The Route Ahead | October 2017 Issue

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    October 2017 |  Community Transit News from CEO Emmett Heath

Community Transit Bus


New service is attracting new customers

Late last month, Community Transit launched its latest service expansion, adding new trips to downtown Seattle and the UW, new trips on local routes in Snohomish County, and new and expanded routes.

While it always takes time to build a market for new service, early data shows that people are riding the new service, including:

  • New Route 107 between Lynnwood Transit Center and Boeing/Paine Field.
  • Extended Route 105 between Mariner Park & Ride and Hardeson Road in south Everett.
  • Extended Route 196 between Alderwood Mall and Ash Way Park & Ride.
  • Extended Route 209 between Quil Ceda Village and Smokey Point Transit Center.

View details of all the new service here. The next service expansion takes place in March 2018 with the addition of later Sunday service hours.


Community Transit adopts route-based fare policy

The Community Transit Board of Directors last week approved a new route-based fare policy change. The move aligns the agency with its regional fare partners as they develop a Next Generation ORCA electronic fare system.

Under the new policy that will take effect October 1, 2018, Community Transit bus routes will have one fare option. Options for riders to choose their fare will go away next fall.

Currently, commuter route customers can choose their fare based on the nature of the trip. Riders traveling only within Snohomish County can opt to pay a local fare. Riders taking a North County bus (Routes 421, 422, 425, 821) between Seattle and South Snohomish County can opt to pay the lower South County fare.

The policy change simplifies the agency’s fare structure to avoid confusion for new riders, and reduces design costs for the Next Generation ORCA system. Before the policy takes effect, Community Transit will conduct a review of its overall fare structure.


Swift Station

Construction to begin on Swift Green Line stations

The Swift Green Line is under construction. This new bus rapid transit line from Community Transit will provide fast, frequent service between Canyon Park/Bothell and Boeing/Paine Field in early 2019.

Swift bus rapid transit is different than regular local bus service. Stations are spaced farther apart and buses come by more often. Customers pay their fare at the station.

Work on the 34 Swift Green Line stations will be completed in sections, beginning along Airport Road near Paine Field. Construction work will involve night-time work and temporary lane closures.

Receive weekly construction updates online, by email or text at www.communitytransit.org/SwiftNews.


Independent Surveyor Badge

2017 Rider Survey

Every 3-5 years, Community Transit surveys its riders to ensure that we are meeting our current customers’ needs. This input also provides statistically valid data with which to plan future improvements.

The completely voluntary 2017 On-Board Survey will be conducted Oct. 31 through Nov. 5 on various local and commuter bus routes. Official survey staff will wear a bright green badge identifying them as an Independent Surveyor.

Please help us to help you by taking the survey for each trip on which you are asked. Simply return a completed survey to any surveyor with a badge, or to a designated collection envelope on a bus.

Thank you in advance for your participation!


Community Transit employees at Day of Caring 2017 outings

Employees volunteer their day to care for their community

For 24 years, United Way of Snohomish County's Day of Caring has brought together volunteers committed to creating positive change in our community. Organized into teams, volunteers complete projects for local, non-profit agencies that often lack resources to tackle important initiatives themselves.

Community Transit employees organized two teams and had two Day of Caring outings on September 15 & 16, 2017. One team helped H3 Horses Healing Heroes in Monroe with deck repair and cabin painting. A second team took on landscaping and general maintenance tasks at The Depot Park located at the Olde Everett Train Station.

Agency employees will be kicking off their annual United Way Campaign on October 10 with the goal of raising $40,000 through fundraising activities and pledges.

Pictures of each team’s day of volunteering can be seen on Community Transit’s Facebook page:

Day 1: http://bit.ly/-DayofCaring1-2017

Day 2: http://bit.ly/DayofCaring2-2017


Newsletter Survey

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If you have any questions, please email TheRouteAhead@commtrans.org.

CEO Signature

    Emmett Heath, CEO
    Community Transit