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</style><![endif]--><title> King County Executive Zahilay, Metro, and partners break ground on RapidRide I Line in South King County </title><style><!--
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</o:shapelayout></xml><![endif]--></head><body lang=EN-US link=blue vlink=purple style='word-wrap:break-word'><div class=WordSection1><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:11.0pt;font-family:"Calibri",sans-serif'><o:p> </o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:11.0pt;font-family:"Calibri",sans-serif'><o:p> </o:p></span></p><div><div style='border:none;border-top:solid #E1E1E1 1.0pt;padding:3.0pt 0in 0in 0in'><p class=MsoNormal><b><span style='font-size:11.0pt;font-family:"Calibri",sans-serif'>From:</span></b><span style='font-size:11.0pt;font-family:"Calibri",sans-serif'> Executive Press Office <news@subscriptions.kingcounty.gov> <br><b>Sent:</b> Thursday, March 19, 2026 2:59 PM<br><b>To:</b> jacobstruiksma@gmail.com<br><b>Subject:</b> King County Executive Zahilay, Metro, and partners break ground on RapidRide I Line in South King County<o:p></o:p></span></p></div></div><p class=MsoNormal><o:p> </o:p></p><table class=MsoNormalTable border=0 cellspacing=0 cellpadding=0 style='border-collapse:collapse'><tr><td style='padding:.75pt .75pt .75pt .75pt'><a name="gd_top"></a></td><span style='mso-bookmark:gd_top'></span></tr></table><span style='mso-bookmark:gd_top'></span><p class=MsoNormal><span lang=EN><o:p> </o:p></span></p><div align=center><table class=MsoNormalTable border=0 cellspacing=0 cellpadding=0 width="100%" style='width:100.0%;border-collapse:collapse' id=flexible-abe-main-table><tr><td width="100%" style='width:100.0%;background:#E0F6FD;padding:0in 0in 0in 0in'><div align=center><table class=MsoNormalTable border=0 cellspacing=0 cellpadding=0 width="100%" style='width:100.0%;border-collapse:collapse;-webkit-text-size-adjust: 100%;-ms-text-size-adjust: 100%'><tr><td style='padding:15.0pt 0in 15.0pt 0in;-webkit-text-size-adjust: 100%;-ms-text-size-adjust: 100%'></td><td style='padding:15.0pt 0in 15.0pt 0in;-webkit-text-size-adjust: 100%;-ms-text-size-adjust: 100%'><div align=center><table class=MsoNormalTable border=0 cellspacing=0 cellpadding=0 width=600 style='width:6.25in;border-collapse:collapse'><tr><td style='padding:0in 0in 0in 0in' id=abe-column-block-b9c46944-961b-4028-8356-105f462355ec-outlook-only><div><div align=center><table class=MsoNormalTable border=0 cellspacing=0 cellpadding=0 style='max-width:6.25in;border-collapse:collapse'><tr><td valign=top style='background:white;padding:0in 0in 0in 0in'><div align=center><table class=MsoNormalTable border=0 cellspacing=0 cellpadding=0 width="100%" style='width:100.0%;border-collapse:collapse'><tr><td width=600 valign=top style='width:6.25in;padding:0in 0in 0in 0in'><div id=abe-column-block-b9c46944-961b-4028-8356-105f462355ec><div align=center><table class=MsoNormalTable border=0 cellspacing=0 cellpadding=0 width="100%" style='width:100.0%;border-collapse:collapse'><tr><td style='padding:0in 0in 0in 0in'><p class=MsoNormal><img width=600 height=189 style='width:6.25in;height:1.9687in' id="_x0000_i1030" src="https://content.govdelivery.com/attachments/fancy_images/WAKING/2026/01/13003951/6656901/260115-gz-header-1400x440-nophoto_crop.png" alt="Girmay Zahilay, King County Executive"><o:p></o:p></p></td></tr></table></div></div></td></tr></table></div></td></tr></table></div></div></td></tr></table></div><p class=MsoNormal><o:p> </o:p></p><div align=center><table class=MsoNormalTable border=0 cellspacing=0 cellpadding=0 width=600 style='width:6.25in;border-collapse:collapse'><tr id=abe-section-row-c9ad6899-95a7-4320-818c-59d3df3d1374><td style='padding:0in 0in 0in 0in' id=abe-column-block-f4709c5a-5e58-4870-b4bf-08528a9f5454-outlook-only><div><div align=center><table class=MsoNormalTable border=0 cellspacing=0 cellpadding=0 style='max-width:6.25in;border-collapse:collapse'><tr><td valign=top style='background:#122D57;padding:0in 0in 0in 0in'><div align=center><table class=MsoNormalTable border=0 cellspacing=0 cellpadding=0 width="100%" style='width:100.0%;border-collapse:collapse'><tr><td width=600 valign=top style='width:6.25in;padding:0in 0in 0in 0in'><div id=abe-column-block-f4709c5a-5e58-4870-b4bf-08528a9f5454><div align=center><table class=MsoNormalTable border=0 cellspacing=0 