The urban transport task in this region lies with 2 operators. King County Metro Transit is responsible for all Trolleybus and Bus operations entirely within King County - i.e. Seattle and its suburbs. Sound Transit provides Local and Express Bus and Commuter Rail Service from Downtown Seattle to Tacoma, Redmond, Everett and areas in between including areas of Snohomish and Pierce couties and parts of King County where Metro does not serve.
The steep terrain in the Seattle area, and the lack of any form of light-rail are reasons for the Trolleybus networks' size and longevity. Until recently, service featured use of a tunnel underneath 3rd Ave in Downtown Seattle for the exclusive use of the Breda Hybrid Trolleybuses. This facility is presently closed while construction of Seattle's first light-rail line is undertaken. Once complete, the light-rail will share the tunnel with a new generation of New Flyer Diesel-Electric Hybrid's that don't require trolley poles. The Breda's are currently being converted to electricity-only trolleybuses to prolong their life by an extra 5-8 years.
Fares are collected in the typical American style with a fare
box/transfer system. However due to the downtown fare-free zone, on
journeys operating outbound passengers may board at any door in the
free zone, but a 'Pay as you leave' system applies once outside the zone.
Inbound service fare collection is by the standard 'Pay as you enter' system. A Visitor Pass is available for purchase and allows 1 day's
unlimited use on all King County Metro buses. They can be purchased on line and posted out prior to your arrival in Seattle
or can be obtainted at the King County Metro office located at 201 South Jackson St, half a block west from the Amtrak station.
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