Published October 18 2018
King County Metro announced Wednesday it will launch a new mobile app to hail on-demand shuttle service to and from major transit hubs throughout the region, starting Oct. 23 with the Eastgate Park-and-Ride in Bellevue. King County news release
Commuters will be able to book a ride on-demand or schedule it in advance through the “Ride2 Park & Ride” app or by calling 866-750-5057. The shuttle, operated by Chariot and Ford Smart Mobility, will run to and from Eastgate, the county’s largest park-and-ride.
“Eastgate is home to a critical higher education center in Bellevue College, an established commercial core and the region’s largest park-and-ride,” said Bellevue Mayor John Chelminiak. “The key to success is connecting these important community assets to surrounding neighborhoods. The Ride2 program will help us do that and we’re pleased King County Metro has chosen Eastgate to pilot this service.”
Ride2 Eastgate will operate in the 2- to 3-mile area flanking Interstate 90, including the Factoria, Lake Hills, Somerset, and Lakemont neighborhoods. It will be available to an estimated 44,000 residents and 31,600 employees who work in the area.
The shuttle service will be available for peak weekday commute times, 6-10 a.m. and 4-8 p.m. for passengers 18 years and older. It will be free for the first few months and will then cost the same as a standard Metro bus ride.
“We are embracing mobile technology to provide our customers with convenient first- and last-mile service to reliable transit,” said King County Executive Dow Constantine. “Our on-demand shuttle service will make it easier than ever for commuters throughout King County to get to work and home again each day without having to drive or park."