cellpadding=0 width="100%" style='width:100.0%;border-collapse:collapse'><tr><td style='padding:6.0pt 22.5pt 6.0pt 22.5pt'><p style='margin:0in'><span style='font-family:"Helvetica",sans-serif;color:white'>News Release \u2013 March 19, 2026<o:p></o:p></span></p></td></tr></table></div></div></td></tr></table></div></td></tr></table></div></div></td></tr></table></div><p class=MsoNormal><o:p> </o:p></p><div align=center><table class=MsoNormalTable border=0 cellspacing=0 cellpadding=0 width=600 style='width:6.25in;border-collapse:collapse'><tr id=abe-section-row-398aece1-3503-4f57-a4ca-7b03876a39c1><td style='padding:0in 0in 0in 0in' id=abe-column-block-c825cbaa-1d3e-49d6-b58e-023ee41af617-outlook-only><div><div align=center><table class=MsoNormalTable border=0 cellspacing=0 cellpadding=0 style='max-width:6.25in;border-collapse:collapse'><tr><td valign=top style='background:white;padding:0in 0in 0in 0in'><div align=center><table class=MsoNormalTable border=0 cellspacing=0 cellpadding=0 width="100%" style='width:100.0%;border-collapse:collapse'><tr><td width=600 valign=top style='width:6.25in;padding:0in 0in 0in 0in'><div id=abe-column-block-c825cbaa-1d3e-49d6-b58e-023ee41af617><div align=center><table class=MsoNormalTable border=0 cellspacing=0 cellpadding=0 width="100%" style='width:100.0%;border-collapse:collapse'><tr><td style='padding:6.0pt 22.5pt 0in 22.5pt'><p style='mso-margin-top-alt:0in;margin-right:0in;margin-bottom:7.5pt;margin-left:0in'><strong><span style='font-size:10.5pt;font-family:"Helvetica",sans-serif;color:black'>Contact:</span></strong><span style='font-size:10.5pt;font-family:"Helvetica",sans-serif;color:black'><o:p></o:p></span></p><p style='mso-margin-top-alt:0in;margin-right:0in;margin-bottom:7.5pt;margin-left:0in;-webkit-text-size-adjust: 100%;-ms-text-size-adjust: 100%'><strong><span style='font-size:10.5pt;font-family:"Helvetica",sans-serif;color:black'>Karissa Braxton Lytle, Deputy Communications Director, Office of the Executive</span></strong><span style='font-size:10.5pt;font-family:"Helvetica",sans-serif;color:black'><o:p></o:p></span></p><p style='mso-margin-top-alt:0in;margin-right:0in;margin-bottom:7.5pt;margin-left:0in;-webkit-text-size-adjust: 100%;-ms-text-size-adjust: 100%'><span style='font-size:10.5pt;font-family:"Helvetica",sans-serif;color:black'><a href="mailto:KBraxton@kingcounty.gov">KBraxton@kingcounty.gov</a> <o:p></o:p></span></p><p style='mso-margin-top-alt:0in;margin-right:0in;margin-bottom:7.5pt;margin-left:0in;-webkit-text-size-adjust: 100%;-ms-text-size-adjust: 100%'><strong><span style='font-size:10.5pt;font-family:"Helvetica",sans-serif;color:black'>Jeff Switzer, </span></strong><span class=cf0><b><span style='font-size:10.5pt;font-family:"Helvetica",sans-serif;color:black'>Public Affairs Coordinator, King County Metro </span></b></span><span style='font-size:10.5pt;font-family:"Helvetica",sans-serif;color:black'><o:p></o:p></span></p><p style='mso-margin-top-alt:0in;margin-right:0in;margin-bottom:7.5pt;margin-left:0in;-webkit-text-size-adjust: 100%;-ms-text-size-adjust: 100%'><span class=cf0><span style='font-size:10.5pt;font-family:"Helvetica",sans-serif;color:black'><a href="mailto:jeff.switzer@kingcounty.gov">jeff.switzer@kingcounty.gov</a></span></span><span style='font-size:10.5pt;font-family:"Helvetica",sans-serif;color:black'><o:p></o:p></span></p></td></tr></table></div></div></td></tr></table></div></td></tr></table></div></div></td></tr></table></div><p class=MsoNormal><o:p> </o:p></p><div align=center><table class=MsoNormalTable border=0 cellspacing=0 cellpadding=0 width=600 style='width:6.25in;border-collapse:collapse'><tr id=abe-section-row-efac23bf-c9ba-41cf-81e6-fb6c59cb3a95><td style='padding:0in 0in 0in 0in' id=abe-column-block-9850ec31-8fae-4ff9-b4f8-6ecf1335d751-outlook-only><div><div align=center><table class=MsoNormalTable border=0 cellspacing=0 cellpadding=0 style='max-width:6.25in;border-collapse:collapse'><tr><td valign=top style='background:white;padding:0in 0in 0in 0in'><div align=center><table class=MsoNormalTable border=0 cellspacing=0 cellpadding=0 width="100%" style='width:100.0%;border-collapse:collapse'><tr><td width=600 valign=top style='width:6.25in;padding:0in 0in 0in 0in'><div id=abe-column-block-9850ec31-8fae-4ff9-b4f8-6ecf1335d751><div align=center><table class=MsoNormalTable border=0 cellspacing=0 cellpadding=0 width="100%" style='width:100.0%;border-collapse:collapse'><tr><td