Community Transit welcomes older adults to try local services

Serving people of all ages and abilities is something we do every day at Community Transit. People ages 65 and older make up more than 14.4% of the population of Snohomish County, and many are regular Community Transit riders. Many older riders take transit when seeking flexible, affordable, and accessible trip options.

“A few years ago, I moved to the area and wanted to find ways to get around and reduce my expenses,” says rider Sherry Faith. “My car — with insurance, gas, and upkeep — is one-third of my monthly expenses.”  

Learn to ride

Faith lives in an independent senior housing complex on the Edmonds waterfront within walking distance of several local transit options, including the Sounder Train, the Edmonds Ferry Terminal, and local bus stops. Faith decided to enroll in Community Transit’s free Travel Training program to learn how to ride transit.

“I have always been very independent, but as I have gotten older, some things have become harder and more intimidating. I was brand new to the area and had never taken local transit, but Travel Training gave me the courage to try it.” 

Travel Training is a free resource for any rider who needs a little extra help learning to ride local transit. Travel Trainers guide people through all parts of their journey, including using the Community Transit website to plan a trip. Travel Training can be especially helpful for people who may feel nervous about riding alone or who use a scooter or wheelchair. Training is customized to meet a person’s individual needs and can last from one hour to several sessions — as long as is needed for a rider to feel safe and confident traveling on their own. 

“Bretta, my trainer, was fabulous,” says Faith. “She rode with me to all the places I may go — the grocery store, the airport, my daughter’s house, the light rail. I learned everything I needed to know to do it by myself. I recommend it to anyone who could use the help.” 

Faith says she’s also grateful that she can continue training as she needs it. “I have had to keep my car to help care for my daughter, who needs help getting to medical appointments,” she says. “I hope to take more training when I no longer need my car.”    

Discounted fares for older adults

Faith also uses an ORCA card to get a discounted rate when taking the bus. 

Riders ages 65 and older qualify for a Senior Regional Reduced Fare Permit (RRFP). This pass gives older adults discounted fares on fixed-route buses, Sound Transit trains, Link light rail, Washington State Ferries, and other regional transit options. It also allows for an approved personal care attendant to ride free when traveling with a rider with a disability. The RRFP resides on an ORCA card, which allows riders to tap and pay their fare, much easier than carrying exact change.

“I absolutely love the savings I get with my ORCA card,” says Faith.  “Bretta took me to get it at the RideStore at the Lynnwood Transit Center when I did my training. It was easy and only took a few minutes.” 

The ORCA Senior RRFP is free, but requires a completed application and proof of age.  Learn more and apply at myORCA.com. 

Accessible service options

Every Community Transit bus offers accessible options for riders who may need them.

“I don’t need a wheelchair or scooter to get around yet, but some of my friends and neighbors do, and many take the bus,” says Faith.

All Community Transit buses have low floors and most steps can be raised or lowered to make boarding easier. Every bus is equipped with a ramp and drivers are trained to assist people with disabilities in boarding and securing their mobility devices.  

DART paratransit is an option for riders who can’t use fixed-route bus services due to a disability. DART customers ride with other people and must be dropped off within three-fourths of a mile of a Community Transit bus route during scheduled hours. To qualify, riders must complete an application and an in-person rider assessment interview. Explore all of Community Transit’s accessible service options online. 

“I love learning,” says Faith. “Learning to take local transit helped me have more options, see more of my community, and I know it will help me save when I no longer need my car. If you're looking for transportation options, give it a try.”  

At Community Transit, we are grateful for all of our riders. 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.