Transit Study

People loading on to bus at a transit center.

Overview

The City of Issaquah is developing a Transit Study to provide a framework to guide future transportation investments in accordance with the community’s vision and goals. The Transit Study aims to include the following:

  • Understand the community needs and the vision for transit service in Issaquah
  • Gather input from a variety of stakeholders and the public to help improve transit service
  • Provide input to King County Metro and Sound Transit to achieve and/or maintain an adequate level of transit service for those in and around Issaquah
  • Develop a Link light rail planning document to guide the City’s future planning efforts
  • Identify and prioritize investments the City of Issaquah can make to improve transit service

Background

Over the last 20 years, the City’s population has more than doubled, bringing about new transportation opportunities and challenges which require new strategies to meet the City’s goals. In light of this growth, the City seeks to take a proactive, transit supportive approach to ensure that anticipated future roadway improvements support a long-term transit network.

Development of the Transit Study is called for in the City’s Strategic Plan (2019), Comprehensive Plan (2020) and Mobility Master Plan (2021) in order to prepare the community for anticipated future high-capacity transit service.

Engagement Opportunities

Survey

In Spring 2023, the City launched a transit survey to gather feedback on how transit in Issaquah could be maintained and improved in the future. The feedback received by the community will be considered when developing strategies, projects, and programs aimed at improving access to transit service throughout the City.

Interactive Map

Social PinpointThe City launched an interactive comment map to receive geographically-referenced comments. These comments showed specific locations that respondents thought could be improved in order to improve access throughout Issaquah. The feedback received by the community will be considered when developing strategies, projects, and programs aimed at improving access transit service throughout the city.

Open House

The City also hosted an open house on March 21 at Tibbetts Creek Manor from 6-8 p.m. Staff provided an overview of the current state of public transportation within the City and then spend the bulk of the open house engaging with attendees and providing a space for folks to share ideas on some ways that the City can improve transit accessibility throughout Issaquah. For those who were unable to attend, the presentation was recorded.

Timeline

  • March 9, 2023: Community Survey Launched
  • March 21, 2023: Community Open House - Presentation Recording
  • Spring 2023: Existing Conditions Memo Project List Phase 1 (Speed & Reliability)
  • Fall/Winter 2023: Link light rail planning document, Project List Phase 2 (Accessibility & Programs)
  • Winter/Spring 2024: Mobility Master Plan Goals and Policies Update