Welcome to Seattle. Seattle has a very extensive bus system with service being provided by both King County Metro and Sound Transit. The fleet is very diverse and a number of routes are served by trolley buses. The highlight of the Seattle bus system is the Metro Bus Tunnel in downtown Seattle. To avoid the busy streets, buses run in the tunnel and make stops at stations. In addition, there is a ride free area during the week in the downtown Seattle area. During that time, one does not pay a fare if boarding and alighting within the free fare zone. The free fare zone applies to the Metro Bus Tunnel as well.
In addition to running express bus service, Sound Transit operates commuter train service from King Street Station in Seattle to Tacoma and Everett.
Another highlight is the Waterfront Streetcar. It runs from Pioneer Square along the Eliot Bay waterfront to Broad Street using rehabilitated streetcars from Australia. Riding the antique streetcars is a must for any transit fan visiting Seattle. The Waterfront Streetcar is operated by King County Metro.
Finally, the Seattle Center Monorail runs from the Seattle Center to the Westlake Center in downtown Seattle. The monorail was shut down for a period of time in 2004, due to a fire that broke out on board a train on May 31, 2004. For a time, shuttle bus service was being offered but that was discontinued on October 10 of that year, leaving King County Metro bus service as the only alternate. Service has resumed and runs daily every few minutes.
In addition to the photos of King County Metro, Sound Transit, and the Seattle Center Monorail, this website also has photos of Kitsap Transit on Bainbridge Island, WA.
