Metro Transit is planning to reduce the number of stops along Route 44 between Ballard and the University District. The change is an effort to help buses, “move faster, keep to a more reliable schedule and reduce Metro’s operating and maintenance costs.”
There are about 30 stops currently in each direction between Ballard and the U District, and Metro wants to drop five of those in each direction in late September, a change that would increase the average spacing between stops from about 900 feet to 1,050 feet. Metro says as a result of the change, about 7 percent of Route 44 riders will have to catch their buses at different stops.
Metro will post rider alerts at the stops that are planned for closure to give the public a three-week period during which to comment. Comments are due by Friday, Sept. 7, via:
- an online comment form.
- Metro’s message line, 206-263-4478, and record your message, including the location of your stop.