Making transit an attractive option for commuters is key to solving Puget Sound’s transportation mess. Transit must take people where they want to go, and do it quickly, inexpensively and conveniently. Getting to and from Everett, Seattle and Tacoma must be a seamless process.
Kudos, then, to our own Community Transit for becoming the region’s first transit agency to formally adopt the use of "smart cards," which will make transferring between trains, buses and ferries a simple, worry-free exercise.
Smart card systems already are in use in some of the world’s most populous cities, and are being tested with success in the San Francisco Bay Area. They allow riders to prepay for their trips — a tiny computer chip tracks how much money or how many trips a rider has left. Just have it scanned as you board, and you’re on your way. No fumbling for change or worrying about a transfer ticket. When your smart card balance gets low, you go to a window or a machine to replenish it.
Community Transit approved the use of the cards last week, and is expected to get plenty of financial help from Sound Transit. Between grants that CT has obtained and startup money from Sound Transit, the program will cost CT absolutely nothing for the first two years. The next steps are for other agencies, particularly Metro and Pierce Transit, to get on board, setting the stage for final approval by Sound Transit. Together, these agencies are creating a seamless, integrated system that holds the best promise yet for easing traffic congestion and moving people efficiently.
Everett Transit backed out of the program last year, but will have another chance to join in. If it doesn’t, its customers will no doubt be asking why.
Sounder commuter rail, once it arrives in Everett (possibly next year), will allow Snohomish County residents an easy and relaxing way to get to Seattle or Tacoma. Smart cards will allow for easy transfers to buses or light rail. Whidbey Island residents will be able to hop on the ferry to Mukilteo and easily transfer to a Sounder train or express bus. Options for getting where you need to go without your car will be many.
Just like conveniently located Park and Ride lots, smart cards will help make those options more attractive.
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