Metro launches permits for carpool spots at park-and-ride lots

SEATTLE — King County Metro has a new system aimed at making it easier to find spaces at park-and-rides.

Starting Wednesday, Metro put signs up to remind drivers that if they want to use a carpool spot, they will now need a permit.

The new pilot program will be enforced at six of the busiest park-and-rides in the area including Northgate, Redmond, South Kirkland, Eastgate, South Renton and the Issaquah Highlands.

Drivers who carpool with at least one other person can apply for a permit and have to get into the parking lots between 4 a.m. and 8:30 a.m.

Until now, parking in the carpool spaces was based on an honor system.

Metro Transit’s carpool permit is free, unlike a similar program at Sound Transit lots, which costs $5 a month.

There will be an enforcement officer at the park-and-rides who will ensure that cars parking in the spots have a permit sticker.

Cox Media Group