRUCTION

Anne RapidRide PHASING
DESIGN

Connections
k

D Capitol
Lin

Hill
HELP US GET READY FOR
E
I-5 CONSTRUCTION

G
2021 202
DESIGN
RR 23RD

Central
District
3rd Avenue International
Transit Spine District/
CONSTRUCTION

Elliott Bay
King Street
Station CONNECT WITH US
DURING CONSTRUCTION

2022 202
I-90

H
Fremont Corridor RapidRide
I-5
C Link
Key Connection Harbor Link
Island
RapidRide Extension Seattle Streetcar

2023 202
SERVICE
Beacon Hill
BEGINS
Not
Westto Scale
Seattle
Data Sources: City of Seattle, King County

RAPIDRIDE EXPANSION PROGRAM | FEBRUARY 2017

PROJECT INFORMATION & CONTACT 2024 202
www.seattle.gov/transportation/rapidrideexpansion.htm
RapidRide@Seattle.gov
EVALUATION METRICS* PROJECT INTEGRATION

11,400
The RREP will build on and integrate with existing and
planned improvements in the corridor, including:
Daily Boardings

+7,600
PAST CORRIDOR INVESTMENTS
New Daily Boardings
(2035)
i Stop Consolidation
i BAT/Bus Lanes
313k Jobs Served (2035)
i Safety & Non-Motorized Investments
i Additional Bus Service (funded by City)
139k Residents Served (2035) MAJOR PROJECTS

25%
Westlake Transit Priority Improvements
of Residents Served are (2016) Installed bus-only lanes and made stop
Low Income improvements on Westlake Ave through South

28%
Lake Union.
of Residents Served are
People of Color Westlake Protected Bike Lane (2016) Constructed
a 1.2 mile protected bike lane between SLU and

25%
Fremont.
of Households Served
Do Not Own A Car
Up to

15-20% Travel Time Savings

*Evaluation based on representative concept.
Data Sources: King County Metro, Puget Sound Regional Council, US Census
American Community Survey 2015 5-Year Estimates

TREATMENT TOOLBOX
DEDICATED BUS LANES ENHANCED BUS STOPS OFF-BOARD FARE
Bus-only lanes separate RapidRide stations include COLLECTION
buses from traffic, increasing real-time arrival information, Off-board fare
speed and reliability. larger shelters, lighting, and collection helps buses
other amenities. move faster as riders
can pay fares without
waiting in line.

SPECIALIZED BUSES SMART SIGNALS BIKE AND PEDESTRIAN

RapidRide buses offer lower Transit signal priority extends or activates CONNECTIONS TO TRANSIT
floors for easier loading and green lights to reduce waiting times for Improvements to crossings,
unloading. buses at signals. neighborhood greenways, and
bike lanes will help
people access new
RapidRide lines.
 23RD RAPIDRIDE OVERVIEW
Mt Baker to Central Area to U-District
5

Green
Lake
University
District
2024 Opening Date

7
U-District
RR MARKET
Link and RapidRide
Connections
I-5

Wallingford
miles in Length

UW/Husky Stadium
Link and RapidRide
Connections
RR ROOSEVELT

PROJECT TIMELINE
Lake PUBLIC ENGAGEMENT
Union
YEAR PROJECT PHASE OPPORTUNITIES
Madison
k

Capitol
Lin

Valley HELP US IDENTIFY

Hill

2021 2
MOBILITY ISSUES
Madison RapidRide

PLANNING
G Line Connection
HELP US SELECT A
G PREFERRED OPTION
RR 23RD

COMMUNITY SHAPES
DESIGN
Central Madrona
District INFORM CONSTRUCTION

2022 2
I-5
Lake PHASING
Washington
HELP US GET READY FOR
DESIGN

Rainier CONSTRUCTION
Station
East Link
I-90

H DESIGN

2023 2
CONSTRUCTION

C I-5
Link
Mt. Baker CONNECT WITH US
Transit
DURING CONSTRUCTION
Center
Mount
Baker
Beacon Hill

23rd Corridor RapidRide

Key Connection Columbia
Link
City
2024 SERVICE
BEGINS
2
Seattle Streetcar
RR R
AIN
IER

Not to Scale
Georgetown
Data Sources: City of Seattle, King County

2025 2
Rainier
Valley

RAPIDRIDE EXPANSION PROGRAM | FEBRUARY 2017

PROJECT INFORMATION & CONTACT
www.seattle.gov/transportation/rapidrideexpansion.htm
RapidRide@Seattle.gov
EVALUATION METRICS* PROJECT INTEGRATION

5,900
The RREP will build on and integrate with existing and
planned improvements in the corridor, including:
Daily Boardings Today

+4,500
PAST CORRIDOR INVESTMENTS
New Daily Boardings
(2035)
i Stop Consolidation
i BAT/Bus Lanes
65k Jobs Served (2035)
i Signal Priority
i Stop Enhancements
64k
i Safety & Non-Motorized Investments
Residents Served (2035) i Additional Bus Service (funded by City)
i Repaving
37% of Residents Served are
Low Income
MAJOR PROJECTS

42% of Residents Served are 23rd Ave Corridor Improvements Project

People of Color Reconfigured and reconstruct roadway to a
three-lane street, implemented pedestrian safety

25%
improvements, consolidated and improved bus
of Households Served stops, and installed transit signal priority.
Do Not Own A Car
Up to

10-15% Travel Time Savings

*Evaluation based on representative concept.
Data Sources: King County Metro, Puget Sound Regional Council, US Census
American Community Survey 2015 5-Year Estimates

TREATMENT TOOLBOX
DEDICATED BUS LANES ENHANCED BUS STOPS OFF-BOARD FARE
Bus-only lanes separate RapidRide stations include COLLECTION
buses from traffic, increasing real-time arrival information, Off-board fare
speed and reliability. larger shelters, lighting, and collection helps buses
other amenities. move faster as riders
can pay fares without
waiting in line.

