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It’s that time of year again: King County Mero and Sound Transit Spring service changes

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It is always an exciting time to see what new service changes are available from King County Metro! Check out the latest changes for Bellevue and Redmond routes, including revisions to serve two new 2 Line light rail stations opening at Downtown Redmond and Marymoor Village!  

 

 

King County Metro:

Route 224: Route will be revised to serve Downtown Redmond Station. DART Route 224 - King County, Washington

Route 226: Morning trip times will be adjusted to better align with Interlake and Bellevue High School bell times. Route 226 - King County, Washington

Route 240: Morning trip times will be adjusted to better align with Newport High School bell times. Route 240 - King County, Washington

Route 241: Morning trip times will be adjusted to better align with Interlake and Bellevue High School bell times. Route 241 - King County, Washington

Route 250: This route will be revised to serve Downtown Redmond Station. Route 250 - King County, Washington

Route 269: This route will be revised to serve Marymoor Village Station. Route 269 - King County, Washington

Route 930: This route will be revised to serve Downtown Redmond Station and run hourly on weekends between 6 am and 5 pm. DART Route 930 - King County, Washington

RapidRide B Line: This route will be revised to serve Downtown Redmond Station. At that time, this route will also be revised to remain on 156th Ave NE between NE 24th St and NE 31st St, no longer serving Overlake Village Station. The route will continue to serve Redmond Technology Station. RapidRide B Line - King County, Washington

Sound Transit: 

The 2 Line will be extended to serve both Marymoor Village and Downtown Redmond stations.

532 Two trips added. Schedule adjustments to improve reliability.

535 Schedule adjustments to improve reliability.

 

Check out the upcoming holiday hours schedule:

Metro will operate a Sunday schedule on:

Memorial Day 
Monday, May 26, 2025

Independence Day 
Friday, July 4, 2025

 

Please check your timetable or Metro’s Holiday Service page for details.

Sound Transit bus routes 522, 541, 542, 544, 545, 550, 554, 555, 556 and 566 will operate a Sunday schedule on:

Memorial Day 
Monday, May 26, 2025

Independence Day 
Friday, July 4, 2025

 

The 1 Line and 2 Line light rail will also operate a Sunday schedule for Memorial Day and Independence Day.

Sounder commuter rail will not operate on Memorial Day and Independence Day.


 

Get to the Blooms!

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Springtime in Bellevue and the Puget Sound area offers a vibrant display of floral beauty, with destinations like the Bellevue Botanical Garden, the University of Washington's cherry blossoms, and the Skagit Valley Tulip Festival showcasing nature's splendor. Even better, these breathtaking locations can be enjoyed without the stress of driving, parking, and paying for gas!

 

Bellevue Botanical Garden

📍 12001 Main St, Bellevue, WA 98005

Nestled in the heart of Bellevue, the Bellevue Botanical Garden is a tranquil oasis where nature and artistry come together in breathtaking harmony. As you wander through its 53 acres of vibrant landscapes, you’ll encounter a diverse collection of gardens, from the serene Japanese-inspired Yao Garden to the colorful Perennial Border bursting with seasonal blooms. In spring, rhododendrons, azaleas, and cherry blossoms put on a dazzling display, making every turn a picture-perfect moment. The Suspension Bridge offers a thrilling walk over a lush ravine, adding a touch of adventure to your visit. Whether you're a plant enthusiast, a photographer, or simply looking for a peaceful escape, this hidden gem is a must-see!

How to get there: 

Check your travel planning app to find the best bus route to take, or try out the BellHop!

 

University of Washington Cherry Blossoms (The Quad)

📍 University of Washington Quad, Seattle, WA 98195

For a truly magical springtime experience, there’s nothing quite like the cherry blossoms at the University of Washington's Quad. Each year, around late March to early April, the 30 Yoshino cherry trees burst into full bloom, transforming the Quad into a dreamy sea of soft pink petals. As you stroll beneath the branches, delicate blossoms drift down like a natural snowfall, creating a serene and unforgettable atmosphere. It’s an iconic Seattle tradition, perfect for photographers, students, and visitors alike. Arrive early to beat the crowds and soak in the beauty of these 80-year-old trees, a gift that continues to captivate generation after generation.