style='padding:11.25pt 22.5pt 0in 22.5pt'><h1 style='mso-margin-top-alt:0in;margin-right:0in;margin-bottom:15.0pt;margin-left:0in'><span style='font-size:18.0pt;font-family:"Helvetica",sans-serif;color:#122D57'>King County Executive Zahilay, Metro, and partners break ground on RapidRide I Line in South King County <o:p></o:p></span></h1></td></tr></table></div></div></td></tr></table></div></td></tr></table></div></div></td></tr></table></div><p class=MsoNormal><o:p> </o:p></p><div align=center><table class=MsoNormalTable border=0 cellspacing=0 cellpadding=0 width=600 style='width:6.25in;border-collapse:collapse'><tr id=abe-section-row-841cb885-f9de-48f2-8b76-6598986cb221><td style='padding:0in 0in 0in 0in' id=abe-column-block-d3f029b6-c93b-4c23-af29-406abb0370af-outlook-only><div><div align=center><table class=MsoNormalTable border=0 cellspacing=0 cellpadding=0 style='max-width:6.25in;border-collapse:collapse'><tr><td valign=top style='background:white;padding:0in 0in 0in 0in'><div align=center><table class=MsoNormalTable border=0 cellspacing=0 cellpadding=0 width="100%" style='width:100.0%;border-collapse:collapse'><tr><td width=600 valign=top style='width:6.25in;padding:0in 0in 0in 0in'><div id=abe-column-block-d3f029b6-c93b-4c23-af29-406abb0370af><div align=center><table class=MsoNormalTable border=0 cellspacing=0 cellpadding=0 width="100%" style='width:100.0%;border-collapse:collapse'><tr><td style='padding:0in 0in 0in 0in'><div><p style='mso-margin-top-alt:0in;margin-right:0in;margin-bottom:11.25pt;margin-left:0in'><strong><span style='font-size:11.5pt;font-family:"Helvetica",sans-serif'>SUMMARY</span></strong><span style='font-size:11.5pt;font-family:"Helvetica",sans-serif'>\u202f <o:p></o:p></span></p></div><div><p style='mso-margin-top-alt:0in;margin-right:0in;margin-bottom:11.25pt;margin-left:0in;-webkit-text-size-adjust: 100%;-ms-text-size-adjust: 100%'><span style='font-size:11.5pt;font-family:"Helvetica",sans-serif'>King County Executive Girmay Zahilay joined federal, state, and local partners and community members today to break ground on Metro\u2019s RapidRide I Line. The project will upgrade Route 160 with 17 miles of improvements to speed up transit service and deliver new stations for riders in Renton, Kent, and Auburn. Service is scheduled to begin in 2027. <o:p></o:p></span></p></div><div><p style='mso-margin-top-alt:0in;margin-right:0in;margin-bottom:11.25pt;margin-left:0in;-webkit-text-size-adjust: 100%;-ms-text-size-adjust: 100%'><strong><span style='font-size:11.5pt;font-family:"Helvetica",sans-serif'>STORY</span></strong><span style='font-size:11.5pt;font-family:"Helvetica",sans-serif'>\u202f <o:p></o:p></span></p></div><div><p style='mso-margin-top-alt:0in;margin-right:0in;margin-bottom:11.25pt;margin-left:0in;-webkit-text-size-adjust: 100%;-ms-text-size-adjust: 100%'><span style='font-size:11.5pt;font-family:"Helvetica",sans-serif'>Today, King County Executive Girmay Zahilay joined partners and community members to mark the start of construction on the RapidRide I Line, a major step forward for fast, reliable transit in South King County. <o:p></o:p></span></p></div><div><p style='mso-margin-top-alt:0in;margin-right:0in;margin-bottom:11.25pt;margin-left:0in;-webkit-text-size-adjust: 100%;-ms-text-size-adjust: 100%'><span style='font-size:11.5pt;font-family:"Helvetica",sans-serif'>The $174 million, 17-mile project will transform the existing Route 160 corridor, which currently serves about 5,000 daily riders, into a high-capacity transit line. The corridor serves one of the region\u2019s most diverse areas and includes many residents who rely on transit to access jobs, education, and essential services. When complete, riders will benefit from faster trips, more frequent service, and improved connections across the regional transportation network. <o:p></o:p></span></p></div><div><p style='mso-margin-top-alt:0in;margin-right:0in;margin-bottom:11.25pt;margin-left:0in;-webkit-text-size-adjust: 100%;-ms-text-size-adjust: 100%'><span style='font-size:11.5pt;font-family:"Helvetica",sans-serif'> \u201cThe groundbreaking of the RapidRide I Line delivers on a long-standing commitment to expand fast, reliable transit service in South King County,\u201d<strong><span style='font-family:"Helvetica",sans-serif'> said Executive Girmay Zahilay.