An image of a map of Darrington, WA

Community Transit and the City of Darrington are partnering to develop and launch an innovative pilot project to better meet transportation needs within the city.

Bringing more transportation options to Darrington

Community Transit conducted several surveys in Darrington to gather information about how people travel in the area. After identifying travel gaps and barriers to accessing transportation in Darrington, Community Transit proposed two travel options in a final survey. Microtransit and Community Van were proposed as new public travel options in the area, and residents were asked to provide feedback on how useful they thought each of these options would be for Darrington.

Piloting Zip Shuttle in Darrington

Community Transit will pilot its microtransit service, Zip Shuttle, in Darrington. Zip Shuttle is a flexible on-demand shared ride service that you request when you need it. Zip runs within a zone to get you close to home or where you want to go.

You can request rides to pick-up and drop-off inside the service area, at a time that works for you by using a phone app or calling. Once your ride is confirmed, a Zip Shuttle will be on its way to pick you up, with an average wait time of 15 minutes. Like other forms of public transit, you may be sharing a trip with other riders in the same vehicle.

Some of the benefits of Zip include:

  • No need for schedules
  • Flexible service meets you close to where you are, and takes you close to where you want to go within the service area
  • Accessible vehicles are available for riders traveling with mobility devices
  • Can be paid with bus pass (ORCA card)
  • Riders pay local fare; $2.50 or less per trip, and youth 18 and younger ride for free
A map of the proposer microtransit service area for Darringtona and surrounding communities
The proposed Zip pilot service area for Darrington and surrounding communities

What Darrington residents thought about microtransit:

  • 60% of respondents said they would likely try microtransit
  • Respondents had an interest in using microtransit if it helped them get to Arlington (based on this feedback, Community Transit is proposing a wider service area)
  • 49% of respondents said they would use microtransit at least once a week
  • Shopping and medical were the top reasons for travel
  • Respondents liked that microtransit is flexible and affordable
Proposed microtransit pilot service area for Darrington
Detailed view of the Darrington microtransit proposed service area
A Community Transit Zip shuttle van

Be one of the first to ride Zip – for FREE!

Be among the first to learn when the app is ready to download and receive details on how to get started with the Zip pilot in Darrington. Plus, sign up for our Early Interest list now to get an ORCA card and ride free for one month!*

Sign up for our Zip pilot Early Interest list here

Zip Alderwood Shuttle was the first microtransit pilot launched by Community Transit. The proposed Darrington pilot would provide new learnings specific to Darrington. Zip in Darrington would connect riders to Community Transit Route 230, Homage Shuttle and DC Connect. 33% of surveyed residents said they would use microtransit to connect to these services.  Survey respondents also said they would use this service to have better access to medical appointments and shopping. Estimated service span will be between 5 a.m. to 9 p.m. The pilot would create service to the town center from outlying neighborhoods and seven popular destinations that are beyond a quarter mile of bus service. Community Transit may potentially test a Scheduled Booking model, where riders can schedule trips ahead.

Next Steps

Community Transit is currently working on launching the new Zip Shuttle pilot in Darrington and two other communities, Arlington and Lake Stevens. These Zip Shuttle pilots are targeted to launch in late 2024. 

The Community Van pilot, which was one of the surveyed proposed solutions, will continue to be evaluated by the agency. To see the latest progress on this solution, or to learn more about other pilots, visit Community Transit's Innovative Services program page.

Details of the microtransit service above may change as the pilot is developed.