The Route Ahead | November 2018 : Community Transit News from CEO Emmett Heath

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November 2018 |  Community Transit News from CEO Emmett Heath

ST double decker bus uses I-5 shoulder on southbound I-5

A Sound Transit double decker bus drives on the shoulder of I-5 southbound, just past the overpass at 220th St in Mountlake Terrace.

I-5 Shoulder Driving to Begin Nov. 12

Beginning Nov. 12, Community Transit and Sound Transit buses may begin driving on a stretch of the southbound I-5 shoulder between Lynnwood and Mountlake Terrace transit centers on the worst traffic days.

The project, designed and constructed by the Washington State Department of Transportation, and paid for by the Sound Transit 3 transit funding package, will allow Seattle bus commuters to save several minutes on their morning trips.

Community Transit operates both CT and ST bus service along this corridor. The agency established rules for shoulder driving to ensure safety. The driving will only be allowed on trips between 6-9 a.m. if traffic in the adjacent HOV lane is moving substantially slower than normal speeds. Buses will drive slowly with flashers on as they bypass traffic.


Community Transit at North Puget Sound Business Summit

Business Summit Reaches Out to Small/Minority Contractors

Community Transit staff attended the 2018 North Puget Sound Small Business Summit in Lynnwood on Nov. 1. It was a day of networking and exchanging information between small and disadvantaged businesses, and the entities who hire them.

The summit was conceived as a way to increase small and minority business participation in public works projects, There’s even a matchmaking session run much like speed-dating -- small business representatives meet with potential prime contractors and government agencies for just a few moments before a bell rings and they move on to the next potential match.

Community Transit CEO Emmett Heath introduced a panel focused on upcoming development projects in Snohomish County. Since 2014, the agency has increased its annual contracts with small and disadvantaged businesses from $19,000 to nearly $500,000.

Pictured Above: Capital Development Manager David True (right) talks with a representative of a construction management company.


Million Mile Drivers

More Drivers Join Million Mile Ranks

Five Community Transit drivers were honored last month with the prestigious Million Mile Award for reaching safe driving milestones without a preventable accident. The drivers qualified for the honor by meeting strict National Safety Council guidelines for driving.

Rocky Cazares, Tajinder Mahal, Thomas Rairden and Jennifer Strohm reached a million miles of safe driving, joining the 50-plus drivers at the agency who have accomplished this feat. To join the elite group of safe drivers, it can take about 12.5 years of full-time safe driving to reach each million-mile mark. A million miles of driving is the equivalent of traveling 40 times around the Earth’s circumference.

Ken Sahota was honored for reaching two million miles of safe driving. Community Transit currently has six drivers at this status. Driving two million miles is the equivalent of driving from Seattle to Miami more than 600 times.

Pictured Above: Tajinder Mahal, Jennifer Strohm and Rocky Cazares proudly wear their Million Mile Driver jackets after their recognition ceremony.


Rider waits in bus shelter in early morning hours

Shine a Light at Bus Stops for Fall/Winter

With the end of Daylight Savings Time, it gets darker earlier at night. Soon, daylight will be reduced even more as winter approaches.

At this time, we remind riders to please help our bus drivers see you on those dark and foggy days by:

  • Shining a cell phone or flashlight in the direction of the bus as it approaches the stop.
  • Carrying a bag or wear clothing and/or shoes that are reflective.

It is also a good time to prepare for colder, inclement weather.

  • Dress warmly and wear appropriate shoes for rain, ice or snow.
  • Subscribe to Rider Alerts. Community Transit sends electronic alerts when buses are delayed or trips are missed. Rider Alerts are sent by email or text. Sign up now.

BusFinder shows real-time departure information for Community Transit and CT-operated Sound Transit buses. There's no app to download – simply visit https://mybusfinder.org.


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

 

CEO Signature

    Emmett Heath, CEO
    Community Transit