Community Transit

• Determination of Non-Significance
• SEPA Environmental Checklist

Community Transit has long been aware of the need for more park & ride options in North Snohomish County. Increasing population has led to higher bus ridership throughout Snohomish County. From Marysville north, demand for commuter service has continually increased.

In 2003, Community Transit and the city of Marysville worked together to open the Marysville Ash Avenue Park & Ride to help meet increased demand for service. This park & ride quickly filled to capacity. In 2004, Community Transit added service to the University District in Seattle. Since then, service along that route-as well as Route 421 between Marysville and Seattle-has increased with added trips. In 2006, the agency began a process to locate one or two new park & ride lots in North Snohomish County. Dozens of sites were reviewed; 18 were rated and two preferred locations were selected. In Marysville, Community Transit recently purchased a site at the corner of Cedar and Grove for a park & ride that will offer approximately 200 parking spaces and complement the Ash Avenue Park & Ride.

Community Transit also has selected a preferred location in the Smokey Point area and is continuing to work with the community on this project. While there is no firm timetable for either location, Community Transit hopes to open at least one park & ride by 2010.

A New Choice in Marysville

With the population in North Snohomish County growing rapidly, and with all three of its current park & ride lots in the area at capacity, Community Transit is moving forward with plans to open a new park & ride lot to serve the Marysville/Tulalip area.

Where will it be located?

After an intensive evaluation process, a two-acre vacant lot on the northeast corner of Cedar and Grove was chosen as the preferred site. This summer, Community Transit bought the site, which is an excellent location to allow more people greater options in their commute. Located on existing bus routes and close to many businesses, it will be easy for area residents to ride the bus there, or to use it as an alternative to the busy park & ride lots at Ash Avenue or Ash and 2nd Street.

Which routes will it serve?

The new park & ride will hold approximately 200 cars. Current routes expected to serve the lot are:

• 207 (Marysville - Boeing)
• 421 (Marysville - Downtown Seattle)
• 821 (Marysville - University District)

The site will also benefit local businesses on State Avenue, and its central location will make it easy to take the bus and transfer to reach other locations.

What's happening now?

Community Transit now is in the design and engineering phase for the new park & ride in an effort to provide better service to North Snohomish County. This will offer more trip options for current and future passengers and help with the continuing traffic issues as the area's population continues to grow.

A New Choice in Smokey Point

Imagine a place where you can arrive on a bus, then quickly and safely transfer to another bus and go to work. At the end of the day, you catch the bus toward home, arriving at that same transit center.

But before going home, you walk a few steps to the grocery store to pick up something for dinner, then to the dry cleaner next door to pick up a jacket and slacks. Then, after a short bus ride home, you arrive refreshed and ready to enjoy your evening . . .

That's a lifestyle that a transit center can provide. Community Transit is planning a transit center in the Smokey Point area that could make this vision a reality.

What is a transit center?

A centrally-located transit center provides many options. Once a customer parks at the transit center, he or she can use the bus to travel to a multitude of destinations. Either before their trip or after, customers can take advantage of convenient shopping or other services at the center. And nearby shopping means people don't have to take their cars; they can walk. That cuts the number of cars on the road, reducing congestion and air pollution.

What are the benefits of a transit center in Smokey Point?

Community Transit wants to make this investment in the Smokey Point community not only to provide lifestyle options, but safety. Currently, bus passengers in the Smokey Point area often have to cross wide, busy streets to change buses. A transit center will move these transfers to a single off-street location, making it safer for pedestrians and drivers as well.

A transit center in Smokey Point will be a community asset. With its development, you won't have to imagine it. It can become a regular part of your life.