SEATTLE — King County Metro is getting in on the ride sharing craze with a new app that launched Tuesday morning.
Currently, the on-demand shuttle service is only offered to and from the Eastgate Park & Ride, but the plan is to eventually make the service available across King County.
For now, Metro is testing the pilot project in Bellevue to see if how many people will download the app and use it.
The app is called Ride2 Park&Ride and it gives commuters the ability to request on-demand or scheduled shuttles to get them to and from the Eastgate Park & Ride.
The initial app operates in the 2- to 3-mile area flanking Interstate 90, including Factoria, Lake Hills, Somerset, and Lakemont neighborhoods. Rides can be scheduled on-demand or in advance via the app (downloaded here) or by calling 866-750-5057.
Metro said that even with 1,600 parking spaces, the lots at the Eastgate Park & Ride are full, but using the shuttle, riders will be able to board one of 15 Metro or Sound Transit bus without worrying about finding a space.
Similar to Uber and Lyft, users put in their location and the shuttles will either pick them up at home or they’ll have to walk a short distance to find their ride.
“We are trying to find new solutions and get you out of your car and connect you to public transportation,” said Christina O’Claire with King County Metro.
The service will be free for the first few months, and then users will pay the standard Metro fare to connect with a regular bus.
Metro said it will make similar service available to other transit hubs throughout King County over the next several months as a part of a year-long pilot project.
For more information on how the pilot project works and for future ride-hailing apps in the county, follow this link.