CommunityTimes Nov. 4, 2020

Proposed 2021 Budget prioritizes safety during slowed growth

Community Transit’s Proposed 2021 Budget continues to prioritize safe travel for Snohomish County residents and includes an increase of approximately 4,000 hours of new service in 2021, a more moderate expansion than in previous years. The agency is seeking comment on its proposed budget through Friday, Nov. 6.

The modest service increase corresponds with the “Slow Recovery” economic projection described in the agency’s draft Transit Development Plan (TDP). It also follows a recession-related service reduction in 2020 as transit ridership and revenues fell due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

The proposed budget will continue to prioritize the health and safety of riders, employees, and their families. The transit agency has put in place many additional safety measures on vehicles and at bases to ensure a safe ride and a safe working environment for its employees. The 2021 budget includes funding for nightly disinfecting of buses and thorough cleaning of the agency’s operating bases, as well as personal protective equipment for employees.

Providing access to Sound Transit’s Link light rail is also an agency priority to provide Snohomish County communities improved regional access to jobs, services and schools. In 2021, 800-series bus routes that currently serve the University District will be routed to Northgate to connect with Link light rail when the Northgate Link station opens. This change will shorten the notoriously inconsistent commute times to the University District and Downtown Seattle.

Community Transit recently refined its organizational Mission and Vision and Core Values to reflect the evolution of the service the agency provides.

“Our commitment to our Vision, Mission, Core Values, and Agency Priorities has not wavered and we remain focused on supporting the evolving transportation needs of our growing county,” said Community Transit CEO Emmett Heath. “We are listening to our customers, seeking collaborative solutions, and are deeply committed to adjusting and innovating to make travel easy and safe for all.”

Mask up for safety 

Snohomish County COVID-19 case rates are on the rise. The county is close to hitting the same rate of infections that it reached at the beginning of the pandemic. Your attention to following health and safety guidelines is fundamental to our ability to maintain a healthy work environment.

As we enter the seasonal cold and flu season, it is even more important that we all recommit to following public health guidance, whether you are working in the field, on base, or remotely.

This includes:

• Always wearing masks or face coverings in all work locations except when alone in a single office or vehicle;
• Always wearing a double-layer cloth face covering or mask that fits snugly above the nose and below the mouth;
• Maintaining physical distances of at least 6 feet when possible;
• Staying home when you are sick;
• Following all temperature and health check procedures when entering our buildings.

As an agency, we are committed to providing you with a safe work environment and all necessary personal protective equipment and resources to protect yourself and others. My hope is that each of us will renew our commitment to protecting ourselves and each other by practicing the safety measures listed above. All of us need to follow these measures in order to ensure we are protecting each other and our customers.

If you have any questions, please reach out to your supervisor or to Employee Engagement. The latest Community Transit policies related to COVID-19 are always available here: http://www.communitytransit.org/employeeinfo.

-Emmett

Give your Core Points by Dec. 21

Be sure to use your Core Points before they expire on Monday, December 21!

The Core Points in your bank to give away will expire at 5 p.m. on Monday, Dec. 21. If you plan to awards points to your coworkers, please do so before this date/time.

https://www.selectagiftplan.com/index.cfm?CompanyID=965

Your username is your employee #.

Your password (unless you have logged in already and change it) is corepoints (all lowercase).

You DO NOT need to spend the Core Points you’ve received by this date, but it is your last chance to award to your co-workers for the good things they've done this year.

The entire Core Points site will be down from 5 p.m. Monday, Dec. 21 through Monday, Jan. 4 for year-end maintenance. When it comes back up on Jan. 4 your account will show your new points for 2021.

If you have any questions or concerns please email Sue Jensen at Sue.Jensen@commtrans.org or call her at x2332.

Veterans to receive special coin

On Wednesday, Nov. 11, Community Transit Unity Team members will visit MCOB to give out a special Veterans Day coin to employees who have served in the Armed Forces.

How mindful are you?

This month, Atlas is talking about mindfulness. It’s not all in your head – mindfulness is backed by scientific research as a way to improve physical and mental health, and promote overall wellbeing! Read the October newsletter to learn about these benefits, and get ideas for getting started.

5 ways to incorporate mindfulness into your day

One of the best things about mindfulness is how easy it is to get started. You can practice it anytime, anywhere! Here are five small ways to incorporate mindful moments into your daily routines.

1. Wake up & set your intentions. After the alarm goes off, before you get out of bed, start the day by asking yourself three questions: What am I grateful for? What will I focus on? What will I let go of? Be as specific as possible. Try writing it down or saying it out loud.
2. Switch up your routine. Break your habits to turn off the autopilot and keep your mind alert. Enjoy your coffee before getting ready for the day, take a different route to work, or add in some meditation or stretching before bed.
3. Focus on your food. Slow down during meals and be fully present for the eating experience. Plate up your food, sit down at a table, turn off the electronics, and use your senses.
4. Transition with sounds. Listen for specific sounds to signal points of transition from one activity or mindset to another. Listen for the beep of your car, the lock turning on your front door, or the kitchen timer going off. It only takes a second and can help break a busy mind.
5. Say hello. Taking the time to say “Hello” can break your automatic thought patterns and allow you to reset, especially if you’re rushed. Plus, it may put you and those around you in a better mood!

Want more ideas for practicing mindfulness?

• Try Atlas yoga - We offer group classes and private sessions. Contact us for availability.
• Get started with meditation - There are tons of different types of meditations, each focusing your attention differently. Check out the WellSpring EAP, YouTube, or the App Store for guided meditations.
• Schedule an Atlas wellness consultation – We can help you find ways to fit mindfulness into your day and connect you with additional resources.

Atlas on-site & telehealth services

Atlas offers physical therapy, injury evaluation, nutrition counseling, general wellness, the CDL Excel program, and more! Contact us to learn more or schedule an appointment.

Now scheduling for outdoor personal training sessions! Contact us to learn more about this service, including safety protocols. Contact us with questions or to schedule an appointment.

• Employee Maintenance Center drop-in hours: Monday-Friday, 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. Call or text: (425) 551-8862.
• Fitness Center (appointments only): Monday-Friday, 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. Nutrition, general wellness, CDL Excel, outdoor personal training. Call: (425) 348-7156.
• Email: CTAtlasIPS@gmail.com
• Schedule appointments online
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