SPECIALIZED BUSES SMART SIGNALS BIKE AND PEDESTRIAN

All-electric RapidRide buses Transit signal priority extends or activates CONNECTIONS TO TRANSIT
offer lower floors for easier green lights to reduce waiting times for Improvements to crossings,
loading and unloading. buses at signals. neighborhood greenways, and
bike lanes will help
people access new
RapidRide lines.
PROGRAM FUNDING
AND COSTS
Achieving the full RapidRide Expansion Program as set forth
in the Levy to Move Seattle will involve strategic leveraging of
project funds, partnerships, and pursuing competitive grant
opportunities.

The RapidRide Expansion Program will be competitive for

available grant funding programs and will leverage Levy to
Move Seattle funds as far as possible by:

Considering a range of competitive regional and federal

grant sources.

Considering how agency and private partners can uniquely

support the program.

Identifying complementary projects that enhance grant

competitiveness. These projects may be fully or partially
funded and can be delivered with the RapidRide corridor
projects to increase efficiency and advance overall Move
Seattle goals.

Draft Seattle RapidRide Expansion Program Report | February 2017 33

 Potential Funding Sources
Levy to Move Seattle
Approved by voters in 2015, the nine-year,
$930 million Levy to Move Seattle provides
funding to improve safety for all travelers,
maintain streets and bridges, and invest
in reliable, affordable travel options for a
growing city. The seven RapidRide Expansion
Program corridors are identified and partially
funded by the Levy.
The Levy to Move Seattle also provides
a foundational project prioritization and
funding framework. It includes opportunities
for enhanced modal integration through
coordination with other Move Seattle projects.
Funded or partially funded projects that
are planned for RapidRide corridors can be
strategically coordinated to secure additional
funding, and make project delivery more
efficient and cost effective.
Local Partnerships
King County Metro and the City of Seattle have
a history of successful partnership, which
has included joint project funding, delivery,
and ongoing investments to improve transit
operations in the City. This partnership
was key to the success of the RapidRide C,
D and E lines in Seattle and will be critical
to the success of the RapidRide Expansion
Program. Existing transit service in the seven
new RapidRide corridors is also supported
through a King County Metro and City funding
agreement.
In addition to the partnerships with King
County Metro, the recent Sound Transit 3
package includes funding for the Madison
corridor, as well as potential transit
investments that are along or intersect with
the RapidRide Expansion Program corridors.
The City of Seattle will continue to partner
with Sound Transit to explore funding
opportunities and ensure integration with the
regional transit network.
34
The State of Washington is another funding
partner for the program, with investments
planned in the Madison, Delridge and Market
corridors.
Competitive Grant Sources
Competitive grant programs at both the
federal and local level provide opportunities
for funding transportation projects. The
Federal Transit Administration (FTA) was a
funding partner in existing RapidRide lines.
The FTA Small Starts program is ideal for
some of the RapidRide Expansion Program
corridors. The City has applied for Small
Starts funds for the Madison (RapidRide
G) Line and applications will be submitted
for other corridors as appropriate. Other
potential federal funding and financing
sources include the Transportation
Investment Generating Economic Recovery
(TIGER) and Transportation Infrastructure
Finance and Innovation Act (TIFIA) programs
through the United States Department of
Transportation.
Local grant sources have historically included
grants administered by the Puget Sound
Regional Council. The City will examine
other local grant funding opportunities and
develop alternative funding plans as needed,
depending on the future availability of federal
funds.
Other Funding Sources
Depending on the success of funding obtained
through competitive sources, additional
local and private funding opportunities may
be considered, such as the creation of new
revenue streams, and the development of
public-private partnerships.
Program Investments
The preliminary suite of program investments
was developed based on the planning level
corridor concepts developed as part of the
Transit Master Plan and Levy to Move Seattle.
The following is a summary of the type of
program investments anticipated for the
network:
Service enhancements needed to meet
RapidRide service levels.
Roadway improvements include transit
supportive elements such as dedicated
transit lanes.
Signal upgrades include Transit
Signal Priority (TSP) and Intelligent
Transportation Systems (ITS), as
described in the Treatment Toolbox (p. 4)
Upgraded station facilities include new
RapidRide shelters, real time information
signs, off board fare collection and
enhanced passenger facilities.
Draft Seattle RapidRide Expansion Program Report | February 2017
Pedestrian and bicycle facilities to
improve access to transit, includeing
improved sidewalks, passenger waiting
areas, and curb ramps at intersections, as
well as neighborhood greenways and bike
lanes.
Trolley infrastructure improvements such
as trolley wire and overhead catenary
poles are needed to operate RapidRide
buses on four of the seven corridors.
Bus fleet needs have not yet been
determined for most of the RapidRide
corridors. New buses are needed for
the Madison (RapidRide G) Line, and a
small percentage of the program costs go
towards that purchase. New bus needs
for the other corridors will be evaluated
based on the program implementation
schedule and Metros available fleet.
35
Source: Flickr, Oran Viriyincy
NEXT STEPS
The City will continue to advance the
development of active corridors, including
Madison (RapidRide G Line), Delridge
(RapidRide H Line), and Roosevelt. This draft
plan will be updated based on community
outreach, and the other corridors will
continue to be advanced as identified in this
report. Community outreach and coordination
with key agency partners, such as King
County Metro, Sound Transit, and the Federal
Transit Agency, will be on-going throughout
the program.

For program updates and community

engagement opportunities, please see
the project page at www.seattle.gov/
Transportation/RapidRideExpansion.htm

Draft Seattle RapidRide Expansion Program Report | February 2017 37