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As our region continues to grow, transportation is evolving to better serve residents, workers, and families. AYDEPI is proud to partner with King County Metro to help ensure that South King County communities — especially immigrants, youth, and families — understand and have a voice in the upcoming bus route changes and the Link Light Rail expansion connecting Federal Way, Kent, and nearby areas.

Bringing Transit Information to the Community

Many South King County residents rely on public transportation every day — to get to school, work, medical appointments, and community events. Recognizing that service changes can affect families differently, AYDEPI worked alongside Metro to host community conversations, outreach sessions, and youth-led forums. These spaces created opportunities for residents to:

  • Learn about upcoming bus service changes
  • Understand how the new Link Light Rail will connect cities like Federal Way, Kent, and SeaTac
  • Share feedback about accessibility, scheduling, and service needs
  • Receive updates in culturally and linguistically inclusive ways

By collaborating with trusted community organizations like AYDEPI, King County Metro ensured that every voice — especially from immigrant and youth communities — was heard and included in the decision-making process.

Youth at the Heart of Engagement

This project is being led by three dedicated college/university students: Sincyre Bell, Awate Benea, and Trina Wamunyu. They played a key role in sharing information, translating materials, and supporting engagement across neighborhoods. They helped families understand how the changes would affect their daily commutes and provided valuable feedback to Metro staff on community priorities — from safety and reliability to convenience and accessibility.

“It’s important that our families know how to get to school, work, or the hospital without confusion,” shared Sincyre Bell, AYDEPI youth leader, mentor, and college student. “Being part of this project helped me understand how transit planning impacts everyone.”

Connecting Communities and Opportunities

The upcoming Link Light Rail extension and bus route adjustments aim to make travel faster, greener, and more connected — linking Federal Way, Kent, and surrounding cities with the greater Seattle area. For South King County residents, this means greater access to education, jobs, and community spaces, and a more sustainable transportation future.

AYDEPI is honored to serve as a bridge between policy and people — ensuring that transit changes are not only understood, but also shaped by the communities they serve.