United Way of Snohomish County is proud to urge a “Yes” vote on Proposition 1 this November. The measure provides much needed transit investments to ensure our residents can access jobs, education and vital services.
At United Way of Snohomish County, we are committed to building strong, healthy communities. We have long recognized the role transit plays in expanding economic opportunities and protecting our quality of life.
Community Transit, Snohomish County’s local transit agency, is more popular than ever. Every day, about 40,000 people ride Community Transit. Its ridership continues to grow, and even with every bus and every driver pushed into service, many routes are jammed to capacity and beyond.
Prop. 1 would increase the sales tax by three-tenths of 1 percent to fund a package of transit improvements that would benefit the entire county.
The package provides more commuter bus trips to downtown Seattle and the University of Washington. It would increase east-west connections within the county. And it would build a second line of Swift bus rapid transit from Boeing and Paine Field to Canyon Park in Bothell.
And perhaps most importantly, Community Transit will be able to expand its Dial-A-Ride Transportation (DART) paratransit service. This vital service connects those with disabilities or other conditions preventing them using Community Transit’s regular service travel where they need to go.
This isn’t some far off plan. Service improvements would begin right way, including more mid-day, weekend and nighttime service starting as early as March 2016. Extensive service would added in September 2016, after a public process identifies key priorities.
Prop. 1 would cost the average adult $33 per year. We believe this an appropriate investment for the benefits we’d all enjoy, even if you never board a Community Transit bus.
Snohomish County continues to be popular, attracting thousands of new residents each year. We can’t build new highways to meet everyone’s transportation needs.
Community Transit has proven itself a well-run, responsive and efficient transit agency, and many of its riders are passionate about their positive experiences.
To ensure we all have options that get us to work, school and other destinations, we need to meet the demand for transit with more services and greater options.
We hope you will join United Way of Snohomish County and support Prop. 1 this November.
For more information, please go to www.communitytransit.org/futuretransit.
Katrina Ondracek is a resident of Lake Stevens and is executive vice president of United Way of Snohomish County.
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