News / Published on Feb 7, 2020

Agency Expanding Swift Blue Line to Shoreline

Input sought on route improvements and options to connect to Link light rail in 2024

Snohomish County, Wash. – Community Transit is looking at options to upgrade its Swift Blue Line bus rapid transit service and extend the route to connect with Sound Transit’s Link light rail in Shoreline. The agency is asking for public input on three routing options for the extension into Shoreline, as well as other improvements to Snohomish County’s most popular bus route. 

In 2024, the new Lynnwood Link extension will include a station in Shoreline at 185th St. and I-5, less than two miles from the Swift Blue Line’s current southern terminal at Aurora Village Transit Center. 

Community Transit is considering three options to extend Swift Blue Line to connect to the 185th St. light rail station in 2024:

  • A. Via Highway 99 southbound, then eastbound on 185th St.
  • B. Via 200th St. eastbound, Meridian Ave. southbound, then 185th St. eastbound.
  • C. Via Highway 99 southbound, 175th St. eastbound, then 5th Ave. NE northbound.

By connecting Swift Blue Line directly to light rail, Community Transit hopes to minimize the number of transfers that riders need to efficiently move around the region. 

“The expansion of our Swift Blue Line to the 185th St. I-5 station in Shoreline is a key part of Community Transit’s plan to provide connectivity to Link light rail in 2024,” said Community Transit Director of Planning and Development Roland Behee. “Forecasts indicate that two-thirds of the passengers boarding light rail at 185th St. will arrive via Swift Blue Line, highlighting the importance of this project for communities along the Highway 99 corridor.”

Swift Blue Line Expansion 2024 Survey
Members of the public are invited to provide feedback on the potential Swift Blue Line route extension through Feb. 27 by visiting www.communitytransit.org/swiftblue2024. Responses will help Community Transit determine the direction of the Swift Blue Line Expansion project to ensure it meets the needs of the communities it serves.

Community Transit is responsible for providing bus and paratransit service, vanpool and alternative commute options in Snohomish County. The agency is building a network of Swift bus rapid transit lines with Swift Blue Line along Highway 99, the Swift Green Line between Canyon Park/Bothell and Boeing/Paine Field, and the new Swift Orange Line coming to Mill Creek and Lynnwood in 2024.

# # #