Snohomish County, Wash., December 11, 2021 – The 2022 Community Transit budget details several projects that will have a lasting impact on public transportation by expanding travel options for riders in Snohomish County. Underlying these plans is the agency’s commitment to providing safe transportation for all.
Budget highlights include:
- Providing safe transportation is one of the agency’s highest priorities in 2022. A combination of COVID-19 safety measures including masks, vehicle disinfection, and HVAC air filters help mitigate viruses. This year, bipolar ionization units, a type of air-purifying technology, will be added to vehicles.
- Construction of the Swift Orange Line, Community Transit’s third bus rapid transit (BRT) line, will begin in 2022. The Orange Line is expected to open in 2024 with service between McCollum Park and Edmonds College, and a direct connection to light rail in Lynnwood.
- Redesign of Community Transit bus network to coincide with light rail connections coming to Lynnwood, Mountlake Terrace and Shoreline in 2024. This creates opportunities for improvements and additions to local Snohomish County bus routes.
- Updates to the Long-range Plan to create a vision for transit through 2050. Part of this long-term planning will involve a study of zero-emission vehicles and new transportation options beyond regular bus service, including a test of micro transit, a flexible, on-demand service in Lynnwood.
- Proactively involving the public through surveys, public engagement and customer research programs to ensure we are providing equitable access to services and to help determine where to expand services for riders and potential riders.
“Safety is our highest priority. This budget ensures we will be doing everything we can to provide the safest possible experience for bus riders and employees. People can count on our buses being clean with state-of-the art air purification technology,” said Community Transit CEO Ric Ilgenfritz. “At the same time, we will press ahead getting ready for light rail reaching Lynnwood by building a new Swift line, innovating with on-demand microtransit, and planning a robust network that improves mobility for all users.”
The 2022 budget anticipates a 5% increase in bus service from current levels. Total operating revenues are expected to be $263.1 million with total operating expenditures expected to be $171.9 million. Revenues include one-time stimulus funds from the federal government. View the budget at communitytransit.org/budget.
Community Transit is responsible for providing bus and paratransit service, vanpool and alternative commute options in Snohomish County. The agency is building a network of Swift bus rapid transit lines with Swift Blue Line along Highway 99, the Swift Green Line between Canyon Park/Bothell and Boeing/Paine Field, and the Swift Orange Line coming to Mill Creek and Lynnwood in 2024.
Content Source: Community Transit Press Release
Author: Lynnwood Times Staff
