Back to campus, back to transit

With the return of in-person learning comes the need to get to class, behind the lectern or just to the office. And transit is a great way to go, allowing time for reading, texting or social media along the way. Plus, there’s no need to find, and pay for, parking.

While transit to campus may be mostly the same as pre-pandemic times, there are changes afoot.

University of Washington: Seattle & Bothell

The biggest one is that Community Transit customers headed to the University of Washington in Seattle will soon need to transfer to Link light rail at Northgate as all the 800 series routes will terminate there.

The new U District Link station serves the UW Tower and west and north campus, while the University of Washington station serves Husky Stadium, south campus and the UW Hospital. The new bus routing begins October 4, following the first few days of classes, which start on September 29. Most students on the Seattle campus are automatically enrolled in U-PASS, which provides unlimited rides on the region’s transit providers. Faculty and staff at UW must opt in to receive U-PASS. If you don’t have a U-PASS, you’ll need an ORCA card to avoid paying full fare for the transfer to the train.

Also, with the construction of the new pedestrian bridge over I-5 at Northgate, North Seattle College also becomes a very accessible education option for Snohomish County residents.

To the northeast, UW Bothell is served by Community Transit Routes 105 and 106 with an easy connection to rapid Swift Green line service, and other routes, at the Canyon Park Park & Ride. Classes at UW Bothell also begin on September 29. Students, faculty and staff at UW Bothell must opt in to receive a U-PASS.

Edmonds College & Central Washington University-Lynnwood

Edmonds College in Lynnwood can be reached via Community Transit Routes 115, 116, and 120. Students there can add an ORCA card, good throughout the region, to their EdPass (student ID) at registration. Classes begin September 20.

Central Washington University – Lynnwood, co-located at Edmonds College, begins classes September 22.

In 2024, as light rail arrives in Snohomish County, Edmonds College will become the terminus of Community Transit’s newest bus rapid transit route, the Swift Orange line. The Orange line will provide rapid cross-county service between Edmonds College and Mill Creek with connections to the train at Lynnwood City Center and also serving Alderwood Mall and the Mill Creek Town Center.

Everett Community College & Washington State University-Everett

Everett Community College in Everett is served by Community Transit Routes 201 and 202 on Broadway and Everett Transit Routes 4, 6, 7 and 29 at the College Station Transit Center. Classes begin September 20.

Across the street at Washington State University’s Everett location, classes began August 23.

As the school year approaches, remember that whatever the role on campus — student, faculty or staff — Community Transit can get you where you need to be.