Community Transit updates draft six-year plan
Agency's plan focuses on bus-to-light rail integration, local network expansion, innovative transit services, and transition to zero-emission vehicles
Snohomish County, Wash. – Over the next six years, Community Transit is poised to deliver expanded and new transit services to better serve communities, while also planning for a longer-term transition to zero-emission vehicles and infrastructure as part of its commitment to environmental sustainability. The agency’s draft 2022-2027 Transit Development Plan (TDP) outlines the agency’s goals to offer frequent service to new regional light rail connections, expand service within the county, and pilot new and innovative transit options customized to local community needs.
Key initiatives in the draft TDP include:
Strengthening local connections: The opening of Lynnwood Link light rail in 2024 will change the transportation landscape in Snohomish County, providing people with frequent and fast light rail service into King County. Community Transit will take advantage of this opportunity to restructure service and provide connections to light rail as well as frequent and all-day service within the county.
2024 will also include the expansion of the agency's bus rapid transit (BRT) network, with the launch of the Swift Orange Line as well as the expansion of the current Swift Blue Line. The agency is also planning for future BRT expansion through an extension of the Swift Green Line in Bothell and a new Swift Gold Line from Everett into Marysville and Arlington.
Safe, reliable service: As the agency expands its service, it continues to actively recruit and hire bus drivers, maintenance staff, and other staff in order to support this expanded network. Community Transit offers a $5,000 signing bonus for new drivers.
The agency is committed to a safe, healthy, and equitable environment for riders and employees, and has prioritized security initiatives to ensure a welcoming workplace and ride. This includes reporting and tracking incidents and deploying additional resources during certain hours to provide a security presence. Better lighting, video cameras, and other design changes at stations are being tested in a pilot program along the Swift Blue Line route.
Innovative services: The agency is investing in innovative transit services that complement existing bus service, and provide convenient and equitable coverage, connecting more communities with regional service. The agency’s microtransit pilot program is slated to launch in Lynnwood in fall, 2022, and plans for additional pilot programs will be announced soon.
Planning for Zero Emissions Vehicles: Community Transit pledges to strengthen its commitment to environmental sustainability by studying the feasibility of moving to a zero-emissions fleet, and the infrastructure, systems, and employee training required to support that transition.
Youth Free Fare Policy: The Move Ahead Washington transportation funding package includes significant funding for agencies that adopt a policy eliminating fares for riders 18 years and younger. Community Transit is currently seeking public comment on this proposed policy change and looks forward to welcoming more young riders to its service should the Board approve this policy change later this year.
Draft TDP public comment period
The TDP is a state-mandated report that forecasts revenue and service levels for the next six years and is updated each year.
The draft 2022-2027 TDP is available for review online at communitytransit.org/TDP; public comment is welcome through Aug. 4.
Comments can be sent several ways:
- Email: PlanUpdate@commtrans.org
- Phone: (425) 353-7433 (RIDE)
- Social Media: Facebook.com/communitytransit or @MyCommTrans on Twitter (Use #CTTDP)
- Mail: Community Transit, Attn: Transit Development Plan 2312 W. Casino Road, Everett, WA 98204
- Public hearing: Thursday, Aug. 4 at 3 p.m. For details, visit bit.ly/CTBdMtgAug22