September 2020 Service Change
These schedule changes will last through March 2021. They reflect a service increase to 85% of service levels operated before the COVID-19 pandemic, and will return furloughed full-time coach operators to work.
Some routes will see an increase in trips, others will see a slight decrease in trips.
The September service change will:
- Reduce waiting time on less frequent routes
- Add trips on routes with higher ridership at certain times of the day
- Improve transfer connections
Learn more about the service change here.
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Free On-Site Flu Shots
A flu shot this year is more important than ever in caring for ourselves and each other.
The flu shot does not protect against COVID-19, but it can reduce risk of complications from getting sick with both the flu and COVID-19.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) is concerned that healthcare systems could be overwhelmed treating both flu patients and COVID-19 patients.
Community Transit is partnering with Bartell Drugs to provide free, on-site flu shots for employees. To observe social distancing needs, all of the paperwork is done online. It takes about 5 minutes and no shot will be administered unless you have signed up online.
Appointments will be available:
The clinic will be held in the MCOB. Face coverings and a COVID-19 symptom screening are required to enter the building.
You can get a flu shot off-site at most pharmacies or your doctor’s office. The flu shot should be covered by your insurance provider. Call your pharmacy or doctor’s office in advance, as appointments may be required.
More details are available under “9/17: It’s Important To Get a Flu Shot This Year” at www.communitytransit.org/employeeinfo. If you still have questions after reading that page, contact Chris Beck at (425) 348-7163.
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 Join CEO Emmett Heath and the rest of the Executive Team for a live, virtual question-and-answer session, as they answer questions submitted by employees.
There are two ways to participate. Using either method, you will need the Meeting ID 861 2149 0122 and the passcode 864745.
Add this event to your Outlook calendar.
Join via computer or mobile device
- Go to zoom.us
- Click Join a Meeting
Join by phone
- Dial 1 (253) 215-8782
- Text questions to (425) 231-3581
Can't attend?
Send questions ahead of time via email to Communications@commtrans.org or via text to (425) 231-3581.
See previous editions of Ask Emmett at www.communitytransit.org/employeeinfo.
Board Bits
Our Board of Directors held its September meeting on Thursday, Sept. 3.
Other notable announcements made during the meeting include:
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Transfer ownership of the Mountlake Terrace Transit Center parking garage: The board agreed to transfer ownership of the Mountlake Terrace Transit Center parking garage to WSDOT. The transfer is in preparation of the addition of a Link light rail station at the transit center.
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2020-2025 Transit Development Plan (Draft): A draft of the proposed 2020-2025 Transit Development Plan was presented to the board, and is available for public comment until Oct. 1. See related story below.
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Board Members: Stanwood Mayor Elizabeth Callaghan resigned from the board. Representatives from small cities within our service area will meet on Oct. 19 to choose a new Small City representative on the board.
The Community Transit Board of Directors is comprised of nine elected officials (self-selected from governing bodies from within the agency's service area) and one non-voting labor representative. Information about past and upcoming board meetings is available at www.communitytransit.org/meetings.
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 Two Potential Scenarios for Future Bus Service
Bus service will continue to grow at some level over the next six years, according to Community Transit's 2020-2025 Proposed Transit Development Plan (TDP). However, due to financial uncertainty created by the COVID-19 pandemic, the agency is planning for more than one economic scenario.
Under the slow recovery scenario, Community Transit would add about 15,000 hours of new service. Under the rapid recovery scenario, the agency would add about 110,000 hours of service. As reality plays out, it is likely that revenues and service growth will fall somewhere between those estimates.
The Draft 2020-2025 Transit Development Plan is available for public comment through Oct. 1. The plan is online at www.communitytransit.org/TDP.
Read the full press release about the TDP here.
Bike Everywhere Week is Sept. 21-27
F5 Networks' Bike Everywhere Week, presented by Cascade Bicycle Club, is the time to support, encourage, and celebrate all things bicycling. No one celebrates pedal power like Washington!
Get ready for fall and winter riding with a host of virtual events (in-person events like those pictured here from 2017, will not be held).
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- Virtual classes, seminars, and workshops about how to keep your bike rolling into fall. These include ask-a-mechanic sessions and family-friendly "bike bingo" to get out and discover your neighborhood. Enter to win prizes, and have fun! For more information on the planned events throughout the week visit the event page.
- Join #BikeThere on September 22. Share photos of your solo or family rides on social media using #BikeThere and #BikesUnite and share the joy biking brings you. Let's experience the joy of biking together even as we keep our distance. Don’t forget to tag #ctactiveoutdoors in the Atlas IPS –Everett Facebook group, too!
- Join a week-long celebration of National Public Lands with Mountains to Sound Greenway.
- Check out Community Transit's Guide to Bike Everywhere 2020 for even more bike-related information and events.
The Community Transit Bikes and Buses page is full of handy tips for combining bike and transit trips and finding bike-friendly trails in Snohomish County.
If you have any questions about a bike commute, reach out to Ross Peizer, Community Transit’s Employee Transportation Coordinator at ETC@commtrans.org. Bike commutes qualify for our Transportation Incentive Program and up to $45/month!
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Items Needed for Auction
Our 2020 employee campaign to raise funds for United Way of Snohomish County’s Creating Open Roads to Equity (CORE) is scheduled to run in Oct. 5-30.
The primary event is an online silent auction that will be held Oct. 20-22, and we need items for this auction.
Items that have done well in the past include:
- Baskets
- Artwork
- Certificates for homemade food items delivered later
- Tickets to local attractions or events
- Household items that you no longer want but are still in good condition
- Services, such as plumbing help or automotive work
If you have item(s) you’d like to donate, please contact Jennifer McCoy at Jennifer.Mccoy@commtrans.org to get a form to complete regarding the item(s).
