Why merge Everett Transit with Community Transit?

In Everett, we pride ourselves on taking care of our community and growing a strong economy through hard work.

No matter your age, ability, or income, we all deserve to be able to get to work, school, or a store conveniently. As our city grows from 115,000 people today to a projected 179,000 people in 2044, having a robust, frequent transit system will become even more important.

Unfortunately, today, many people are forced to wait at a bus stop for 20-30 minutes between buses to get to work. Our bus service is not frequent enough to make transit an attractive option for most workers, and those who do depend on it are stuck waiting. No one should have to work twice as hard just to get where they need to go.

With the proposed merger, transit service hours will increase by 50% by 2031. And by 2036, 75% of bus stops will have a bus arriving every 15 minutes. That means most riders will only wait 5-7.5 minutes to transfer.

Better transit is good for everyone. We need to make sure the next 64,000 residents don't add to gridlock on our streets and in our parking lots with more cars. More frequent buses will help relieve traffic and keep our air and water clean.

Community Transit will also provide a new transportation option called Zip Shuttle, in addition to its existing paratransit service. With Zip Shuttle, seniors and people with disabilities will be able to schedule a trip 15 minutes before pickup rather than 1 to 2 days in advance and pay less than they do today.

More bus service means more freedom for all people — it's better for older adults, people with disabilities, and low-income families, and it's better for the average employee trying to get to work. As our city grows, Everett needs the level of transit service that merging Everett Transit with Community Transit will provide.

Support the merger of Everett Transit with Community Transit by sending a letter to the Everett City Council.