KING COUNTY, Wash. — Fares will be collected on all King County Metro routes beginning Oct. 1
Metro and Sound Transit stopped collecting fares in March in an effort to protect drivers during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Though fares are resuming, Metro is encouraging riders to use contactless payment methods, such as ORCA cards, to speed up the boarding process and protect drivers.
All Sound Transit Express bus service, including those operated by Metro, have already resumed collecting fares - a $3.25 flat fare. Link Light Rail and Sounder trains are charging full fares.
Metro has implemented safety guidelines for riders, which includes passengers limits that the agency warns could result in longer waits. Additionally, the agency requires riders to wear masks while on a bus or waiting at transit stops.
Fares resume as fall service changes go into effect. That includes changes to bus service in south King County and continued suspensions of some routes.