Don't Forget: Free Ride Weekend for RapidRide B Line, Other Transit Changes

The RapidRide B Line buses through Bellevue and Redmond, are set to launch Saturday and Sunday with free rides on the new buses along the route this weekend.

Other changes are also set for this weekend.

Service on the B line will be between the Bellevue and Redmond transit centers, with limited stops along Northeast Eighth Street, 156th Avenue Northeast, 148th Avenue Northeast and Northeast 90th Street.

The bus has 19 new stations along the route which will be equipped with an ORCA card reader and marquee signs. The route also includes about 12 bus stops each direction of the route. RapidRide does not stop on every bus stop on Northeast Eighth and 90th streets and 156th and 148th avenues Northeast. Riders should look for the stops marked with a red circle and a "B" in order to catch the B Line bus, said transit spokeswoman Linda Thielke.

The distinctive red buses are energy-efficient, low-emission, hybrid buses with low floors and three doors for easier, faster boarding. The buses will also have free Wi-Fi, automated on-board announcements and transit signal priority for traffic lights.

The buses are expected to come every 10 to 15 minutes through both cities' downtowns as well as the Crossroads neighborhood, the eastern portion of Overlake, the Microsoft campus and North Redmond.

RapidRide B was brought on with other changes made to the Eastside transit system. .

-- Information from Bellevue Patch archives, King County Metro