Community Transit will host a series of public meetings to get input on a proposed fare increase for local bus and paratransit service, as well as proposed service changes.
A proposed fare increase would take effect this fall and would raise fares on routes within Snohomish County and Dial-a-Ride-Transportation (DART) paratransit service to the next 25-cent increment. Community Transit local adult fares would go from $1 to $1.25, youth fares from 60 cents to 75 cents, and senior/disabled fares from 30 cents to 50 cents. DART fares are the same as local adult fares and would move from $1 to $1.25.
Community Transit last raised local and DART fares in 1998. The agency says the cost of providing local bus and paratransit service has steadily climbed since then. One factor in higher operating costs is the cost of fuel, which has jumped 50 percent since 2002.
Community Transit is also proposing a number of service changes to its local and commuter routes. Among the proposals is new bus service to the Meadowdale area and cancellation of Route 102 to Silver Firs.
Public comment on both issues will be accepted through March 31 via e-mail, phone or in writing. Written comments can be sent to Community Transit, 7100 Hardeson Road, Everett, Wash. 98203. Comments can be phoned in for fares at 425-438-6168 and service changes at 425-348-2335. Comments can also be sent via e-mail. For fares, to fares@commtrans.org; for service changes, service@commtrans.org
Two local meetings will cover both the fare increase and service change proposals:
• 4 – 7 p.m., Tuesday, March 15, Everett Station, 3201 Smith Ave., Everett, and
• 5:30-7:30 p.m., Wednesday, March 16, Martha Lake Community Club, 16300 Motor Place, just east of I-5 at 164th Street SW.
The Community Transit Citizens’ Advisory Committee will meet following this Open House with a formal presentation on the fare increase and service change proposals.
A meeting on proposed service changes is 6:30-8:30 p.m. Tuesday, March 22 at St. Thomas More Church, Husky Hall, 6511 176th St. SW, Lynnwood.
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