A new bus service is moving into West Seattle which promises to be faster and more regular.
Construction began this week to make way for the new "C Line," which will replace Metro's Route 54, which runs between West Seattle and downtown Seattle.
During the three-month long construction project, commuters will have to deal with lane closures and restrictions.
The construction caught some bus riders by surprise. Many bus stop closed as crews overhaul bus zones to include the new C Line. Crews are restriping bus lanes and extended sidewalks in some spots. For drivers, traffic will be down to one lane in each direction at work zones.
The C Line will be a RapidRide bus, which will come every 10-15 minutes. Metro is also installing new bus shelters for the line, which some riders think is a waste of money.
The overall project for the C Line costs $1.4 million. That money comes from a federal grant and voter-approved levy, which bridges the cost gap.
"Why do they need their own stops? Is that necessary there? Is that just for show? Give me a break," said one bus rider.
"We think we're going to deliver everything for the money we're going to be carrying more people, a better experience on transit, and ability to transit as an option where maybe they haven't before," said Victor Obeso, Metro service manager.
The C Line is scheduled to start this fall.
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