Metro asked to figure out how to track and alert riders on ghost bus no shows

King County Metro is addressing the persistent issue of "ghost buses"—scheduled services that fail to arrive—by implementing new tracking and reporting requirements for unplanned trip cancellations. The King County Council recently passed legislation mandating that Metro study how to provide real-time information to riders, either directly or through third-party apps. This initiative is crucial in light of ongoing workforce challenges that have plagued public transit services since the pandemic, leading to necessary service cutbacks. By improving communication and transparency, the council aims to restore rider confidence and enhance the overall transit experience. The new metrics will be included in Metro's ongoing service reports and future updates to its Service Guidelines.

Metro's acknowledgment of these issues reflects a commitment to addressing rider concerns and improving operational efficiency. As the situation evolves, the focus will be on how best to implement the required investments to properly alert riders about service changes. The outcome of these efforts could significantly impact the daily commute for thousands of residents in King County.