Seattle Transit Petition - Route Change or New Stop

Transportation Washington 4 Minutes Read · published February 07, 2026 Flag of Washington

This guide explains how to petition for a transit route change or to request a new bus stop in Seattle, Washington. Local street management, transit operations and service planning involve the Seattle Department of Transportation (SDOT) and King County Metro for most bus services. The steps below cover who to contact, what information to include, typical timelines, and how decisions are made.

Overview of who decides

Street use, curbspace and stop placement on Seattle city streets are managed by SDOT while transit service levels and routing for most buses are set by King County Metro. For routes that cross jurisdictions, coordination happens between SDOT, Metro and the Seattle City Council or regional partners. For municipal code references and related city rules consult the official municipal code resources listed below. SDOT transit information[1]

Typical petition content and required information

  • A clear description of the requested change: add, remove or move a stop; change route alignment; attach maps and coordinates.
  • Evidence of demand: ridership data, traffic studies, community signatures or employer/school letters.
  • Operational constraints: curbside use, ADA accessibility, nearby loading zones or safety issues.
  • Contact information for the requester and any neighborhood or business representatives.
Be specific about location using nearest intersection and GPS coordinates.

How petitions are processed

SDOT evaluates curb and stop feasibility and may approve physical placement; King County Metro evaluates service-level and routing changes. Petitions often start with an online request or email to Metro customer service and a service planning review; SDOT will then assess curbspace, safety and signage. For King County Metro request instructions and online forms use the Metro stop request page. King County Metro request a stop[2]

Penalties & Enforcement

There is no specific Seattle bylaw that criminalizes filing a petition, but enforcement and penalties generally relate to improper use of curbspace, illegal stopping or unauthorized signage. Specific fine amounts and escalation for transit routing or stop violations are not consolidated on a single city page; the cited municipal resources do not list fines for route-change petitions or for improper petitioning practices. Seattle Municipal Code[3]

  • Fines: not specified on the cited page for petition-related infractions; check the Municipal Code sections on parking/curb use for parking or stopping fines.
  • Escalation: not specified on the cited page; municipal code or administrative rules typically set progressive penalties for continuing violations.
  • Non-monetary sanctions: orders to remove unauthorized signs, reallocation of curbspace, administrative hearings, or civil enforcement may apply.
  • Enforcer: SDOT and King County Metro for curb or transit-related actions; parking enforcement units enforce stopping/parking violations.
  • Appeals: usually administrative review or hearing processes via the enforcing department; time limits and procedures are department-specific and in many cases are not specified on the general guidance pages.
If you face a fine or enforcement action contact the enforcing agency immediately to learn appeal deadlines.

Applications & Forms

King County Metro provides an online request form and guidance for stop and shelter requests; SDOT accepts requests for curb changes and may require separate permits for physical curb or signage work. If a formal city permit or fee applies it will be listed on the SDOT or Metro pages linked above; specific fee schedules or form numbers for petitions are not consolidated on a single city page.

Action steps

  • Prepare a clear location description, rationale and supporting evidence.
  • Submit a stop request to King County Metro and copy SDOT for curb/traffic review.[2]
  • Follow up with SDOT if curb permits or physical work are required; request timelines in writing.
  • Keep records of submissions, replies and any site studies to support appeals.
Early coordination with both SDOT and Metro speeds reviews.

FAQ

How do I request a new bus stop in Seattle?
Submit a stop request to King County Metro and notify SDOT for curb and safety review; include location, purpose and supporting documentation.
How long does a petition take to get a decision?
Timelines vary by complexity and season; SDOT and Metro do not publish a single standard timeframe on the general guidance pages—expect weeks to months depending on studies and coordination.
Is there a fee to request a route change or new stop?
Routine stop requests typically have no direct filing fee, but permits or construction for curb changes may carry fees determined by SDOT; fee details are not consolidated on the general guidance pages.

How-To

  1. Document the exact location and reason for the change, including maps and GPS coordinates.
  2. Collect supporting evidence: rider counts, letters from schools/businesses, accessibility concerns.
  3. Submit a stop/request to King County Metro using their online form and include SDOT in communications.[2]
  4. If physical curb or signage work is needed, apply to SDOT for permits and follow any construction or traffic control requirements.[1]
  5. Track responses, request estimated timelines, and prepare to provide additional study data if requested.

Key Takeaways

  • SDOT manages curb and stop placement; King County Metro manages most bus routing and service.
  • Submit requests to Metro and notify SDOT early to avoid delays.

Help and Support / Resources

  1. [1] Seattle Department of Transportation transit information
  2. [2] King County Metro - Request a stop
  3. [3] Seattle Municipal Code - Municode

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