http://www.journal-newspapers.com/index.php/in-this-issue/community-news/snohomish-county/item/20-bus-service-cuts-coming-feb-20#sigProGalleria2bb1299ae4
In February, Community Transit will cut its bus service by 20 percent to reduce costs that the agency attributes 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, Community Transit cut service by 15 percent, including the elimination of Sunday and major holiday service. After Feb. 20 of this year, the agency will have cut bus service by a total of 37 percent since the recession began in 2008. The agency also will have cut more than 200 employees. Community Transit is responsible for providing transportation options for Snohomish County residents, including bus and paratransit service, van-pool and ridesharing options.
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, details about bus changes by route and maps of the new routing have been posted online. The 2012 Guide to Service Change will also be available on buses. 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 and rides and transit centers to make sure riders are aware of the upcoming changes and to answer questions. Riders can also call (425) 353-7433 or send questions to riders@commtrans.org.
New bus schedules and route information for Community Transit's Feb. 20 service change can be found online at www.communitytransit.org.
