40th Anniversary Events: Oct. 4 Customer Appreciation; Oct. 6 Gov. Inslee Visit
Snohomish County, Wash. – When Community Transit began service on Oct. 4, 1976, there were no defined bus routes. Drivers were told to head out to shopping centers and other gathering areas and look for people who needed a ride.
Public transportation in Snohomish County has evolved greatly since that day, and Community Transit will honor its riders with a Customer Appreciation Day on Tuesday, Oct. 4, 2016 – the agency’s 40th anniversary.
Two days later, Gov. Jay Inslee will visit the agency’s south Everett headquarters to thank past and present board members, community leaders and Community Transit employees for their work providing four decades of transit service.
In between those events, Community Transit will thank its workers with an Employee Appreciation Day on Wednesday, Oct. 5.
“There is so much to celebrate in our agency’s history, it will be great to thank our customers, employees and policymakers for a great 40-year ride,” said Community Transit CEO Emmett Heath. “The best news is that we’re expanding now to meet demands for the next 40 years!”
Customer Appreciation Day
On Tuesday, Oct. 4, Community Transit staff will greet early morning commuters at 20 different locations throughout Snohomish County. Staff will hand out a special treat to thank our riders and live post the celebration on Facebook and Twitter (@MyCommTrans).
Board Reception
On Thursday, Oct. 6, following the regular board of directors meeting, Gov. Jay Inslee will be guest of honor at a 40th anniversary reception. Past and present board members will be joined by local community leaders and Community Transit employees. The agency will present Inslee with a plaque commemorating his contributions to the agency’s success as a congressman and governor.
In addition, former State Senator Gary Nelson will recall the early days of the agency. Nelson wrote the legislation creating Community Transit and all state Public Transportation Benefit Areas (PTBAs), and also served as a Community Transit board member from 1995-2007. The agency’s first Executive Director, Vic Sood, will be on hand, as will 20-year CEO Joyce Eleanor.
Employee Appreciation Day
In between the external celebrations, Community Transit executives and managers will thank employees throughout the work day on Wednesday, Oct. 5. Shifts at the agency start at 4 a.m. and run through 1 a.m.
“We have the hardest working employees in the business,” said Heath. “From our drivers and mechanics to our supervisors, planners and payroll staff, they are the key to the great service we bring our customers every day.”
Responsive website
Just in time for the 40th anniversary, Community Transit this week debuted a refreshed company website that is mobile-friendly. The new responsive design adjusts to the size of the device someone is viewing it on, whether a desktop computer, tablet or smartphone.
The new website makes it easier for people on the go to plan bus trips, look up real-time bus departures and learn about the agency’s projects, like the new Swift Green Line. Visit www.communitytransit.org to try out the new site.
Community Transit has been providing transportation options for Snohomish County residents for 40 years, including bus and paratransit service, vanpool and ridesharing options. Call Community Transit at (425) 353-7433 or (800) 562-1375 for bus information, or (888) 814-1300 for carpool or vanpool information, or go to www.communitytransit.org. You can also read our blog at www.communitytransit.blogspot.com, visit our Facebook page, follow us on Twitter at @MyCommTrans or watch our videos on YouTube.
