King County Metro to install operator safety partitions fleetwide
Crossposted from Metro Matters
King County Metro bus operators are evaluating safety partition designs as part of the planning process for retrofitting up to 1,300 of the agency’s 1,400 buses. Existing buses not being upgraded will be replaced by a recent order for 89 new buses that have a partition already installed.
From now through July 5, four buses, each with a different style of partition currently available on the market, will be touring Metro’s bases. The safety partitions, which riders will begin seeing on both new and existing buses later this year, offer increased size and durability to better protect Metro bus operators.
“King County is moving forward as quickly as possible to select and install operator safety partitions on every Metro bus, fulfilling our commitment to enhance transit safety for operators and riders,” said Executive Braddock. “We listened to our operators’ feedback, which led to improved, larger partition designs and the installation of safety partitions on the 89 new buses arriving next year.” Read more.
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Supervisor Spotlight: Highlighting those behind the scenes who keep us moving
Crossposted from Metro Matters
It takes a lot of people to keep a transit system running smoothly across 150 routes and over 300,000 boardings a day.
Bus drivers are the most visible part of any transit system, and there are people behind the scenes who are just as vital in the day-to-day operation of King County Metro.
Their responsibilities include training operators, planning the routes that run throughout the region, and literally being the “traffic controllers” who keep track of the buses on their daily runs.
They’re also the former bus drivers who use their knowledge to guide current drivers. Some were interested in transit from a young age and who put their backgrounds from other fields into good use.
And sometimes, they’re invisible co-pilots that help you get where you need to go when you ride with Metro.
We’d like to introduce you to the staff that help keep the wheels on the bus going “round and round” every day. Read more.
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King County announces five-year plan for climate action
King County Executive Shannon Braddock announced the 2025–2030 Strategic Climate Action Plan today, partnering with the Executive Climate Office to send the proposal to the King County Council for consideration. The plan reinforces King County’s commitment to climate action that delivers measurable results — working across county departments and in collaboration with community partners.
It builds off the significant progress King County has made in several areas and sets a bold course to cut greenhouse gas emissions, support climate-resilient communities, and invest in a sustainable and equitable region.
“King County is staying true to our core values while advancing on bold climate action that puts frontline communities first,” said Executive Braddock. “We are excited to keep working with our partners to turn these ambitious plans into real progress.” Read more.
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2025 Employee Engagement Survey results
A total of 8,524 King County employees shared their thoughts in the 2025 Employee Engagement Survey on what we’re doing well, where we can improve, and how we can build an even better workplace.
Employees in the Executive Branch, and in King County Elections, King County Assessor’s Office, and King County Council were eligible to participate in the survey, which found that overall employee engagement is 69%, a 4-point increase from the last survey. Some of the key results include 75% of employees said that they apply equity, racial, and social justice in their daily work, and 71% feel that equity and social justice are related to their job responsibilities. In addition, 75% of respondents said they would recommend King County as a place to work, seven points above the industry average.
You can see all the results here and click the image below to watch a short overview video.
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Earn free bike, scooter and transit rides this summer!
Crossposted from Metro Matters
The popular “Bike and Scoot to Transit” program is back this summer and is even better than in previous years. This program lets people earn free bike, scooter and transit trips while they commute and explore our region.
This summer, “Bike and Scoot to Transit” has been expanded to include even more transit hubs in Redmond, Seattle and Shoreline. The program began in 2022 and is a partnership between King County Metro, the Seattle Department of Transportation (SDOT) and Sound Transit, along with the companies Bird, Lime, Siemens and Velocia.
“Bike and Scoot to Transit” allows people to connect their Transit GO Ticket app with their Lime or Bird accounts and then ride shared bikes and scooters to transit hubs to earn rewards. Those rewards can be used to pay for their next transit trip, and future bike or scooter ride. Read more.
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King County Employee Assistance Program now offering limited in-person appointments
Your Employee Assistance Program (EAP) is here to support you, virtually or in-person.
