Community Transit Proposes New
Bus Service
Community Transit proposes to add 21,000 service hours, or about six percent more bus service, in the next year.
The proposal would expand service in September 2017 and March 2018, bringing Snohomish County bus riders improved transit connections, a new route to the Paine Field manufacturing area, more weekday trips to Seattle and UW, and improved Sunday bus service with more frequent buses and later hours on some routes.
A proposed extension of Route 105 would mimic the Paine Field routing of the Swift Green Line, a second bus rapid transit line scheduled to begin operation in early 2019.
“The local economy is growing, which means more people and more transportation needs,” said Community Transit CEO Emmett Heath. “Community Transit will continue to present new alternatives to putting more cars on our congested roads.”
Community Transit is taking public comment on the proposal through April 7. If approved by the Board of Directors in May, the new service will be implemented in September 2017 and March 2018.
Details of the proposal and how to comment are available at www.communitytransit.org/ProposedService.
 March Service Change Adds More Trips and Late-Night Options
Beginning March 12, more than 40 new trips are being added to increase weekday bus frequencies during the middle of the day and extend some service later at night on weekdays and Saturdays.
In addition, Saturday and Sunday schedules on several routes are being adjusted to allow for better connections to other bus service.
The service expansion will add trips on 11 routes, including:
- New late-night trips on the Swift Blue Line and Route 101;
- New late-night trips on Routes 201/202;
- New midday trips on Route 119;
- A new morning trip on Route 402 and an evening trip on Route 810; and
- Expanded DART paratransit service hours along some routes.
Details of the service expansion plan are available at www.communitytransit.org/NewService.
Bus Plus schedule books are available on buses and online schedules are now available.
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 Community Transit Receives OA4 Award
At
the March 2017 Community Transit Board meeting, the Procurement and Parts Division
was presented with the Outstanding Agency Accreditation Achievement Award (OA4)
from the Institute for Public Procurement.
Geri Beardsley, Director of Administration,
presented staff members the award, which recognizes excellence in public
procurement.
This is the second OA4 for
Community Transit.
“This is a prestigious award for the agency,” said Kunjan
Dayal, Procurement and Contracts Manager. “We are diligent in abiding by the
NIGP code of ethics and we are committed to best procurement practices.
"The award provides confidence in our public
procurement processes, especially as the agency prepares to deliver Swift programs.”
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 Coach Operator Karren Hill Celebrates 35 Years of Service
Community Transit driver Karren Hill was honored for 35 years of service at yesterday’s Board of Directors meeting. Hill is the 40-year old agency’s third most senior employee and the most senior bus driver.
Hill started working at Community Transit in 1981 when the fledgling transit agency shared a bus yard with the Edmonds School District. At the time, there were 50 buses (many of them previously used at other public agencies) and they served only local routes in Snohomish County.
"It's wonderful to see the growth that the company is having," said Hill, who often drives buses to parades and special events. "We went from 3 million passengers a year when I started here to 10 million passengers a year now. I'm proud to be a part of that."
If you or someone you know is contemplating the idea of becoming a coach operator, listen to Karren's advice.
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 Stabbing Victim Reunited with Life Saving Transit Deputy
Fotiki Fofana nearly lost his life on January 31 when he was stabbed multiple times in the neck at Everett Station. After several surgeries and a stay in Intensive Care, Fofana is now home and recovering. He wanted the chance to meet and thank the man that he believes saved his life, a Community Transit Police Unit Deputy.
That day came on Tuesday, February 28, as Snohomish County Sheriff’s Deputy Jeff Cline visited Fofana and his family.
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If you have any questions, please email TheRouteAhead@commtrans.org.
 Emmett Heath, CEO
Community Transit
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