EVERETT — Seven decades back, Brian Hunt would take the bus daily.
Having spent his childhood in San Diego, he cherished the recollections of utilizing public transportation to reach his school. However, upon initially attempting to use the Link light rail, its intricacies overwhelmed him.
“Here’s where I ran into trouble,” Hunt said, indicating an ORCA ticketing booth located near the light rail station in Lynnwood on Wednesday.
Transportation authorities understand that the ticketing systems, routes, and connection points needed to make full use of their services may initially seem daunting to certain individuals, particularly senior citizens. To address this, Community Transit collaborated with the YMCA of Snohomish County to organize informative sessions aimed at providing elderly participants with comprehensive guidance on navigating the county—and even farther destinations—by means of public transportation.
On Wednesday, the transit authority organized one of their workshops at the Everett YMCA. Over a dozen senior citizens attended and listened to Community Transit staff members discuss optimal practices for using public transportation. The attendees also went on a site visit to the Lynnwood City Center station to get hands-on experience.
the newly opened light rail station
.
It can be intimidating for individuals, particularly as they age, when it comes to trying new things,” explained Jennifer McCoy, a marketing specialist at Community Transit who assisted in conducting the workshop. “However, my main aim was to convey that it isn’t as challenging as many might believe; nonetheless, it often feels daunting until one takes that initial step.
The Link light rail service reached Lynnwood in August 2024. The expansion of this system was approved by voters back in 2008. Following its opening the previous year, there had been
an increase in public transit usage statistics
throughout the Puget Sound area.
In 2016, voters endorsed Sound Transit 3,
A significant $54 billion upgrade for public transportation services.
across the Puget Sound area to assist
reduce traffic accidents and harm
,
reduce
pollution
,, reduce travel expenses and ease
some of the most severe traffic jams in the nation
The growth strategy encompasses extending the Link light rail service to southern Everett by the year 2037. It will be
The initial rapid transit rail line to operate along the path from Everett to Seattle since 1939.
.
However, public transportation encompasses more than just trains. Across Snohomish County, bus services primarily offered by Community Transit serve as the main means for locals to link up with light rail systems.
For those new to public transportation, riding buses can be particularly intimidating. Seniors accustomed to driving may find it challenging to locate proper bus stops, make necessary transfers, and figure out payment methods.
At the workshop, the older participants discovered how to insert ORCA cards.
Use them to switch between various public transportation options.
region
Community Transit provided attendees of the workshop with a month of complimentary rides. A number of these individuals had never used public transportation before.
Fares for senior citizens on buses and light rails cost $1. Individuals who are 18 years old or younger can ride for free.
As individuals age, they could potentially lose their driving capabilities, which might impact their sense of autonomy and mobility,” McCoy explained. “This initiative aims to show that one can continue using public transportation and remain active.
Robert and Ginny Schuweller, a pair who participated in Wednesday’s session, mentioned their forward-looking mindset when enrolling in the course. They acknowledged that one of their goals was indeed to find it simpler to reach the airport; however, they also expressed a desire to maintain mobility once driving becomes unfeasible for them.
Robert Schuweller stated, “We need to look towards the future.” He continued, “Will driving always remain an option for us, or do we need to consider alternatives? We concurred that learning how to utilize these new systems is essential since we will require them eventually.”
Community Transit provides a complimentary travel training program designed for individuals requiring additional support when using public transportation. For more details:
https://tinyurl.com/3exbbjaz
.
Will Geschke: 425-339-3443;
william.geschke@heraldnet.com
; X:
@willgeschke
.