- Virtual appointments via phone, tablet, or computer are convenient and flexible.
- Limited in-person appointments are available at our new King Street Center office for those who prefer face-to-face conversations.
EAP counselors can help you navigate workplace challenges at no cost to you. EAP provides support for employees and supervisors in navigating:
- Workplace stress
- Career decisions
- Strategies to feel better while working, and more.
Contact EAP to schedule virtual or in-person appointments.
- Phone: 206-263-8733
- Email: HRDEAP@kingcounty.gov
- KingCounty.gov/eap
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Happy Pride Month!
Crossposted from Metro Matters
This week, I had the honor of raising the Pride Progress Flag at Bellevue Base alongside colleagues from Metro’s LGBTQIA+* Employee Resource Group, members of the Metro Leadership Team, Chief People Officer Megan Pedersen and base employees. The flag was raised following a brief program of speakers—a meaningful moment that reminded us of the power of visibility and community. This annual tradition is one of the many ways Metro shows solidarity with our LGBTQIA+ family, friends, and coworkers. It’s a joyful and powerful way to begin our month of celebration, reflection and advocacy.
Pride Month is an annual celebration of the many contributions LGBTQIA+ communities have made to history, society, and cultures around the world. In most places, it’s observed in June to honor the legacy of the 1969 Stonewall Uprising—a pivotal moment in the movement for LGBTQIA+ rights. While Pride Month is a time for celebration, it’s also a call to action. Across the country, anti-trans legislation and rising acts of violence and hate continue to threaten the safety and dignity of LGBTQIA+ people. There is still much work to be done. Read more.
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Protecting the wastewater system, one coat of paint at a time
Crossposted from the OneDNRP Newsletter
When you think about wastewater, you probably don’t think about paint. But painting plays a big role in keeping our system running safely and reliably.
Wes Wilson is one of our industrial painters at West Point Treatment Plant. In this short video, he shows us how his work protects pipes, pumps, and equipment from the harsh, corrosive environment they operate in every day.
Take a few minutes to walk the plant with Wes and hear why he takes so much pride in what he does in the video below.
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Seven national awards for achievements in news, social, video, graphic arts, web design, and multicultural outreach
Crossposted from Keeping King County Green
The Department of Natural Resources and Parks’ (DNRP) communications staff recently received a combined seven awards at two national conferences, recognizing achievements in news media, social media, video production, web design, graphic art, and multicultural outreach.
On the same night they received the Golden Post Award at the Government Social Media conference hosted in Orlando, they received awards in six categories at the National Association of Government Communicators annual conference hosted in Pittsburgh.
Those are in addition to their three Northwest Regional Emmy Award nominations.
“We’re fortunate to have a high-performing team of communication professionals who help the public appreciate the impressive work performed each day by our employees, reinforcing our reputation as trusted environmental stewards,” said DNRP Director John Taylor. “The multiple national awards affirm their unique ability to take overlooked achievements by our workforce and make them accessible to the people we serve.” Read more.
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Try text-based coaching to reduce stress
Looking for ongoing mental health support without the need for scheduled appointments? Making Life Easier (MLE) offers Textcoach, providing the opportunity for participants to connect with a licensed counselor, known as a Coach, through a secure platform.
Textcoach allows you to enjoy the convenience of care available where you are, whenever you need it to help you reach your goals, whether you want to change habits, establish new routines, build your resilience, or boost your emotional fitness.
To access Textcoach, sign into Making Life Easier’s web portal below, choose the “Access Care” icon, then choose the “Text with a Coach” icon.
From there, you will:
- Select your preferred language. Textcoach® is available in English, Spanish and French.
- Connect with a Coach by exchanging text messages, voice notes, tip sheets, videos and resource links.
- Daily messages from your Coach will help you boost emotional fitness and wellbeing.
Sign into Making Life Easier now.
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