Zip Shuttle Coming

Community Transit plans to expand ZIP Shuttle     

Community Transit has been identifying areas in Snohomish County where people who don’t drive are needing access to public transit to get around their communities. Lynnwood developed a micro transit system in collaboration with Community Transit and community non- profit partners so that people have an easier way to get around. This pilot program called Zip is currently in the stage where it is being studied. The feedback from people who use it has been positive.

Community Transit is now in the early planning stages of expanding this service to other cities (Arlington, Lake Stevens, and Darrington) who are isolated from larger communities. These areas are looking to have more of a shuttle-type service, rather than a bus system, since these areas are smaller. I learned that Darrington had no public transportation access for almost 30 years. They recently partnered with Homage Senior Services Transportation Assistance Program (TAP) to help both Senior Citizens and Persons with Disabilities by providing transportation access to areas where there are needed services (i.e. from a rural area where there is no public transportation access to a bigger city). Lake Stevens service area seems only to be concentrated around the lake itself and those who live further out of the area who have little to no access to different areas around the city itself. 

Developing a system like Zip Shuttle in smaller areas might better benefit from a fixed bus route. It is the same cost as a regular bus, but you have more payment options available, like Orca/Debit/credit card/cash. Children ride for free until age 19.  The service also has child and baby car seats available for use. As well as bike racks.  It works on an on-demand and shared ride basis like Uber/Lyft through a phone app. They plan to have the service in these areas running within the next 2 years.

Those interested in learning more about this service can find information on Community Transits webpage https://www.CommunityTransit.org/Zip Shuttle.

By: Leigh Spruce, Self-Advocacy Coordinator, Leigh@arcsno.org