EVERETT — Fare-free youth bus rides appear to be on the horizon for Community Transit this fall.
The Everett-based agency that provides bus and para transit service for most of Snohomish County is gathering public input on the fare policy change. If the Community Transit board approves it, riders 18 and under could board without paying.
In 2019, Community Transit collected about $529,000 in youth fare. The Legislature’s Move Ahead Washington transportation package could give the agency $12 million annually in state transit support grants.
People can comment on the proposal through Aug. 1 by:
• Emailing fares@commtrans.org;
• Mailing Community Transit Attn: Youth Fares, 2312 W Casino Road, Everett WA 98204;
• Calling 425-353-7433;
• Or posting to social media at facebook.com/communitytransit and @MyCommTrans on Twitter.
The agency is hosting a Zoom online meeting to answer questions about the policy change at noon Wednesday, July 13. Join at https://bit.ly/CTVirtualMtgFYTP.
A public hearing is scheduled for 3 p.m. Thursday, July 21.
Other transit agencies in King, Kitsap, Pierce and Snohomish counties are reviewing how to implement the program. Use of a youth ORCA card is one option, but youth riders would not be denied admission or penalized if they do not have a pass, according to Community Transit.
Talk to us
> Give us your news tips.
> Send us a letter to the editor.
> More Herald contact information.