</span></strong> \u201cAuburn, Kent, and Renton are among the most diverse and fastest-growing communities in our region, and this new line will help more residents and families get to work, school, medical appointments, and other essential services without needing a car. Projects of this scale don\u2019t happen overnight, and I\u2019m grateful to the federal, state, county, and local partners who made today possible.\u201d <o:p></o:p></span></p></div><div><p style='mso-margin-top-alt:0in;margin-right:0in;margin-bottom:11.25pt;margin-left:0in;-webkit-text-size-adjust: 100%;-ms-text-size-adjust: 100%'><span style='font-size:11.5pt;font-family:"Helvetica",sans-serif'>This project is supported by nearly $80 million in federal funding through the Federal Transit Administration\u2019s Capital Investment Grant Program, along with more than $19 million in additional federal grants, $27.5 million in state funding, and $47.5 million in King County Metro funds. <o:p></o:p></span></p></div><div><p style='mso-margin-top-alt:0in;margin-right:0in;margin-bottom:11.25pt;margin-left:0in;-webkit-text-size-adjust: 100%;-ms-text-size-adjust: 100%'><span style='font-size:11.5pt;font-family:"Helvetica",sans-serif'>Construction of the RapidRide I Line will also create economic opportunity by supporting small businesses and expanding access to careers in the trades. The contract with Stacy Witbeck meets the County\u2019s requirement that at least 20% of the total contract value go to certified small or disadvantaged businesses, including women- and minority-owned firms. <o:p></o:p></span></p></div><div><p style='mso-margin-top-alt:0in;margin-right:0in;margin-bottom:11.25pt;margin-left:0in;-webkit-text-size-adjust: 100%;-ms-text-size-adjust: 100%'><span style='font-size:11.5pt;font-family:"Helvetica",sans-serif'>The project also invests in workforce development, with a goal that 15% of total labor hours be completed by apprentices, helping build a pipeline of skilled workers. Additional efforts will focus on expanding access to these opportunities for women, people of color, economically disadvantaged youth, and people with disabilities. This work is further supported by federal equal employment requirements, including the Seattle area\u2019s 7.2% participation goal for women in construction. <o:p></o:p></span></p></div><div><p style='mso-margin-top-alt:0in;margin-right:0in;margin-bottom:11.25pt;margin-left:0in;-webkit-text-size-adjust: 100%;-ms-text-size-adjust: 100%'><span style='font-size:11.5pt;font-family:"Helvetica",sans-serif'>When service begins in 2027, RapidRide I Line buses will run every 10 minutes during peak periods and every 15 minutes most of the day. Riders are expected to travel 26 percent faster during the morning commute and nearly 30 percent faster during the evening commute, reducing travel times and improving reliability. <o:p></o:p></span></p></div><div><p style='mso-margin-top-alt:0in;margin-right:0in;margin-bottom:11.25pt;margin-left:0in;-webkit-text-size-adjust: 100%;-ms-text-size-adjust: 100%'><span style='font-size:11.5pt;font-family:"Helvetica",sans-serif'>The project includes 82 RapidRide stations, along with new or upgraded crosswalks, mid-block crossings, curb ramps, and sidewalks, improving safety and access for people getting to and from transit. <o:p></o:p></span></p></div><div><p style='mso-margin-top-alt:0in;margin-right:0in;margin-bottom:11.25pt;margin-left:0in;-webkit-text-size-adjust: 100%;-ms-text-size-adjust: 100%'><span style='font-size:11.5pt;font-family:"Helvetica",sans-serif'>The RapidRide I Line will strengthen regional connections by linking riders to downtown Renton, the future Renton Transit Center currently under construction, Kent Station, Auburn Station, the RapidRide F Line, future Sound Transit Stride S1 Line service, Sounder trains, and local bus routes. These connections will support access to destinations across the region. <o:p></o:p></span></p></div><div><p style='mso-margin-top-alt:0in;margin-right:0in;margin-bottom:11.25pt;margin-left:0in;-webkit-text-size-adjust: 100%;-ms-text-size-adjust: 100%'><span style='font-size:11.5pt;font-family:"Helvetica",sans-serif'>\u201cRapidRide is more than a bus line, it\u2019s a commitment to delivering fast, reliable, high-quality transit that people can count on,\u201d<strong><span style='font-family:"Helvetica",sans-serif'> said Metro General Manager Michelle Allison.