Everett Transit Consolidation Plan Announced

EVERETT – Following public input and intensive negotiations, Everett Mayor Cassie Franklin and Community Transit CEO Ric Ilgenfritz today announced details of a historic plan to consolidate transit service in Snohomish County. Their proposed Interlocal Agreement (ILA) for the consolidation of Everett Transit with Community Transit would increase bus service in the city by 50% and end years of difficult transfers for riders travelling between Everett and other destinations across the county and region.While dramatically expanding transit options and the frequency and service hours of Everett bus routes, the agreement prioritizes preserving current paratransit service for Everett residents and maintains employment for Everett Transit employees.October public hearings on the agreement and potential annexation will be set by the Everett City Council and Community Transit Board of Directors, with final consideration expected in November."Now is the time to build one seamless transit system for Everett and Snohomish County,” said Everett Mayor Cassie Franklin. “Sound Transit light rail is transforming how we connect to destinations around Puget Sound. With six more stations on their way, we must seize this pivotal moment.”“We’ve reached an agreement based on public input that improves transportation for all Snohomish County residents,” said Community Transit CEO Ric Ilgenfritz. "If this plan is approved, we will get started right away making public transportation easier and more convenient for people to get where they want to go county-wide.”As Everett and Snohomish County continue growing, the consolidation will provide transportation investments needed to continue building their economic vitality, benefitting all citizens, whether they ride transit or not.“Investing in a strong public transportation system is critical to economically successful regions,” said Ray Stephanson, President & CEO of Economic Alliance Snohomish County. “Thisconsolidation expands transit service within Everett and Snohomish County, improving access to thousands of current and future riders and helping the county attract jobs, employees, customers and economic opportunities.”Yesterday, the board of the Snohomish County Committee for Improved Transportation (SCCIT), a non-profit organization of business, citizen, and government leaders, voted to endorse the proposed consolidation.ILA HighlightsThe ILA was shaped with input from Everett bus and paratransit riders, employees, and the public. The City of Everett and Community Transit gathered input through conversations with key stakeholders, meetings with staff, an open house on Aug. 18 with nearly 100 attendees, and 217 online and written comments.This input helped shape the ILA, with particular focus on several key priorities, including protecting existing Everett paratransit service and customers, protections for Everett Transit employees and their benefits, and expanding transit service in Everett. Feedback about transit service will also inform the integrated network planning and community engagement that will take place in 2027.Key provisions in the ILA include:· Phased increase in transit service in Everett of 50% through 2031 – double the service increase envisioned in the Everett Transit Long Range Plan· Adding a Zip microtransit zone in Everett by spring 2028· Retaining paratransit eligibility and service area for current Everett paratransit customers· Retaining employment for all Everett Transit staff by transferring to Community Transit or staying with the city. Community Transit will fully honor the collective bargaining agreements of transferring employees.Effective dateIf approved, the annexation of Everett into Community Transit's service district, or Public Transportation Benefit Area (PTBA), would take effect on April 1, 2027. Service would remain largely as-is until 2028, with emphasis on avoiding disruptions to riders during public involvement efforts and internal preparations to shape and
Source: https://everettwa.gov/m/newsflash/Home/Detail/4496