Metro asked for public comment last November, on proposed service changes related to the upcoming September launch of the RapidRide C line in West Seattle. King County has taken that feedback and used it as part of a revised service change proposal.

The proposed changes for fall 2012 are as follows:

Proposal

The new RapidRide C Line will connect Westwood Village and downtown Seattle via Fauntleroy, Morgan Junction, and Alaska Junction, replacing Route 54 (current map). Download a map of the C line at the link above.

Link the C Line with the D Line: On Third Avenue, C Line buses will continue as the D line to Uptown, Interbay, and Ballard, and vice versa.
Change from November 2011 suggestion

Keep some peak-hour trips on Route 55 (current map) to downtown Seattle in the morning and to the Admiral District in the afternoon to prevent overcrowding on the C Line.

Reason(s) based on Metro’s Service Guidelines

Take advantage of an investment in service.
Metro is making a service investment in the C Line, its third RapidRide line. Transit priority measures are expected to speed service and make it more reliable, attracting higher ridership.

Serve multiple destinations and make transfers easier.
The C Line will provide a frequent, all-day connection between Westwood Village and downtown Seattle via Fauntleroy, Morgan Junction, and Alaska Junction. It will offer opportunities to connect with many frequent routes, including RapidRide D Line.

Simplify service.
RapidRide has features that make it easier to use, including signs that show real-time bus arrival information at some stops.

Alternative service
The C Line will use the same routing as existing Route 54 through Fauntleroy, Morgan Junction, and Alaska Junction. During peak hours, routes 55 and 116 (current map) provide some additional service along portions of the C Line.

Service frequency of C Line:

Weekdays - 10-15 minutes during Peak, 15 minutes off Peak, 15-30 minutes nights
Weekends - 15 minutes

You can comment on these changes at these community meetings:

February 15, 6 p.m. to 8 p.m., Madison Middle School, 3429 45th Ave. S.W.
February 16, 6 p.m. to 8 p.m., Chief Sealth High School, 2600 S.W. Thistle St.

You can download the Have A Say flyer at the link above for a listing of all area meetings on the proposed changes.