'Just get on the bus': Kids can ride for free now in Snohomish County

[Yo_Mama_Been_Loggin]

EVERETT — It was the first day for free youth fares, but almost all of the riders on Community Transit bus lines out of Everett Station were adults during a 45-minute period Thursday afternoon.

Though few teens were seen at the central transfer point for several regional buses, transportation leaders say they expect the number of younger riders to climb as word gets out that kids can now ride any bus in Snohomish County at no charge. Community Transit is partnering with local school districts this fall to hand out regional bus passes to students.

“Just because it has launched now doesn’t mean we are done,” Community Transit spokesperson Monica Spain said. “We have quite a bit of work to continue to communicate this and get ORCA cards to schools and into youth’s hands.”

The Community Transit Board of Directors unanimously approved the free fares earlier this month. The Everett-based agency joins almost every other public transportation organization in the state in allowing kids to ride free.

https://www.heraldnet.com/news/just-get-on-the-bus-kids-can-ride-for-free-now-in-snohomish-county/

[demigoddess]

1. this is a good idea. More places should do it!!

[halfulglas]

2. Great. I think our mass transportation in the second half of the 20th century started

Deteriorating when municipalities and transportation districts started to demand systems "Pay for themselves." I know this from riding streetcars and buses from my childhood on. I was born in the 40s, went to school and work by public transportation, streetcars and buses, into the 60s, but only sporadically since then. Every time fares were raised, many suburbanites decided it was just more convenient to drive which meant fewer riders, so less revenue, fewer buses and streetcars, routes changed to consolidate, less convenience, more crowded and on and on, which made it even harder for city dwellers who depended even more on public transportation because they were paying more for less service. Even newer subways haven't helped as much as hoped because it's hard to start a new habit (and also the cost). I know of people who say, but if they work late and miss the bus, they will have to get a ride somewhere else or get an Uber.

I don't live in Pennsylvania any longer, but still have relatives there. They do have the free Senior Pass for transportation provided by money from the state Lottery. My late mother (who never learned to drive) loved the mobility the free senior ID gave her. She hated depending on rides from anyone else.

If they really want to confront city air pollution, as a taxpayer service let everyone ride for free extending the lines out to the suburbs and have electric buses (or whatever the low pollution alternative would be) and have the service frequent enough to be convenient.