Community Transit To Cut Service Next Year

 Due to sagging sales tax revenue, Community Transit will cut service 20 percent in February 2012. The agency will likely eliminate or reduce bus trips and cut staff, but will seek public input on all decisions. 

The Snohomish County transit agency, which provides bus and vanpool service, already slashed service by 15 percent in June 2010. At that time, the agency eliminated Sunday and holiday service.

Community Transit has seen tax revenue drop significantly in the past few years. In 2007, the agency collected $76 million in sales tax. Last year, Community Transit collected just $62 million.

Community Transit will present the public with three options for budget cuts. Two would reduce the frequency of trips, and a third would completely restructure bus service in Snohomish County.

The options will be available on the Community Transit web site in June. Throughout June, the public can comment on the possible cuts at community open houses and rider forums. On July 7, the Community Transit Board of Directors will hold a public hearing on the three alternatives, and the board will announce a decision in September. The cuts will take effect on Feb. 19, 2012.

Public Process Schedule Open House meetings: 

Mountlake Terrace Library, Large Meeting Room

Address: 23300 58th Ave W, Mountlake Terrace

Date: Monday, June 6

6 p.m. – 8:30 p.m.

Edmonds Community College, Snohomish Hall, Room 0304

20000 68th Ave W, Lynnwood

Tuesday, June 7

2 p.m. - 4 p.m.

Monroe High School Performing Arts Center

17001 Tester Road, Monroe

Wednesday, June 15

6 p.m. – 8 p.m.

Everett Station, Weyerhaeuser Room

3201 Smith Avenue, Everett

Wednesday, June 22

10 a.m. – noon

City of Arlington Community Room, Hadley Hall

18513 59th Avenue NE, Arlington

Thursday, June 23

5 p.m. – 8 p.m.

Rider Forums:

Dates and Times TBD

Community Transit staff will hold rider forums at park & rides and transit centers throughout Snohomish County.

Public Hearing:

Rose Hill Community Center

304 Lincoln Avenue, Mukilteo

Thursday, July 7

5 p.m. - 8:30 p.m.