Mirror staff reports:

Sound Transit is proposing an extra trip for Route 577, the overcrowded bus route between Federal Way and Seattle.

If approved by the board of directors, the additional afternoon southbound trip would open to commuters in June 2013. The board is scheduled to vote Dec. 20.

Route 577 provides non-stop service between the Federal Way Transit Center and downtown Seattle, seven days a week.

In 2011, more than 361,000 passengers boarded Route 577. Sound Transit reports that weekday boardings were up 11 percent in the second quarter of 2012, compared to the same time period in 2011.

In June 2012, another morning trip was added to Route 577 to relieve overcrowding for commuters, who often wait in long lines every morning.

The 2013 Service Implementation Plan (SIP) outlines proposals and revisions for Sound Transit service in the next budget year. According to the SIP draft released this week, that extra trip on Route 577 to Federal Way depends on a proposed reduction in midday service to Route 566 (Auburn-Overlake).

King County Councilman Pete von Reichbauer represents the Federal Way area and serves on the Sound Transit board. He credited feedback from local bus riders for the proposed addition to Route 577.

“I encourage my fellow board members to support this proposal,” he said in a news release.

Sound Transit will host several public open houses for feedback on the SIP. Learn more at www.soundtransit.org.