EVERETT—The Community Transit Board on June 6 voted to eliminate the agency’s commuter bus fare starting September 1, 2024. Commuter bus fare include all 400 & 800 series routes.
The Snohomish County transit agency currently charges a higher fare for commuter routes that travel to Northgate and downtown Seattle. After Link light rail extends to Snohomish County, Community Transit will discontinue those routes so there is no need for the higher fare category. However, Route 424 will continue to be maintained.
“The arrival of congestion-free light rail in Snohomish County will enable exciting improvements to Community Transit’s network,” said Ric Ilgenfritz, Community Transit CEO. “This change to a single, standard fare supports these improvements and helps make riding transit an even easier choice.”
Starting September 1, all standard adult fares will be $2.50. This applies to local bus, Swift, Zip Alderwood Shuttle, and DART paratransit services. The new rate also applies to Community Transit Express routes that will be introduced on September 14. Reduced fares for ORCA LIFT, disabled, and Medicare riders will remain the same at $1.25. Youth 18 and under ride free. ORCA cards are the easiest way to pay and offer savings when transferring between different transit agencies. Customers can also pay with cash using exact change.
Although Community Transit buses will no longer serve Northgate and downtown Seattle, Route 424 will be maintained; it does not travel on I-5 like the other commuter routes. Route 424 riders will move to the standard $2.50 fare. Other Seattle-bound riders will connect to Link light rail at Lynnwood, Mountlake Terrace, or Shoreline to complete their trips to Seattle. Some Sound Transit buses will continue to serve Seattle.
Community Transit held a public comment period and conducted a federally mandated Title VI analysis which found that this fare change does not have a disparate effect on minority or low-income populations.
Community Transit provides bus and paratransit service, vanpool, and innovative transit options in Snohomish County, Wash. The agency recently launched the Swift Orange Line to provide fast, frequent service in the south county and will connect to Link light rail later this year.
SOURCE: Community Transit Press Release
Author: Lynnwood Times Staff