How to get there: 

Check your travel planning app for the best bus route to take from Bellevue.

 

Skagit Valley Tulip Festival

📍 Main Office: 311 W Kincaid St, Mount Vernon, WA 98273 (Various tulip field locations)

Step into a storybook landscape at the Skagit Valley Tulip Festival, where millions of tulips paint the fields in vibrant shades of red, yellow, pink, and purple as far as the eye can see. Held every April, this world-famous festival transforms Mount Vernon and La Conner into a blooming paradise, drawing flower lovers from all over. You’ll have the chance to walk among endless rows of tulips, visit spectacular display gardens at Roozengaarde and Tulip Town, and capture stunning photos straight out of a postcard. With local markets, food vendors, and charming nearby towns, this festival is the ultimate springtime escape!

How to get there: 

By guided tour bus: Several companies offer guided tours from the Seattle area to the festival. Hop on a King County Metro bus to one of these tour companies: 

  • Shutter Tours, which offers comfortable bus tours that include visits to tulip fields and a stop in the charming town of La Conner. Seattle hotel pickups are available. For more details, call (425) 516-8838.
  • Skagit Guided Adventures: Provides tours with insights into the tulip industry and festival history, led by knowledgeable local guides. Tours run daily at 9:30 a.m. and 2:30 p.m. Contact them at (360) 474-7479. 

By public transit: 

Step 1: Take Sound Transit Express Route 550 from Bellevue Transit Center to Seattle's International District/Chinatown Station. Step 2: Walk to King Street Station and board the Amtrak Cascades train to Mount Vernon. Note: This service requires advance reservations. Step 3: From Mount Vernon Station, Skagit Transit Route 615 operates along McLean Road from Monday to Saturday. Disembark at Beaver Marsh Road, the closest stop to the tulip fields and gardens. Be prepared for a walk (.5-1.5 miles) to reach the fields from the bus stop.

 

Leave the car at home and help the environment, your pocketbook, and your mood by using sustainable transportation modes such as the bus, train, walking or biking!  

Don’t forget to log your sustainable trips on our website at ChooseYourWayBellevue.org to earn rewards including $50 gift cards! 

 

 

Let’s Go to the Games: Getting to Seattle Sporting Arenas

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Attending a sporting event in Seattle, WA? Cheer on the Storm and Kraken at Climate Pledge Arena, the Seahawks, Sounders, and Reign at Lumen Field, the Mariners at T-Mobile Park or support the Huskies at their stadium and the Alaska Airlines Arena.  Join friends and fans for an exciting and fun day! 

Getting to sporting events doesn’t have to be a hassle. Opting for sustainable transportation, like public transit, offers a range of benefits: reducing time spent in traffic, saving money on parking, helping the environment, and making your overall experience more enjoyable. 

Let’s go to the games together using sustainable transportation and cheer on our favorite teams. 

Visit the City of Bellevue’s Choose Your Way Bellevue rewards page for more information on how to travel sustainably, affordably, and enjoyably and earn rewards for doing so!  

  

Professional Sports Complexes: 

Climate Change Arena: Home to the Storm and the Kraken  


The city's newest professional sports and entertainment venue is situated in the heart of Seattle City Center, Climate Pledge Arena. Touted as the most sustainable arena in the world, it serves as the home of the four-time WNBA champion Seattle Storm and Seattle’s first NHL team, the Kraken. Since opening in October 2021, the arena has prioritized sustainability, incorporating features like water bottle filling stations, solar panels, and the innovative “Rain to Rink” system, which transforms collected rainwater into ice for the hockey rink. 

 

Travel Instructions: 

From Bellevue Transit Center, 10850 NE 6th St, Bellevue, WA 98004: 

 

From Eastgate Park and Ride, 14200 SE 32nd St, Bellevue, WA 98007: 

  

T-Mobile Park: Home to the Mariners  


Baseball enthusiasts can experience a Mariners game while taking in stunning views of downtown Seattle’s skyline. For an unforgettable scene, attend an evening game and watch the sunset over Puget Sound. T-Mobile Park is an excellent choice, even on rainy days, as its retractable roof provides coverage without fully enclosing the stadium, maintaining the open-air feel. 

