Glad to see Everett, Community transit merger discussed

Published 1:30 am Friday, June 18, 2021

If two transit agencies — Everett Transit and Community Transit — are about to merge, is this worthy of entering into an established record as history? Well that’s what happened June 9 when Everett City Council President Brenda Stonecipher led the City Council to authorize a study group into seeing what the parameters of a merger with Community Transit would look like.

Therefore, this Margaret Thatcher quote comes to mind, “If you want something said, ask a man; if you want something done, ask a woman.” That said, Everett Transportation Director Tom Hingson gave a rock star presentation to the Council on the scale of the situation facing Everett Transit. Especially when Hingson said, “The status quo is not an acceptable option. Growth is desired and growth is needed. … We really need meat on those bones.”

Second, all of Snohomish County and all transit riders like I benefit from an integrated transit network. We do not need key destinations segregated by two different transit systems. Rather we need an interconnected network that works for Everett just as well as Mukilteo and an interconnected network that appeals to passengers embarking or disembarking Paine Field flights.

Third and finally, I hope for the very best for both Everett Transit and Community Transit. I believe having interacted with both transit agencies and their boards that a friendly merger to collaboration is best with premiums on efficiency, interconnectivity and transparency with no reduction of service anywhere.

Joe A. Kunzler

Sedro-Woolley