January 31, 2025 4:52 pm

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Public Transit Made Easy: Zip Shuttle Connects People to Buses, Light Rail, and Beyond

“When people think about public transit, they often picture buses and light rail,” says Kevin Futhey, a project manager on Community Transit’s Innovative Services team. “But what about those who can’t walk to a stop or access transit easily? That’s where Zip Shuttle comes in.”

zip shuttle
Source: Community Transit.

Community Transit’s Zip Shuttle Alderwood is an on-demand, shared-ride service that connects people to popular neighborhood destinations and local transit hubs. For people who don’t live near a bus stop, getting to transit can be a hurdle. Zip Shuttle bridges that gap with an affordable service for just $2.50 or less.  Youth 18 and under ride free and wheelchair accessible vehicles are available upon request.

The blue-and-white Zip Shuttle minivans are similar to popular rideshare services like Uber or Lyft, but without the high price tag. Riders can book trips via phone or the app, providing their pick-up and drop-off locations. When the vehicle is nearby, they’ll get a notification to be ready at the pick-up point.

“Our goal is to meet people where they are,” says Futhey. “Along with our Alderwood service, we’ve expanded Zip Shuttle service to Arlington, Lake Stevens, and Darrington because we know that transit access isn’t a one-size-fits-all solution. Each community has unique needs, and Zip helps fill those gaps. These new locations are pilots. We are testing to see how this service works in these communities.”

Community Transit’s board of directors recently voted to lower reduced fares. Starting March 1, Community Transit will lower its reduced fares for eligible riders — including those with an ORCA LIFT pass, Medicare, or disabilities — to just $1 per ride for both Zip and bus services. A monthly pass will cost $36.

zip shuttle
Source: Community Transit.

“Lowering reduced fares is a big step in making transit more accessible,” says Futhey. “For just $1, seniors and ORCA LIFT cardholders can use Zip or any of our bus services, making it more affordable than ever to leave the car at home.”

Zip Shuttle drivers don’t accept tips, and there’s no surge pricing. When using an ORCA card, riders can seamlessly transfer from Zip Shuttle to other transit connections and their Zip fare will be credited toward their next ride if the transfer is made within two hours.

“Imagine you’re a senior living in Lynnwood, planning a trip to SEA-TAC airport to visit your grandkids,” says Futhey. “Driving all that way makes you nervous, airport traffic adds stress, and paying for parking isn’t realistic on a fixed income. These aren’t unusual challenges. Starting in March, your roundtrip fare taking Zip and light rail would only be $2.”

In a recent survey from Community Transit, 42% of Zip riders said they used Zip to connect to other transit options. The survey also showed that a quarter of Zip riders use the service to get to work or school, and two-thirds of riders have used it to run errands.

“So many people have told me how Zip has helped them,” says Lucia Smith, who works in customer care at the Ride Store. “Many of these customers have shared how they appreciate the flexibility of Zip and said that it’s an accessible alternative to our paratransit service. It’s also a great way to get connected with their community.”

Community Transit is also enhancing the Zip Shuttle customer experience. Starting February 1, Alderwood-area riders will be able to book trips through a new app with more user-friendly features.

“The new app will improve the booking process,” says Futhey. “We expect smarter trip pairing, which means we’ll serve more customers, faster. From fare reductions to the new app, we’re listening to what our riders need and making it easier to choose transit.”

Want to learn more? Visit ctzip.org to see where Zip Shuttle can take you or call 1-833-DIAL-ZIP to get started.


Source: Community Transit

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