Snohomish County, Wash., November 5, 2023—Community Transit announced on Thursday that March 30, 2024, is the launch date for the Swift Orange Line. The new bus rapid transit (BRT) line—the agency’s third—will provide fast, frequent service linking Edmonds College, Alderwood Mall and Mill Creek, with connections to Link light rail in Lynnwood when it opens in fall 2024.
The new, 11-mile BRT line, with easy connections to the Swift Blue and Green lines and other Community Transit routes, is a key part of the agency’s “Transit Changes in 2024 and Beyond” expansion plan. The greatly improved network will bring shorter waits on many local routes and better connections to local services, including Zip Alderwood Shuttle as well as regional transit services.
“The addition of the Swift Orange Line will open up a new world of possibilities for people who are looking for faster and easier ways to get around our county, the region, and beyond,” said Community Transit CEO Ric Ilgenfritz. “Swift is truly the backbone of Snohomish County’s transit system with its high-capacity buses, accessible features, and iconic stations.”
The March 30, 2024 launch of the Swift Orange Line will be marked with a community celebration, with location and other details to be announced at a later date.
The Swift Orange Line is an $83 million project that has received $67.9 million in federal funding, including $37.2 million from Capital Investment Grant funds and $6.5 million of American Rescue Plan stimulus funding. The project also received $5 million as part of the Connecting Washington package. The remainder is funded by local sales tax approved by voters.
As part of the expansion of the Swift BRT network, the Blue Line will be extended south to meet with light rail in 2024 and the Green Line will be extended farther south into Bothell in coming years. The two existing Swift lines carry more riders each day than any other Community Transit route.
About Swift BRT
- Buses stop at all stations, which are spaced farther apart than regular bus routes, and depart after about 10 seconds. Signal priority technology, bus lanes, and real-time information help keep Swift running swiftly.
- Buses arrive every 10-12 minutes on weekdays and every 15-20 minutes on early mornings, evenings, and weekends. Service is so frequent riders do not need a schedule.
- Swift charges the same fare as other local buses. Riders pay at the station with an ORCA card or use a ticket kiosk before boarding at any door.
- Swift is accessible to wheelchairs, disabled passengers, strollers, carts, and bikes.
Community Transit provides bus and paratransit service, vanpool, and innovative transit options in Snohomish County. The agency is expanding the Swift bus rapid transit network to connect people to light rail and provide fast, frequent service throughout the county.
Author: Lynnwood Times Staff
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