Community Transit breaks ground on Swift Orange Line in Snohomish County

New bus rapid transit line will expand access to destinations around the region

Snohomish County, Wash. – Community Transit staff and board members, federal and elected officials and community partners celebrated the kick-off of the construction of Swift Orange Line at Lynnwood Transit Center today. When it’s finished in 2024, the 11-mile bus rapid transit (BRT) route will make travel quick and easy for people who are travelling in southwest Snohomish County. Swift Orange Line will also be the first BRT line in Snohomish County to connect with Sound Transit's Link light rail when the station opens in Lynnwood, greatly expanding access to many new destinations around the Puget Sound region.

Swift Orange Line

Officials making remarks at the event included:

• Federal Transit Administration (FTA) Administrator Nuria Fernandez
• Washington State Gov. Jay Inslee
• U.S. Sens. Maria Cantwell and Patty Murray
• U.S. Reps. Suzan DelBene and Rick Larsen
• Washington State Sen. Marko Liias
• Community Transit Board Chair and Mukilteo Mayor Joe Marine
• Community Transit Board Member and Lynnwood Mayor Christine Frizzell

“Swift Orange Line represents a significant infrastructure investment in Snohomish County, one that will benefit generations to come,” said Community Transit CEO Ric Ilgenfritz. “Our elected leaders recognize the explosive growth in the county, and we appreciate their support and partnership in developing transit service that will meet the evolving travel needs of people in the community.”

Orange Line will run between Edmonds College in Lynnwood and McCollum Park Park & Ride in Mill Creek. It will connect with Link light rail at Lynnwood City Center Station (currently Lynnwood Transit Center), and with Swift Blue Line at Highway 99 and 196th Street in Lynnwood. It will also connect with Swift Green Line, sharing stations on Bothell-Everett Highway in Mill Creek.

“Fast and frequent trips are what makes BRT a unique transit experience,” said Community Transit Board Chair and Mukilteo Mayor Joe Marine. “Swift Orange Line will improve the quality of life for people who travel in and around Snohomish County by providing increased access to school, jobs, medical care, and other essential services.”

With frequent stops on popular commercial and residential corridors, the two other Community Transit BRT Lines, Swift Blue and Green lines, currently have the highest level of ridership in Community Transit’s network. Swift riders pre-pay at the station before boarding the bus at any of the bus’s three doors for quicker trips. Swift buses arrive every 10-12 minutes weekdays, and every 20 minutes nights and weekends.

When Swift Orange Line launches, riders will enjoy upgraded features including 19 stations with rain shelters, additional seating, improved lighting, and real-time departure/arrival signage. A new transit center at Edmonds College, and a redesigned McCollum Park Park & Ride will enhance the route.