King County Metro partners with carpooling apps

The initiative is in preparation of the viaduct closure next month.

Earlier this month King County Metro launched a new pilot program in partnership with carpooling apps Waze Carpool and Scoop. Commuters can choose to be a passenger and join a carpool trip at a discounted rate, or be a driver and offer a ride to earn incentives. The carpooling apps are free to download.

This program provides county residents and employees with additional mobility options to help reduce congestion, lessen energy consumption and improve equitable access to mobility, according to a King County press release. The program is available for all trips starting or ending in King County. Service areas and pricing vary across apps.

The Alaskan Way viaduct is set to close permanently on Jan. 11. King County officials say that for commuters heading to or from Seattle, this program creates another travel option to mitigate some of the effects of that closure. With expected traffic delays during peak hours, commuters who are unable to telecommute or use vanpools or transit can help reduce their stress by leaving their car at home and sharing rides with others, the press release stated. To learn more about the upcoming closures and how to best prepare, visit the King County Metro Get Ready website.

The carpool partnership initially will last through the viaduct closure period. Depending on the results of the early phases, Metro might make adjustments to the program and consider whether to make it a longer-term initiative and how it could evolve over time.

To use the apps, download Waze Carpool or Scoop; enter trip locations and times; get matched with neighbors or co-workers going your way and book a ride.

In preparation for the viaduct closure, King County Executive and Mayor Jenny Durkin were expected to hold a press conference Tuesday, after press time, announcing a new transit pilot and other measures to help commuters when the viaduct closes next month. Details will be forthcoming.