The premier news source for Snohomish County

New transit changes coming to Sound Transit and Community Transit services this fall are big, big, big! Community Transit service, Link, Sounder, and ST Express all will experience some changes, which will go into effect on different dates at the end of August and into September. 

Changes in north King and Snohomish counties

The biggest and most exciting change is the start of 1 Line service to Lynnwood. On Friday, August 30, trains will begin serving four new stations – Lynnwood City Center, Mountlake Terrace, Shoreline North/185th Street, and Shoreline South/148th Street – every eight minutes during peak times. 

This light rail expansion will be a game changer for people who live and work in north King and Snohomish counties, and a major component of an expanding integrated transit system. With our partners at King County Metro and Community Transit, we have worked to re-envision how Link light rail, Swift bus rapid transit, and local bus service can work together as an efficient, cohesive network.  

With the 1 Line serving Snohomish County, starting September 14 ST Express routes 512 and 513 from Everett will connect at Lynnwood instead of Northgate. We’ll also be adding a new temporary route – ST Express 515 – that will run between Lynnwood City Center and downtown Seattle to provide additional capacity before the 2 Line crosses Lake Washington. 

On September 16 we’ll be adding new Sounder N Line trips to provide even more options between Snohomish County and Seattle when upcoming planned work on I-5 slows things down. You can find the new schedule here.  

The ST Express route 510 schedule will be updated to align with the new Sounder N Line trips.

While these are the biggest service changes coming this fall, there are minor adjustments to other ST Express schedules and routes. With so much happening, especially in the north end, you’ll want to be ready for changes to your ride.  

Visit https://www.soundtransit.org/ride-with-us/changes-affect-my-ride/service-changes for a full list of all routes that will have changes.  

Community Transit to launch biggest changes in years in September

Community Transit is making major changes and improvements to bus service on September 14. The changes come two weeks after Sound Transit’s Link light rail 1 Line extends to Snohomish County. It’s not too early for people to plan their new commute or explore new ways to travel by transit. Trip planning tools (below) are now available to help people get ready for September 14.

What to expect on September 14:

• Riders should check for schedule updates since there are changes on most routes for more frequent and reliable service.
• Commuter routes to Northgate and Seattle will be eliminated and replaced with new express and local routes that connect to light rail. Swift Blue Line is also extending south to connect to the Shoreline North/185th light rail station.
• There will be more bus service running more often, including on weekends.

Simplified bus fares start September 1 — $2.50 for all adult fares, $1.25 discounted fares for those who qualify, and kids 18 and under ride free. Using an ORCA card is the easiest way to pay.

Riders should take a few steps now to get ready for September 14:

• Check Maps & Schedules on Community Transit’s website to view the Sept. 14 preview schedules.
• Use the Plan My Trip tool to build a customized trip plan any time. Be sure to set the arrival or departure date to Sept. 14 or later.
• Visit the Service Change web page to see maps and videos for changing routes.
• Contact Customer Care at riders@commtrans.org or (425) 353-RIDE (7433) for personalized trip planning or printed materials.

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.

SOURCE: Community Transit and Sound Transit

Author: Lynnwood Times Staff