Everett commuters who ride ST Express Route 515 to downtown Seattle will need to switch to the Link 1 Line light rail when Sound Transit eliminates six bus routes starting Aug. 29.

The agency is cutting routes 515, 550, 554, 570, 580 and 586 as part of a systemwide overhaul phasing in through Aug. 31, KING5 reported.

The restructure responds to new Link light rail extensions now running in Snohomish County and across Lake Washington, which parallel several of the eliminated bus lines.

Route 515, which connected Lynnwood City Center Station to downtown Seattle, is the cut most visible to Snohomish County riders.

What Everett riders gain

Route 513, which runs between Seaway Transit Center and Lynnwood City Center Station, is getting a significant upgrade.

Starting Aug. 29, the route will add bi-directional service in the mornings and afternoons, adjust trip start times, revise its pathway to serve West Casino Road and Airport Road, and add new stops on West Casino Road near major employers and apartment complexes in Everett.

Route 535, connecting Lynnwood City Center to Bellevue, will double its weekend frequency to every 30 minutes during the day and add an early-morning southbound trip on weekends. The route currently runs hourly on Saturdays with no Sunday service.

Sound Transit is also launching two new overnight Night Bus routes. Route 547 will run every 30 minutes between midnight and 4:30 a.m. from Redmond to downtown Seattle, stopping near every 2 Line station except East Main.

Route 597 will provide 30-minute overnight service between Lakewood and Seattle via Tacoma Dome and SeaTac.

What stays the same

Route 510 won't change. That direct Everett Station-to-downtown Seattle express remains intact, as does Route 512 connecting Everett Station to Lynnwood City Center Station, which will receive only minor adjustments.

Link 1 Line, Link 2 Line, Sounder N Line, Sounder S Line and T Line service will remain unchanged.

Why the cuts

Sound Transit said the changes are meant to improve service performance, respond to ridership patterns and make better use of available resources.

The eliminated routes largely duplicate service now provided by Link light rail extensions that opened in Snohomish County and on the Eastside.

The other eliminated routes affect riders farther south. Route 550 between Bellevue and Seattle is being replaced by the 2 Line and Route 556. Routes 580 and 586 served Pierce County.

How to prepare

Riders needing trip-planning help before the Aug. 29 switch can contact Sound Transit's Passenger Care team at 888-889-6368 or TTY Relay 711, Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 6 p.m.