New bus schedules, route information now online

New bus schedules and route information for Community Transit’s Feb. 20 service change are now online at www.communitytransit.org.

In February, Community Transit will cut its bus service by 20 percent to reduce costs in response to the lingering effects of the recession. Sales tax revenues for the Snohomish County transit agency have been down about 20 percent for four straight years. In June 2010, the agency cut service by 15 percent, including the elimination of Sunday and major holiday service. After Feb. 20, the agency will have cut bus service by 37 percent since the recession began in 2008. The agency also will have cut more than 200 employees.

While knowing that the cuts were coming, riders have been awaiting the new bus schedules. Bus riders will now be able to see what times their bus will run, and how their transit connections might work once service has changed on Feb. 20. In all, nine routes are being eliminated and nearly every bus route – except for those serving the University of Washington – will have substantial trip reductions.

In addition to the new bus schedules, the website has details about bus changes by route along with maps of those routes that have new routing. A February 2012 Guide to Service Change is available on buses, but at this time the schedules are available online only. The new Bus Plus schedule book will be on buses in early February, about three weeks before the changes take effect.

Community Transit staff will be out at park & rides and transit centers starting this week to make sure riders are aware of the upcoming changes and to answer questions. Riders can also send questions to riders@commtrans.org or call (425) 353-7433 (RIDE) or (800) 562-1375 toll-free.

Community Transit is responsible for providing transportation options for Snohomish County residents, including bus and paratransit service, vanpool and ridesharing options. Call Community Transit at (425) 353-7433 or (800) 562-1375 for bus information, or (888) 814-1300 for carpool or vanpool information, or go towww.communitytransit.org. You can also read our blog at www.communitytransit.blogspot.com, visit our Facebook page or see us on YouTube. Support local businesses and Community Transit when you Buy Local for Transit; read more at www.communitytransit.org/buylocal.