For questions about the United Way employee campaign, contact any member of the United Way team: Alison Klink; Claudia McConnell; Christina Strand; Cristina Gruber; Danielle Arceo; Jennifer McCoy; Laurel McJannet; Margaret Keckler; Mary Lowery; Michelle Flatt; Molly Marsicek; Stacey Gerhardt; Veralee Estes; Wade Mahala.
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Community Transit Receives $8.3M in Federal Grants
Grants support Swift bus rapid transit projects
Community Transit recently was awarded $8,288,240 in federal grant funds allocated by the Puget Sound Regional Council to support the following projects:
- $3.2 million is allocated for the purchase of four Swift buses to support the Swift Blue Line Expansion project to connect with Link light rail in Shoreline.
- $4.288 million for construction of a new Edmonds College Transit Center that will be the western terminal for the Swift Orange Line.
- $1 million to expand its transportation demand management outreach effort for the Swift expansion program. These funds will support flexible outreach options to reach people along the Swift corridors.
Read the full press release about the grants here.
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DOT Exams at Kaiser Expire Sept. 30
Earlier in 2020, our agency made a short-term agreement with Kaiser Permanente to conduct DOT Exams for our employees. This agreement has reached its end. Effective October 1, 2020, medical exams conducted by Kaiser Permanente will no longer be paid for by Community Transit.
Through Sept. 30, Community Transit will pay for an exam only if you bring both an authorization letter AND your employee ID badge to one of the following clinics.
If you show up to a contracted clinic without your badge and/or authorization form, you will have to self-pay and you will NOT be reimbursed.
MultiCare
Appointments required, but same-day appointments are often available
Mill Creek
800 164th St SE Suite P Mill Creek, WA 98012
425-434-4231
Concentra
Appointments are not required, but recommended
Lynnwood
4320 196th St SW Suite D Lynnwood, WA 98036
425-774-8758
Everett – Broadway
3726 Broadway #101 Everett, WA 98201
425-259-0300
Everett – Paine Field
3101 111th St SW Unit #T/U Everett, WA 98204
425-267-0299
Other MultiCare and Concentra clinic locations can be found on the authorization forms available at Dispatch, Leads Desks, Human Resources and on the (K:) Everyone shared drive.
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Local Agencies Join National Commitment for Safe Transit
Six Puget Sound area transit agencies have joined agencies across the nation to commit to industry best practices for safe transportation during the COVID-19 crisis.
Community Transit, Everett Transit, King County Metro, Kitsap Transit, Pierce Transit and Sound Transit have all committed to a health and safety program developed by the American Public Transportation Association (APTA) in response to public concerns about riding transit during the pandemic.
The APTA Health & Safety Commitments Program wa s developed after asking transit users from across the country what measures would make them feel more confident riding public transportation amid concerns about COVID-19.
Read more about APTA's safety program here.
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 Sept. 23: Topics at 12 | Resiliency While Working on the Front Lines
12-1 p.m. (Download Outlook invite here)
Meeting ID: 861 2149 0122, Passcode: 864745
Sept. 30: Topics at 12 | Resiliency While Working from Home
12-1 p.m. (Download Outlook invite here.)
Meeting ID: 861 2149 0122, Passcode: 864745
A continuation of the Building Resilience series, created just for Community Transit and presented by Wellspring EAP. Topics covered in both include:
- Identify stressors unique to working directly with customers (or from home)
- Learn how to find your internal resources for resilience
- Consider how to establish routines that boost wellness
- Think about a personal plan for this time
Zoom URL: zoom.us
Join by phone: 1 (253) 215-8782
Sept. 24: Ask Emmett LIVE
12-1 p.m.
The entire Executive Leadership Team, including CEO Emmett Heath, will be on hand to answer questions from employees in real time. Add this meeting to your Outlook calendar.
Submit questions ahead of time via email to Communications@commtrans.org or by texting (425) 231-3581.
Zoom URL: zoom.us
Meeting ID: 861 2149 0122
Passcode: 864745
Join by phone: 1 (253) 215-8782
 NEW: Small Group Wellness Class
Each 30-minute, stand-alone session covers a different wellness topic. Sign up online, or contact Atlas to learn more.
Sept. 29: 1-1:30 p.m.
Learn to be an informed consumer saving money, time, and health. We will discuss:
- Usage and safety considerations
- How to identify high-quality products
- Common vitamins and minerals of concern
- Supplements and immune health
Harrowing Hustle Virtual 5K or 2.5K
Oct. 9-11
Registration is open, now with 5K or 2.5K options! Run/walk our marked course at base, or create your own route any time over the weekend of Oct. 9-11. You will be entered into a prize raffle just for participating, or dress up for a chance to win a prize in our costume contest! Sign-up or learn more about this free event!
Personal Wellness Services
Atlas also offers Community Transit employees personal wellness services at no charge, including nutrition counseling, physical therapy, injury prevention, general wellness, and personal training.
How to make an appointment:
Not all services are available on-site; please call for details.
 Blue Friday season begins, Hawaiian style
The Seahawks opened the unusual 2020 season with a W earned in an empty stadium, and will host their home opener this weekend.
Which means it's Blue Friday season!
Data Specialist Bill Kalinowski was ready last week, making the transition from summertime Aloha Fridays to autumnal Blue Fridays with a blue Hawaiian shirt... and blue hair!
Share your Blue Friday spirit by sending your Seahawks-themed selfies to Lia.Blanchard@commtrans.org and we'll get them into CommunityTimes!
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