</span></strong> \u201cThis project reflects what we heard from the community, and it will make it easier for people to choose transit for their everyday trips.\u201d <o:p></o:p></span></p></div><div><p style='mso-margin-top-alt:0in;margin-right:0in;margin-bottom:11.25pt;margin-left:0in;-webkit-text-size-adjust: 100%;-ms-text-size-adjust: 100%'><span style='font-size:11.5pt;font-family:"Helvetica",sans-serif'>Metro designed the RapidRide I Line with input from riders and community members along the corridor. Through extensive engagement, the agency gathered feedback to help shape service, station design, and access improvements. <o:p></o:p></span></p></div><div><p style='mso-margin-top-alt:0in;margin-right:0in;margin-bottom:11.25pt;margin-left:0in;-webkit-text-size-adjust: 100%;-ms-text-size-adjust: 100%'><strong><span style='font-size:11.5pt;font-family:"Helvetica",sans-serif'>Project improvements by the numbers: </span></strong><span style='font-size:11.5pt;font-family:"Helvetica",sans-serif'><o:p></o:p></span></p></div><div><ul style='margin-top:0in' type=disc><li class=MsoNormal style='margin-bottom:11.25pt;mso-list:l3 level1 lfo1;-webkit-text-size-adjust: 100%;-ms-text-size-adjust: 100%'><strong><span style='font-size:11.5pt;font-family:"Helvetica",sans-serif'>Corridor length:</span></strong><span style='font-size:11.5pt;font-family:"Helvetica",sans-serif'> 17 miles <o:p></o:p></span></li></ul></div><div><ul style='margin-top:0in' type=disc><li class=MsoNormal style='margin-bottom:11.25pt;mso-list:l0 level1 lfo2;-webkit-text-size-adjust: 100%;-ms-text-size-adjust: 100%'><strong><span style='font-size:11.5pt;font-family:"Helvetica",sans-serif'>Ridership:</span></strong><span style='font-size:11.5pt;font-family:"Helvetica",sans-serif'> the current Route 160 has about 5,000 weekday boardings <o:p></o:p></span></li></ul></div><div><ul style='margin-top:0in' type=disc><li class=MsoNormal style='margin-bottom:11.25pt;mso-list:l1 level1 lfo3;-webkit-text-size-adjust: 100%;-ms-text-size-adjust: 100%'><strong><span style='font-size:11.5pt;font-family:"Helvetica",sans-serif'>Population:</span></strong><span style='font-size:11.5pt;font-family:"Helvetica",sans-serif'> There are about 75,000 people living within a half mile of the future RapidRide I Line, and nearly 40,000 people living within a quarter mile. <o:p></o:p></span></li></ul></div><div><ul style='margin-top:0in' type=disc><li class=MsoNormal style='margin-bottom:11.25pt;mso-list:l5 level1 lfo4;-webkit-text-size-adjust: 100%;-ms-text-size-adjust: 100%'><strong><span style='font-size:11.5pt;font-family:"Helvetica",sans-serif'>Transit stations:</span></strong><span style='font-size:11.5pt;font-family:"Helvetica",sans-serif'> 82 RapidRide stations are planned with new features designed to improve customer safety and comfort. <o:p></o:p></span></li></ul></div><div><ul style='margin-top:0in' type=disc><li class=MsoNormal style='margin-bottom:11.25pt;mso-list:l4 level1 lfo5;-webkit-text-size-adjust: 100%;-ms-text-size-adjust: 100%'><strong><span style='font-size:11.5pt;font-family:"Helvetica",sans-serif'>Business-Access and Transit (BAT) lanes:</span></strong><span style='font-size:11.5pt;font-family:"Helvetica",sans-serif'> 3 miles of BAT lanes <o:p></o:p></span></li></ul></div><div><ul style='margin-top:0in' type=disc><li class=MsoNormal style='margin-bottom:11.25pt;mso-list:l6 level1 lfo6;-webkit-text-size-adjust: 100%;-ms-text-size-adjust: 100%'><strong><span style='font-size:11.5pt;font-family:"Helvetica",sans-serif'>Intersections with transit-signal priority:</span></strong><span style='font-size:11.5pt;font-family:"Helvetica",sans-serif'> 36 intersections <o:p></o:p></span></li></ul></div><div><ul style='margin-top:0in' type=disc><li class=MsoNormal style='margin-bottom:11.25pt;mso-list:l7 level1 lfo7;-webkit-text-size-adjust: 100%;-ms-text-size-adjust: 100%'><strong><span style='font-size:11.5pt;font-family:"Helvetica",sans-serif'>Upgraded sidewalks:</span></strong><span style='font-size:11.5pt;font-family:"Helvetica",sans-serif'> 4 miles <o:p></o:p></span></li></ul></div><div><ul style='margin-top:0in' type=disc><li class=MsoNormal style='margin-bottom:11.25pt;mso-list:l2 level1 lfo8;-webkit-text-size-adjust: 100%;-ms-text-size-adjust: 100%'><strong><span style='font-size:11.5pt;font-family:"Helvetica",sans-serif'>New or upgraded pedestrian improvements:</span></strong><span style='font-size:11.5pt;font-family:"Helvetica",sans-serif'> 