Celebrating National Senior Citizens Day

In 1988, President Ronald Reagan proclaimed August 21 “National Senior Citizens Day” to raise awareness about issues that affect senior citizens and their quality of life.

Serving the seniors in our communities is something we do every day at Community Transit. Learn about some of the ways we help serve seniors below. 

 Reduced fares for seniors

Seniors age 65 and older who use our services qualify for a Regional Reduced Fare Permit. This permit entitles holders to a discounted ride on regular bus routes, Sound Transit trains, and Link light rail trains throughout the Puget Sound region and on Washington State Ferries. It also allows for a personal care attendant to ride free when traveling with a disabled customer if an attendant is approved as part of the application process.

Permits are free and require a completed application and proof of age.  For more information, visit communitytransit.org/reducedfarepermit. 

Travel Training for seniors

Community Transit provides a FREE Travel Training program to seniors and anyone else who needs it, designed to teach the basic skills necessary to ride Community Transit’s bus service. Travel Trainers ride with you during training — guiding you through the transit experience all the way to your destination.

The program is customized to meet a person’s individual needs and can last from one hour to several sessions — as long as is needed for you to feel safe and confident. Learn more at communitytransit.org/traveltraining

Van GO: Granting vans to organizations serving seniors

Vans reaching the end of their service life with Community Transit’s Vanpool shared commute program can get a second chance to make a difference in the community by being awarded to local nonprofit organizations. Since its inception in 2000, Community Transit’s Van GO competitive grant has awarded 158 vans and wheelchair lift-equipped paratransit vehicles to qualified 501(c)3 organizations throughout Snohomish County, many of which serve seniors in Snohomish County. We captured some of the stories about how organizations have used their vans during the pandemic to serve seniors in their communities.

Millennia Ministries shared how the van helped them feed and provide groceries for over 800 seniors and families in their community. 

“People have needed more help during this pandemic, particularly the seniors we serve,” said Executive Director Leilani Miller. “Many people were isolated, and couldn’t get out easily during the shutdowns. Being able to deliver food was crucial for helping them.”

Washington West African Center Executive Coordinator Pa Ousman Joof shared how their van helped them transport seniors to vaccination sites and helped them participate in community events. 

“Seniors are important members of our community. Many of us brought our moms here with us when we moved here, and many of our mothers have no formal education and often don’t speak the language. We have monthly get-togethers for seniors,  which keeps them connected to important traditions from back home," said Joof. 

Angel Resource Connection CEO Penelope Protheroe shared how their van helped people struggling with housing instability, including seniors, get the services they needed during the pandemic. 

“The van has changed everything about how mobile our nonprofit can be for the homeless people we serve. Before this, we were not able to drive anyone anywhere.” 

Explore senior centers in our region

Please call ahead before visiting as operating hours may have changed due to the pandemic.

Carl Gipson Senior Center of Everett

Mountlake Terrace Community Senior Center

Monroe Community Senior Center

Snohomish Senior Center

Northshore Senior Center — Mill Creek

Lake Stevens Senior Center

Still Valley Center — Arlington

At Community Transit, we are grateful for the seniors in our communities. Please let us know about your recent experience with Community Transit — our buses, our drivers, and our facilities. Your comments help us serve everyone better.

Contact us: 
Comment form
(425) 353-RIDE (7433)
TTY Relay 711