Community Transit seeks public comment on continuing Zip Alderwood Shuttle

Community Transit is seeking public comment on making Zip Alderwood Shuttle a regular, long-term service. The on-demand ride service, offered for the same price as a local bus trip, is nearing the end of its one-year test period. The agency is considering transitioning Zip to regular, ongoing service.

Zip was launched as a one-year pilot in October 2022. The Zip shuttle is available anywhere within a defined service area in the Alderwood neighborhood of Lynnwood. The flexible service can be used for any reason, including running errands, getting to work, going to the library, or making connections to a bus. Zip operates 5 a.m. to 10 p.m. every day. Rides are booked through a smartphone app or by calling the Zip customer service line. Fares can be paid with cash, ORCA card, or debit/credit card. Details are available at communitytransit.org/zip.

“We started planning for Zip by listening to the community. We heard there was a need for something that was safe and easy to use, as well as affordable and readily available,” said Jennifer Hass, Community Transit Senior Manager of Innovation. “Zip customers are finding they can easily access many popular destinations in the Alderwood area, and they are also using it to reach other transit services. Eventually they can use it to connect to light rail in Lynnwood.”

As of this month, Zip has had 23,000 boardings by 1,100 unique customers. Average wait time for customers is less than 15 minutes. The pilot started with three service vehicles and the fleet has now grown to five vehicles.

Public comment is welcome through Sept. 7
Comments can be sent in several ways:

• Email: engage@commtrans.org
• Social: Facebook (/communitytransit), Twitter (@MyCommTrans)
• Mail: Community Transit, Administrative Office, 2312 W Casino Rd, Everett, WA 98204
• Call: (425) 353-RIDE (7433)
• Public hearing: Community Transit Board Meeting, 3 p.m. Sept. 7 (sign up at communitytransit.org/how-to-attend-a-meeting). The meeting will be in a hybrid format, with in-person attendance and an online option available.

Background
Zip is part of Community Transit’s Innovative Services program, which brings new transportation options to communities in Snohomish County. To develop this pilot, Community Transit worked closely with the City of Lynnwood and local community organizations since 2021 to better understand how to meet local transportation needs. The Alderwood area was chosen as the first test area because of its diverse and growing population, popular destinations, and the new Link light rail station coming in 2024. A detailed assessment found travel gaps and barriers to accessing transportation in Lynnwood. Zip’s quick-trip, on-demand shuttle solution was proposed to address these needs.

Following the public comment period, the Community Transit Board of Directors will consider approval of the Zip service recommendation at its Oct. 5 meeting. Community Transit is currently exploring three additional community pilot projects with the cities of Arlington, Darrington, and Lake Stevens.