BUILD A MOUNT
King County launches new Metro Flex rideshare program with the help of RAM® Mounts’ NFC Extender, enabling onboard tap-to-pay and rider attendance tracking.
King County Metro Flex is an on-demand public transit service that lets riders book shared rides within King County neighborhoods using an app, website, or phone. It combines several older services into one easy-to-use platform. Riders can travel anywhere within a service area for the cost of a regular Metro bus fare. The service is ADA-accessible and connects with other transit options like buses and light rail.
The Challenge
As King County expanded their Metro Flex program across all King County neighborhoods, drivers needed a secure, hands-free way to incorporate a card reader to track and confirm ridership when passengers entered the vehicle. Without a reliable mounting solution, there was a risk of distraction, inefficiency, and device damage on the road. In addition, the county wanted to install passenger-facing displays to show real-time arrival estimates and route updates, improving the rider experience and overall system efficiency.
The Solution
To deliver a secure and efficient in-vehicle tech setup, RAM Mounts collaborated with installation partner Allied Body Works to equip Metro Flex vehicles with a tailored mounting system. Each vehicle was fitted with headrest mounts and RAM® Powered Docks™ designed specifically for the Samsung Tab Active3. Power was hardwired through the passenger-side seats to keep cables out of the way and ensure a clean, professional look. Locking socket arms and key-locking docks were included in every kit to deter theft and ensure the equipment stayed secure, even during busy daily operations.
In addition to securing the devices, RAM® Mounts helped improve the rider experience by integrating the RAM® NFC Extender into the dock. This allowed passengers to easily tap their ORCA cards as they boarded, providing a seamless way to access their digital wallet and record ridership. With this setup, King County could confidently support real-time tracking, efficient fare collection, and onboard display of arrival times—all without sacrificing safety or ease of use for drivers and passengers.
Headrest Mount with Tab Active3 Powered Dock by RAM® Mounts
Fleet of Metro Flex Vans by RAM® Mounts
The Results
The upgraded mounting solution helped streamline Metro Flex operations across King County. Drivers now have a reliable, hands-free way to manage devices and verify ridership without distraction, contributing to safer, more focused driving. With securely mounted tablets and integrated NFC readers, boarding became faster and smoother for passengers—reducing wait times and improving the overall transit experience.
King County also saw fewer issues related to equipment damage or theft thanks to the locking mechanisms and professional hardwired installs. The addition of passenger-facing displays enabled real-time route visibility, enhancing transparency and trust between riders and the service. Overall, the RAM® Mounts solution gave King County a rugged, tech-ready setup that matched the flexibility and innovation of the Metro Flex program. Overall, King County is happy with a solution that enables a better ridership experience, resulting in
Strengthened trust in the program from riders
Reduced stress on the drivers not having to manage operating the device so they can focus on driving
Increased durability, life expectancy, and future proofing of devices lowered total cost of ownership
