The King County Council today voted to approve a new ordinance that would allow Metro to extend the length of time transfers are valid during adverse weather conditions when buses are often late or service is disrupted.

“When routes are cancelled and bus service is sporadic, Metro riders deserve the peace of mind of knowing that delays won’t make their transfers worthless,” said Council member Bob Ferguson, who sponsored the legislation and regularly commutes by bus. “Although many Metro operators no doubt recognize the reality of conditions and act accordingly, there should be a systemwide policy that can be communicated clearly and confidently to customers.”

Transfers are normally valid for two hours. With the adopted ordinance, the transfer time limit can now be extended to reflect weather and service conditions.

“I am pleased that with the passage of this legislation we are ensuring our riders will be taken care of,” said Council Vice Chair Jane Hague. “Riders should expect that they can still transfer even if they miss a bus because of bad weather. This legislation especially makes sense for riders with a long commute.”

During the worst of the December 2008 snowstorms, which included four separate snowfalls over two weeks and prolonged sub-freezing temperatures, Metro bus service was reduced by half. As a result, many riders faced lengthy waits at bus stops, and the possibility of having their transfers expire while waiting for their bus to arrive.