Issaquah’s City Council approved delaying the Route 200 Transit Now project, which would have offered a bus route that stretches from the business districts up into the Highlands.

The bus was scheduled to begin its modified route this September, when the city would also stop offering free fares.

The main reason for the delay was that Port Blakely Communities, a major sponsor for the project, didn’t think this year was a good time to begin the project.

The city now plans to begin the expanded service in February 2013. Council Member Tola Marts said he hoped the delay would give the city time to find a way to keep the free farebox.