This May, riders on Intercity Transit buses will find more routes for getting across town, getting from schools to libraries, and everything in between. Plans that have been in the works for years are coming to fruition. It’s all about serving more places with greater efficiency to speed up travel.
Intense Planning Involved in Intercity Transit Expansions
In November 2018 Intercity Transit Proposition 1 passed: A testament that people in the community support maintaining, improving and expanding public transportation services. Just as implementation began in 2019, the pandemic hit and ridership dropped dramatically. Since then, Intercity Transit has been planning and redesigning routes taking into account years of feedback from riders. “There are many variables,” says Nick Demerice, chief communications & external relations officer. “Safety is paramount. We are doing our best to balance community needs with our available resources.”
Intercity Transit considered countless details including neighborhood demographics, city boundaries, ability for a bus to make a turn, and how to be reliable throughout the year. “The data is really interesting,” says Rob LaFontaine, deputy director, planning. “We have natural barriers, three adjacent towns (Olympia, Lacey, and Tumwater) and Yelm to consider when providing bus service. It’s tricky to deploy the right mix of service and efficiency.” You can dive more deeply on the Intercity Transit webpage.
People have been leaving home more to return to workspaces and feeling free to move about. This has increased demand. “We want to serve as many folks as possible,” Rob says. The goal is to maximize rider options and deliver efficient schedules. The fleet of 84 busses is getting ready to roll out on the new routes.
Thurston County Bus Routes on Major Corridors Offer Greater Efficiency
“We have done major realignment of our fixed route bus services,” explains Rob. “We are shifting toward using a corridor approach,” he notes. A focus is on the busy corridor from Hawks Prairie to the Capital Mall. “Eighty percent of riders need options to get to and from work, get to an appointment or go to the store. Express service along this busy route will make a positive difference.”
“We will also offer more routes with later evening service,” says Nick. Buses will stop at many stops every 15 minutes with the cross-town express service. Service will be added along Henderson Blvd., past Pioneer Park to Tumwater Blvd and Isreal Rd. New service adjacent to North Thurston High School will increase access along Sleater-Kinney Rd. with routes operating in both directions. With more housing, apartments, and senior housing, the need for public transportation increases.
“A few routes were retired and many more were added,” says Rob. “There are stops at familiar locations – the vast majority have been maintained.” With about 1,000 bus stops, that’s a lot of signage to update.
New Bus Routes in Thurston County include Later and Earlier Service
Intercity Transit really listened to riders’ needs and wants. They are excited to answer the call for buses that run earlier and later. For example, one working parent was unable to get her child after school to the library and back again for a school activity. With the redesigned system, buses will run often enough to accommodate these kinds of situations.
Services across town will be helpful to students attending running start at South Puget Sound Community College or taking classes at The Evergreen State College. Youth will have a way to get to jobs, grandma’s house, or home later in the evening.
Quality Thurston County Bus Services Supports a Vibrant, Successful Community
Car ownership is expensive and fewer people are getting licenses. That means more people depend on public transportation for daily activities. Public transportation gets people to work and school, reduces the number of cars on the road, and is environmentally friendly. Intercity Transit strives to offer safe and reliable transportation for people of all ages and needs.
The zero-fare pilot program is in effect until 2028 at which time, the Intercity Transit Authority Board will evaluate options for moving forward. This means rides are free for everyone, just get on and go!
There are bike racks, too. Even people with cars can consider riding when routes are quick and convenient. You will avoid looking for a parking space.
Have you never ridden a bus before or need help? You can map out your own adventures and even get a Bus Buddy. The Bus Buddy Program is staffed with volunteers who can help youth navigate to and from the places they go, , exchange students to get around town or anyone who wants to become more familiar with using the bus system.
May 3 is the First Day of New Intercity Transit Bus Routes
Remember to check your routes as numbers are changing. Bring a friend or your bike. It’s free and easy. Visit the Intercity Transit website for information on bus routes, trip planning, vanpools, accessible services, youth services and quite a bit more. Stay connected in real time by signing up for transit updates.
Intercity Transit
360-786-1881 (Customer Service)
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