Zahilay Proposes Advancing RapidRide R Funding to Spur Bus Upgrades

King County Executive Girmay Zahilay proposed advancing $64.4 million of the $91.2 million RapidRide R Line project into the 2026-2027 budget to accelerate the bus upgrade, which currently targets a 2032 completion. The R Line will replace Seattle’s Route 7, but early designs showing significant stop consolidations have drawn concern from riders and advocates who worry about longer walks to transit and reduced service for local trips.