53 new or upgraded crosswalks, 11 mid-block crossings, and 122 new or upgraded curb ramps. Each improvement provides safer, more reliable access to transit for everyone \u2013 people walking, rolling, or using mobility aids. <o:p></o:p></span></li></ul></div><div align=center><table class=MsoNormalTable border=0 cellspacing=0 cellpadding=0 width="100%" style='width:100.0%;border-collapse:collapse;-webkit-text-size-adjust: 100%;-ms-text-size-adjust: 100%;border-spacing: 0'><tr><td width="100%" style='width:100.0%;padding:0in 22.5pt 0in 22.5pt;-webkit-text-size-adjust: 100%;-ms-text-size-adjust: 100%'><div class=MsoNormal align=center style='text-align:center'><hr size=2 width="100%" align=center></div></td></tr></table></div><div><h2 align=center style='mso-margin-top-alt:0in;margin-right:0in;margin-bottom:13.5pt;margin-left:0in;text-align:center'><span style='font-size:16.5pt;font-family:"Helvetica",sans-serif'>What People Are Saying: <o:p></o:p></span></h2></div><div><div><p style='mso-margin-top-alt:0in;margin-right:0in;margin-bottom:11.25pt;margin-left:0in;-webkit-text-size-adjust: 100%;-ms-text-size-adjust: 100%'><strong><span style='font-size:11.5pt;font-family:"Helvetica",sans-serif'>U.S. Senator Patty Murray</span></strong><span style='font-size:11.5pt;font-family:"Helvetica",sans-serif'> <o:p></o:p></span></p></div><div><p style='mso-margin-top-alt:0in;margin-right:0in;margin-bottom:11.25pt;margin-left:0in;-webkit-text-size-adjust: 100%;-ms-text-size-adjust: 100%'><span style='font-size:11.5pt;font-family:"Helvetica",sans-serif'>\u201cStrong public transit helps connect people to opportunity and keeps our communities thriving. That\u2019s why I\u2019m proud to support King County Metro as they break ground on the RapidRide I Line, which will provide faster, safer and more reliable service. I\u2019ll always fight to deliver federal investments that help make projects like this possible to improve commutes, expand access to opportunity and build a transportation system that works better for Washington families.\u201d <o:p></o:p></span></p></div><div><p style='mso-margin-top-alt:0in;margin-right:0in;margin-bottom:11.25pt;margin-left:0in;-webkit-text-size-adjust: 100%;-ms-text-size-adjust: 100%'><strong><span style='font-size:11.5pt;font-family:"Helvetica",sans-serif'>King County Councilmember Steffanie Fain</span></strong><span style='font-size:11.5pt;font-family:"Helvetica",sans-serif'> <o:p></o:p></span></p></div><div><p style='mso-margin-top-alt:0in;margin-right:0in;margin-bottom:11.25pt;margin-left:0in;-webkit-text-size-adjust: 100%;-ms-text-size-adjust: 100%'><span style='font-size:11.5pt;font-family:"Helvetica",sans-serif'>"Today\u2019s groundbreaking reflects years of collaboration between King County, our cities, and community partners. Transforming Route 160 into the RapidRide I Line will bring more frequent, reliable service and strengthen connections between Renton, Kent and Auburn \u2014 making it easier for people across South King County to reach work, school and essential services.\u201d <o:p></o:p></span></p></div><div><p style='mso-margin-top-alt:0in;margin-right:0in;margin-bottom:11.25pt;margin-left:0in;-webkit-text-size-adjust: 100%;-ms-text-size-adjust: 100%'><strong><span style='font-size:11.5pt;font-family:"Helvetica",sans-serif'>Renton Mayor Armondo Pavone</span></strong><span style='font-size:11.5pt;font-family:"Helvetica",sans-serif'> <o:p></o:p></span></p></div><div><p style='mso-margin-top-alt:0in;margin-right:0in;margin-bottom:11.25pt;margin-left:0in;-webkit-text-size-adjust: 100%;-ms-text-size-adjust: 100%'><span style='font-size:11.5pt;font-family:"Helvetica",sans-serif'>\u201cRenton expects nearly 20,000\u202fnew jobs\u202fin the coming years, and services like the I Line offer\u202fways to accommodate that increase in our workforce.\u202f\u202fThe\u202flaunch of the I Line means\u202ffaster, reliable service between\u202fAuburn, Kent, and Renton \u2013 but also expands\u202four\u202faccess to the larger regional public transit options for South King County\u202fresidents and commuters.