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Transit Updates Six-Year Plan
Published:2015-03-09 Roads
Transit Updates Six-Year Plan Each year, Community Transit updates its six-year Transportation Development Plan to forecast the financial picture six years out and outline services the agency can provide. Last year, the six-year report showed rebounding sales tax revenue funding new bus service, about 45 percent of what was cut during the recession. Much of that service recovery is taking place this June as the agency plans to bring back Sunday and holiday service, as well as more bus trips during the week. This year’s updated plan, which is now out for public comment, confirms the forecast for moderate service growth over the next six years, but also draws attention to the widening gap between transit service needs and actual service on the road. Transit service trends According to the Puget Sound Regional Council, by 2040 population in Snohomish County will grow by more than 50 percent and employment will grow by more than 60 percent. Recent trends indicate that more of those people will want to travel by transit. Current regional plans forecast that Community Transit will need more than 500,000 hours of new service, or a 170 percent increase over 2014 service levels, to meet that demand. Despite the rebounding local economy, transit growth is not keeping up with demand. In 2014, Community Transit’s ridership grew by 7.7 percent over the previous year, one of the highest growth rates in the nation. Customers continually note the full buses on their morning, evening and even midday commutes. Last year, Community Transit carried an average of 28.8 riders per hour on each bus. Service and infrastructure needs State funding is also anticipated for a Mukilteo Park & Ride, which would provide 200 spaces for UW and Seattle transit commuters. This is a joint project with Snohomish County, Paine Field and the City of Mukilteo. The agency also needs new funding in order to increase bus service. The state legislature is considering bills that would allow Community Transit to seek increased local funding through a public vote. New funding could pay for: Meanwhile, the Draft TDP points out that Community Transit must continue to invest in existing infrastructure to maintain quality service. This includes:
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