Travel Instructions: 

From Bellevue Transit Center,10850 NE 6th St, Bellevue, WA 98004: 

  •  

From Eastgate Park and Ride, 14200 SE 32nd St, Bellevue, WA 98007: 

  

Lumen Field: Home for the Seahawks, Sounders FC, and OL Reign  


Like T-Mobile Park, Lumen Field offers breathtaking views of Puget Sound, the Olympic Mountains, and the Seattle skyline. While classic hotdogs remain a game-day staple, food lovers will appreciate the stadium’s diverse culinary offerings. Showcasing local flavors and restaurants, Lumen Field features rotating markets with an ever-changing selection, including poke bowls, tacos, and BBQ. 

Travel Instructions: 

From Bellevue Transit Center,10850 NE 6th St, Bellevue, WA 98004: 

 

From Eastgate Park and Ride, 14200 SE 32nd St, Bellevue, WA 98007: 

  

University of Washington Sports Complexes 


Alaska Airlines Arena Hec Edmundson Pavilion: Home to Huskies teams, including basketball and volleyball, and Husky Stadium, which is home to the football team. The Alaska Airlines Arena and the Husky Stadium are next to each other, so the directions are the same. 


Travel Instructions: 

From Bellevue Transit Center,10850 NE 6th St, Bellevue, WA 98004: 

 

From Eastgate Park and Ride, 14200 SE 32nd St, Bellevue, WA 98007: 

 

Park-and-Ride express shuttle bus service 

Metro buses will operate express shuttle service on Husky home game days from the Eastgate Park-and-Ride 

 

How to take public transit comfortably this winter

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Say goodbye to scraping ice off your windshield and wasting gas while waiting for your car to warm up. With these public transit travel tips, you’ll stay ahead of the game and out of the cold this winter. 

1. Minimize your time outside  

Track your bus or light rail departure to reduce waiting in the cold. Apps like OneBusAway and Google Maps can show real-time bus locations and arrival times, so you can time your arrival at the station perfectly. 

2. Accessorize smartly – small details can bring big comfort

A hat, scarf, and gloves can make all the difference, especially on windy, bone-chilling days. Bonus tip: over-ear headphones double as earmuffs in a pinch, keeping your ears cozy while you enjoy your favorite playlist or podcast. 

3. Layers, layers, layers

Stepping into a toasty bus on a chilly night is wonderful—until you start overheating. Dress in layers you can easily remove to stay comfortable as you transition from cold outdoors to warm transit interiors. 

4. Stay visible

With early sunsets and dark commutes, visibility is key. Avoid wearing all-black outer layers and opt for bright colors or reflective gear instead. A flashlight or headlamp is also a smart addition for poorly lit areas. 

5. Don’t forget your rainy day activities!

Make your transit time enjoyable! Bring a good book, work on a knitting or crocheting project, or indulge in your favorite mobile game. If you’re like me, you might just put on some headphones, gaze out the window, and pretend you’re in a cinematic music video—highly recommended. 

Rainy days, early sunsets, and poor visibility come with the season, but with a little planning and a few hacks, public transit can be your ultimate ally. Enjoy a stress-free, eco-friendly commute this winter in Bellevue!

Navigate Bellevue Travel Workshop!

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Boost your skills with our CYWB travel workshop

Not sure where to start? Join CYWB staff at the FREE travel training workshop on Saturday, Jan. 11, at 1–3 p.m. at the Bellevue Library. Through fun, hands-on activities, you’ll learn how to:

  • Navigate transit with confidence and use trip-planning apps like a pro;
  • Learn how to access senior and low-income transit fare assistance; and
  • Learn how to gain rewards provided by your sustainable travel partners at CYWB. 

Enjoy refreshments, swag, and even a $25 pre-loaded ORCA card from the CYWB Try Transit program just for attending! 

If you cannot make this travel training, please contact CYWB staff at info@cywb.org for personalized assistance. 

Sign up today! https://bit.ly/cywbtravelworkshop

You must register for the workshop by Friday, Jan. 10 at 3 p.m.

Let’s kick off the new year sustainably. Happy Travels! 🌿 

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