\u201d\u202f\u202f <o:p></o:p></span></p></div><div><p style='mso-margin-top-alt:0in;margin-right:0in;margin-bottom:11.25pt;margin-left:0in;-webkit-text-size-adjust: 100%;-ms-text-size-adjust: 100%'><strong><span style='font-size:11.5pt;font-family:"Helvetica",sans-serif'>Kent Mayor Dana Ralph</span></strong><span style='font-size:11.5pt;font-family:"Helvetica",sans-serif'> <o:p></o:p></span></p></div><div><p style='mso-margin-top-alt:0in;margin-right:0in;margin-bottom:11.25pt;margin-left:0in;-webkit-text-size-adjust: 100%;-ms-text-size-adjust: 100%'><span style='font-size:11.5pt;font-family:"Helvetica",sans-serif'>\u201cProjects like the RapidRide I Line are about connecting people to opportunity. For Kent residents, this new service will provide faster, more reliable transit to jobs, schools, and services across South King County. By linking Renton, Kent and Auburn, and connecting riders to regional bus and rail service, the I Line strengthens the transportation network that keeps our region moving. We\u2019re proud to partner with King County Metro and our neighboring cities to bring these improvements to the Kent community.\u201d <o:p></o:p></span></p></div><div><p style='mso-margin-top-alt:0in;margin-right:0in;margin-bottom:11.25pt;margin-left:0in;-webkit-text-size-adjust: 100%;-ms-text-size-adjust: 100%'><strong><span style='font-size:11.5pt;font-family:"Helvetica",sans-serif'>Auburn Deputy Mayor Tracy Taylor-Turner</span></strong><span style='font-size:11.5pt;font-family:"Helvetica",sans-serif'> <o:p></o:p></span></p></div><div><p style='mso-margin-top-alt:0in;margin-right:0in;margin-bottom:11.25pt;margin-left:0in;-webkit-text-size-adjust: 100%;-ms-text-size-adjust: 100%'><span style='font-size:11.5pt;font-family:"Helvetica",sans-serif'>\u201cThe I-Line will be the first RapidRide route to serve Auburn and connect our downtown and northern business and residential districts with key destinations both within our community and to our neighboring Cities of Kent and Renton.\u201d <o:p></o:p></span></p></div><div><p style='mso-margin-top-alt:0in;margin-right:0in;margin-bottom:11.25pt;margin-left:0in;-webkit-text-size-adjust: 100%;-ms-text-size-adjust: 100%'><strong><span style='font-size:11.5pt;font-family:"Helvetica",sans-serif'> Arya Nguyen, UW student and former Youth Mobility Board member</span></strong><span style='font-size:11.5pt;font-family:"Helvetica",sans-serif'><o:p></o:p></span></p></div><div><p style='mso-margin-top-alt:0in;margin-right:0in;margin-bottom:11.25pt;margin-left:0in;-webkit-text-size-adjust: 100%;-ms-text-size-adjust: 100%'><span style='font-size:11.5pt;font-family:"Helvetica",sans-serif'>\u201cBecause of the I Line, freedom will become even more accessible to the youth in my community. Accessible public transit means not missing school, it means being able to attend afterschool clubs, it means learning about your community, and staying connected with your friends. To all of us who are still growing, and I don\u2019t mean just youth, that freedom, to go wherever we please, is everything.\u201d <o:p></o:p></span></p></div><div><p style='mso-margin-top-alt:0in;margin-right:0in;margin-bottom:11.25pt;margin-left:0in;-webkit-text-size-adjust: 100%;-ms-text-size-adjust: 100%'><strong><span style='font-size:11.5pt;font-family:"Helvetica",sans-serif'>Prem Subedi, Transit Advisory Commission Member and UW student</span></strong><span style='font-size:11.5pt;font-family:"Helvetica",sans-serif'> <o:p></o:p></span></p></div><div><p style='mso-margin-top-alt:0in;margin-right:0in;margin-bottom:11.25pt;margin-left:0in;-webkit-text-size-adjust: 100%;-ms-text-size-adjust: 100%'><strong><span style='font-size:11.5pt;font-family:"Helvetica",sans-serif'>\u201c</span></strong><span style='font-size:11.5pt;font-family:"Helvetica",sans-serif'>I am excited to see that King County Metro service will become a reality in Kent, Auburn and Renton. RapidRide I line shows what is possible when communities, transit agencies, and elected officials invest in the future of mobility, where people are prioritized, not just cars.\u201d <o:p></o:p></span></p></div><div><p style='mso-margin-top-alt:0in;margin-right:0in;margin-bottom:11.25pt;margin-left:0in;-webkit-text-size-adjust: 100%;-ms-text-size-adjust: 100%'><strong><span style='font-size:11.5pt;font-family:"Helvetica",sans-serif'>Jordan Freeman, 4Culture Senior Public Art Project Manager</span></strong><span style='font-size:11.5pt;font-family:"Helvetica",sans-serif'><o:p></o:p></span></p></div><div><p style='mso-margin-top-alt:0in;margin-right:0in;margin-bottom:11.25pt;margin-left:0in;-webkit-text-size-adjust: 100%;-ms-text-size-adjust: 100%'><span style='font-size:11.5pt;font-family:"Helvetica",sans-serif'>\u201cThrough our partnership with King County Metro, 4Culture works to ensure that public art is part of the everyday experience of transit. RYAN! Feddersen\u2019s <em><span style='font-family:"Helvetica",sans-serif'>SMALL BUT MIGHTY</span></em> builds on the vision of the RapidRide Art Plan developed by Johnson| Ramirez, bringing Plateau and Interior Salish storytelling traditions to the I Line through artworks that reveal \u2018Animal People\u2019 traveling alongside us \u2014 transforming stations and retaining walls into places of recognition, humor, and shared presence.