Seattle's RapidRide G Line Sees 55% Ridership Increase in First Six Months, Challenging Early Criticisms

Seattle, WA – The recently launched Madison RapidRide G Line has demonstrated significant ridership growth in its initial months of operation, attracting nearly 5,600 daily riders by March 2025. This figure represents a 55% increase compared to its September 2024 launch, according to King County Metro data. The positive performance stands in contrast to recent social media commentary, including a tweet from Steven Sinofsky, who stated, "The Madison Rapid Ride G bus was another failure IMHO. It is part of the pattern of massive public expenditure for a small and shrinking part of the population."

The RapidRide G Line, a $144.3 million investment, connects Downtown Seattle with First Hill, Capitol Hill, the Central District, and Madison Valley. The project included 1.4 miles of dedicated transit lanes, new bus stops, and center-running stations designed for efficient, all-door boarding. Buses on the G Line operate with a high frequency, arriving every six minutes for most of the day, making it the most frequent route in the King County Metro system.

Beyond the notable ridership surge, the project encompassed extensive infrastructure upgrades along the Madison Street corridor. These improvements include the construction or replacement of 3.8 miles of sidewalks, new walk and bike signals, and the replacement of a 120-year-old water main, alongside other utility enhancements. Officials emphasize that these changes aim to improve safety, accessibility, and overall community connectivity.

While initial operational "kinks" such as traffic signal synchronization and bus bunching were reported, King County Metro implemented "Advanced Service Management" (ASM) in March 2025 to enhance on-time performance and service reliability. The project, funded through a combination of federal grants, the Levy to Move Seattle, Sound Transit, and state contributions, has been largely celebrated by city and county leaders as a vital step towards a more efficient and sustainable public transportation network.