King County Metro will be ending the free zone for bus riders in downtown Seattle beginning Sept. 29.

Beginning on Sept. 29 all bus riders will have to pay to ride the bus anywhere in the Seattle area, and will use a new pay-on-entry system.

King County Metro is implementing the changes to help keep up with budget cuts and growing demand. The free zone cost the department approximately $2.2 million per year.

Along with ending the free zone, Metro will also be adding two new RapidRide routes, with RapidRide C traveling between downtown and West Seattle, while RapidRide D will go between downtown and Ballard. Bus routes will also be changing, with some stops moving, buses rerouting or changing stop times.

Due to the changes, Metro expects increased commute times on buses in the downtown area in coming weeks and are asking commuters to plan ahead for the changes. To learn more visit the King County Metro’s website.