\u201d <o:p></o:p></span></p></div></div><div align=center><table class=MsoNormalTable border=0 cellspacing=0 cellpadding=0 width="100%" style='width:100.0%;border-collapse:collapse;-webkit-text-size-adjust: 100%;-ms-text-size-adjust: 100%;border-spacing: 0'><tr><td width="100%" style='width:100.0%;padding:0in 22.5pt 0in 22.5pt;-webkit-text-size-adjust: 100%;-ms-text-size-adjust: 100%'><div class=MsoNormal align=center style='text-align:center'><hr size=2 width="100%" align=center></div></td></tr></table></div><p class=MsoNormal><span style='display:none'><o:p> </o:p></span></p><table class=MsoNormalTable border=0 cellspacing=0 cellpadding=0 width="100%" style='width:100.0%;border-collapse:collapse;-webkit-text-size-adjust: 100%;-ms-text-size-adjust: 100%;border-spacing: 0'><tr><td style='padding:0in 0in 0in 0in;-webkit-text-size-adjust: 100%;-ms-text-size-adjust: 100%'><p class=MsoNormal align=center style='text-align:center'><img border=0 width=359 height=61 style='width:3.7395in;height:.6354in' id="_x0000_i1029" src="https://content.govdelivery.com/attachments/fancy_images/WAKING/2026/01/13003977/6656905/kc-logo-eo-horiz-pos-1line-2k_crop.png" alt="King County Office of the Executive"><o:p></o:p></p></td></tr></table></td></tr></table></div></div></td></tr></table></div></td></tr></table></div></div></td></tr></table></div></td><td style='padding:15.0pt 0in 15.0pt 0in;-webkit-text-size-adjust: 100%;-ms-text-size-adjust: 100%'></td></tr></table></div></td></tr></table></div><div id="mail_footer"><p class=MsoNormal><span lang=EN style='display:none'><o:p> </o:p></span></p><div align=center><table class=MsoNormalTable border=0 cellspacing=0 cellpadding=0 width=600 style='width:6.25in;border-collapse:collapse'><tr><td style='padding:0in 0in 0in 0in'><p align=center style='text-align:center'><span style='font-size:8.5pt;font-family:"Arial",sans-serif'>Follow the King County Executive Office: <a href="https://links-1.govdelivery.com/CL0/https:%2F%2Fwww.kingcounty.gov%2Fexec/1/0100019d081c5239-1d924354-9e67-4f9d-afd2-7855dd845a33-000000/iQmb_gaYsFwPeKaSQb5S3PmJ2urEdO2XP7OGcTnEA4o=449" target="_blank">kingcounty.gov/exec</a></span><o:p></o:p></p><p align=center style='text-align:center'><span style='font-size:8.5pt;font-family:"Arial",sans-serif'><a href="https://links-1.govdelivery.com/CL0/https:%2F%2Fpublic.govdelivery.com%2Faccounts%2FWAKING%2Fsubscriber%2Fnew%3Fpreferences=true/1/0100019d081c5239-1d924354-9e67-4f9d-afd2-7855dd845a33-000000/FV9-Ye_Tu7HQn-HGhe0g-xib3ByrX-fHYFI9YcYYhSE=449" target="_blank">Unsubscribe</a> <a href="https://links-1.govdelivery.com/CL0/https:%2F%2Fpublic.govdelivery.com%2Faccounts%2FWAKING%2Fsubscriber%2Fedit%3Fpreferences=true%23tab1/1/0100019d081c5239-1d924354-9e67-4f9d-afd2-7855dd845a33-000000/SeDqd-ZS4aJvJdkwMcQWFEn_xE_2uXqV3rsGdd9L4ho=449" target="_blank">Preferences</a><o:p></o:p></span></p><p align=center style='text-align:center'><span style='font-size:8.5pt;font-family:"Arial",sans-serif'>Having trouble viewing this email? <a href="https://links-1.govdelivery.com/CL0/https:%2F%2Fcontent.govdelivery.com%2Faccounts%2FWAKING%2Fbulletins%2F40f20c4/1/0100019d081c5239-1d924354-9e67-4f9d-afd2-7855dd845a33-000000/zFFR8ARTQoXJjJUXYx934tAjqYm6KOBzq0zpLq3m2Vs=449">View it as a Web page</a>.<o:p></o:p></span></p></td></tr></table></div></div><div id=tagline><p><span lang=EN style='color:white'>.</span><span lang=EN><o:p></o:p></span></p></div><p class=MsoNormal><span lang=EN><img src="data:image/gif;base64,R0lGODlhAQABAJEAAP///wAAAAAAAAAAACH5BAkAAAAALAAAAAABAAEAAAgEAAEEBAA7" width="1" height="1" alt="Web Bug from https://links-1.govdelivery.com/CI1/0100019d081c5239-1d924354-9e67-4f9d-afd2-7855dd845a33-000000/3OPiHIUxNlfej0DH2nOPMNUcV3U2NPQE8jakRt-wyeQ=449" /></span><span lang=EN><o:p></o:p></span></p></div></body></html>