Community Transit gives away vans; to cut service

EVERETT — With cuts in Community Transit service scheduled to take effect June 13, the agency moved up its annual van donation program this year.

Community Transit on Thursday donated 12 vehicles to several local nonprofit groups; in previous years, donations were made in summer. The agency estimates the vehicles will help 59,000 people get around.

Community Transit is eliminating all service on Sundays and holidays beginning June 13 to help make up $16 million in lost revenue over two years.

The county’s largest transit agency also is looking at shortening or reducing stops on most of its 64 routes and cutting early-morning and late-night service. Community Transit also raised fares June 1 by 25 cents on all noncommuter routes.

Many riders who use the bus on Sundays say they’ll have trouble getting to church, work or other social events. The organizations that received the vans say they’ll use the vans during the week as well as on weekends, according to Community Transit.

The agency awarded six surplus 8-passenger vans, three surplus 12-passenger vans and three surplus 14-passenger mini-buses to nonprofit groups from around Snohomish County.

Recipients were selected from more than 30 applications based on the service they would be able to provide, according to the agency.

The eight-passenger vans were presented to Cocoon House of Everett; Faith Heritage Church of Everett; Greater Trinity Christian Learning Academy of Everett; Oxford House of Snohomish County; Smithwright Services of south Snohomish County and Village Community Services of north Snohomish County.

The 12-passenger vans went to Calvary Fellowship of Mountlake Terrace in partnership with the Boy Scouts of America and Mission 2 Mentor; Crescendo Artistic Environmental School of Edmonds and Domestic Violence Services of Snohomish County, based in Everett.

The 14-passenger, wheelchair lift-equipped mini-buses were presented to the Mukilteo Seniors, Snohomish Senior Center, and the partnership of Stanwood United Methodist Church and Josephine Sunset Home.

This year’s grants bring to total 96 surplus vehicles that Community Transit has granted to nonprofit organizations under its Van GO program since 2000, according to the agency.

Bill Sheets: 425-339-3439, sheets@heraldnet.com.

Talk to us

> Give us your news tips.

> Send us a letter to the editor.

> More Herald contact information.

More in Local News

Olivia Vanni / The Herald 
The Mukilteo Lighthouse. Built in 1906, it’s one of the most iconic landmarks in Snohomish County.
The Mukilteo Lighthouse. Built in 1906, it’s one of the most iconic landmarks in Snohomish County. (Olivia Vanni / The Herald)
Mukilteo mayor vetoes council-approved sales tax

The tax would have helped pay for transportation infrastructure, but was also set to give Mukilteo the highest sales tax rate in the state.

South County Fire plans push-in ceremony for newest fire engine

Anybody who attends will have the opportunity to help push the engine into the station.

Marysville Mayor Jon Nehring gives the state of the city address at the Marysville Civic Center on Wednesday, Jan. 31, 2024, in Marysville, Washington. (Ryan Berry / The Herald)
Marysville council approves interim middle housing law

The council passed the regulations to prevent a state model code from taking effect by default. It expects to approve final rules by October.

x
State audit takes issue with Edmonds COVID grant monitoring

The audit report covered 2023 and is the third since 2020 that found similar issues with COVID-19 recovery grant documentation.

Bothell
Bothell man pleads guilty to sexual abuse of Marysville middle schoolers

The man allegedly sexually assaulted three students in exchange for vapes and edibles in 2022. His sentencing is set for Aug. 29.

Larsen talks proposed Medicaid cuts during Compass Health stop in Everett

Compass Health plans to open its new behavioral health center in August. Nearly all of the nonprofit’s patients rely on Medicaid.

Position 1 candidates prioritize public safety, differ on tax increases

Derica Escamilla is looking to retain her seat against challengers Dio Boucsieguez and Brandon Kimmel.

Community members gather for the dedication of the Oso Landslide Memorial following the ten-year remembrance of the slide on Friday, March 22, 2024, at the Oso Landslide Memorial in Oso, Washington. (Ryan Berry / The Herald)
The Daily Herald garners 6 awards from regional journalism competition

The awards recognize the best in journalism from media outlets across Alaska, Idaho, Montana, Oregon and Washington.

on Monday, July 14, 2025 in Edmonds, Washington. (Olivia Vanni / The Herald)
Mini heat wave moving into Snohomish County

The National Weather Service has issued a heat advisory, warning of temperatures climbing to mid-80s or low 90s Tuesday and Wednesday.

Snohomish County Dahlia Society members Doug Symonds and Alysia Obina on Monday, March 3, 2025 in Lake Stevens, Washington. (Olivia Vanni / The Herald)
How to grow for show: 10 tips for prize-winning dahlias

Snohomish County Dahlia Society members share how they tend to their gardens for the best blooms.

State Attorney General Nick Brown's office posted a release announcing $720 million in nationwide settlements with eight drugmakers that manufactured opioid pills and worsened the nationwide opioid crisis. The state could receive more than $16 million, the release said. (Ryan Berry/Washington State Standard)
Snohomish County to receive portion of latest $16M opioid settlement

While the amount of money is still unknown, funding plans are already in place to help with drug abuse prevention, treatment and education.

District 2 candidates differ in public safety approach

Incumbent Paula Rhyne is facing challenger Ryan Crowther. The third candidate, Jonathan Shapiro, is no longer seeking the seat.

Support local journalism

If you value local news, make a gift now to support the trusted journalism you get in The Daily Herald. Donations processed in this system are not tax deductible.