Showing posts with label transportation. Show all posts
Showing posts with label transportation. Show all posts

Reminder: Peak season surcharge for ferry travel

Sunday, May 8, 2022

Photo by Wayne Pridemore

The peak season surcharge for vehicle-and-driver ferry fares started May 1, 2022. 

This change does not affect passenger fares and multiride products. The surcharge lasts through September 30, 2022.



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New ORCA ticket system rollout continues with new ticket vending machines

Tuesday, May 3, 2022

By Scott Thompson, Sound Transit

As many riders have noticed, crews continue installing new ORCA ticket vending machines (TVM) at stations throughout the system in preparation for the launch of the new ORCA system in May.

The new TVMs will not be online until the new system launch, but Link riders will still be able to use existing TVMs until the new system is fully functional.

This is part of a new ORCA system rolling out region wide to provide easier ways to pay transit fares and manage transit passes.

Upgrading ORCA equipment

Besides the ticket vending machines, crews are also swapping out ORCA card readers for new ones over the coming months.

When the new ORCA system launches in May, you will see these new card readers installed but covered up. 

The screens on the new ticket machines will indicate whether they are in service yet. 

We’ll also play audio announcements at stations during the replacement process to alert passengers of what to expect.

After the launch, we’ll remove all the original ORCA equipment. We expect to have the system fully upgraded by this summer.

The new ORCA system will give customers more enhancements and features, such as the ability to tap to pay with your phone.
  • Additional improvements include: A mobile app to manage your account and pay your fare
  • The ability to instantly load value and products to your ORCA account
  • More retail locations to buy ORCA cards and add value
  • An improved website (myorca.com) makes it easier to manage your account
But don’t worry, your current ORCA card will still work on the new system and the with the mobile app!

Options like Youth cards, Regional Reduced Fare Permits and ORCA LIFT cards will still be available with the new system.



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Provide input for Shoreline’s Transportation Master Plan update

From the City of Shoreline

We need your input! We are kicking off Outreach Series 3 for the Transportation Master Plan Update with three short informational videos and a survey

Many of you have participated in earlier surveys about your travel habits and needs. The City would now like your feedback on draft plans created for various travel modes (auto, transit, shared‐use mobility, pedestrian, and bicycle) and the criteria for identifying and prioritizing future transportation projects. 

The survey is available now through Sunday, May 8.

Once the survey closes, we will review the data with additional analysis to create a draft project list. The project team will share this information in an Outreach Series 4 that is tentatively scheduled for early summer.

To access the informational videos and the survey, visit shorelinewa.gov/tmp



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City of Shoreline wants feedback on their transportation plans

Tuesday, April 19, 2022

Give the City feedback about their travel plans
Photo by Wayne Pridemore
The Transportation Master Plan (TMP) team is kicking off Outreach Series 3 with three short informational videos and a survey. 

Many of you have participated in earlier surveys about your travel habits and needs. 

The City would now like your feedback on draft plans created for various travel modes (auto, transit, shared-use mobility, pedestrian, and bicycle) and the criteria for identifying and prioritizing future transportation projects.

The survey will be available from Tuesday, April 19 through Sunday, May 8, 2022.

Please access the informational videos and survey on the project webpage at shorelinewa.gov/tmp

What will the TMP update do and why should you participate?

The TMP update will:
  • Establish goals, policies, and prioritized projects for transportation improvements for the next 20 years.
  • Develop transportation networks for all users (people walking, cycling, riding transit, driving, etc.).
  • Make decisions now that will affect our community for years to come.



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The monorail turns 60 with a new station at Westlake

Monday, April 4, 2022

All photos by Steven H. Robinson

On Tuesday, March 29, 2022, the Seattle Center Monorail and partners, including The Seattle Kraken, hosted a special celebration marking the 60th birthday of the Seattle Center Monorail.

The event started at the redesigned Westlake Center Station and then proceeded to the Seattle Center Station for refreshments and promotional items.

Seattle Mayor Bruce Harrell, Council President Debora Juarez and other dignitaries spoke at the event.
Bruce Harrell (Mayor of Seattle); Debora Juarez (Seattle City Council President); Marko Liias (Washington State Senate); Megan Ching (Seattle Center Monorail); Robert Nellams (Seattle Center); Jon Scholes (Downtown Seattle Association); were some of the dignitaries at the welcoming event.

The new Westlake lobby
Originally launched as part of the 1962 World’s Fair (during which it carried over 8 million riders), the iconic Monorail still typically carries over 2 million riders a year.

This will only grow now that about 3,000 Seattle Kraken fans are using it in each direction to get to Climate Pledge Arena from the Link Light Rail system and downtown parking garages.

The Monorail is an environmental success story, maximizing the use of existing capacity with its green electric operating system and low carbon footprint.

The train is in the platform
$7M of just-completed privately funded improvements at Westlake Station greatly increased Monorail system capacity to over 4,500 passengers per hour (PPH) per direction. 

More needs to be done at the Seattle Center Station to fully restore the system to its original 6000 PPH capacity.

SMS and Seattle Center are leading an effort to upgrade the Seattle Center Station in 2024 (the first time in 60 years) and fully restore the Monorail’s capacity.

The project is focused on capacity/accessibility improvements and overall modernization that will set the stage for many more years of high-capacity transit service.



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Spring season ferry vehicle reservations now available

Tuesday, March 15, 2022

Ferry in the San Juans. Photo courtesy WSDOT
Vehicle reservations for ferry travel on March 27 to June 18, 2022 on the Anacortes/San Juan Islands and Port Townsend / Coupeville routes are now available.
 
This morning’s release includes the final two weeks of winter season (March 27 to April 9) and spring season (April 10 to June 18). 

As a reminder, WSF pushed back the start of spring season by two weeks to ensure increased reliability as they work to increase to spring service levels while continuing to face crewing challenges. 

For the Anacortes/San Juan Islands run, another batch of reservations will be released two weeks before each specific sailing and again two days before.



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Metro Transit open house - discussion of Lynnwood Link and upcoming transit restructure

Friday, March 11, 2022


By 2025, Sound Transit will open five new light rail stations connecting Northgate to Lynnwood, with stations in Shoreline and Mountlake Terrace.

Come to a virtual Open House for a discussion on the project and upcoming transit restructure. There are two sessions to choose from, please register in advance.
 
Thursday, March 17 from 7-8pm
Zoom registration: https://kingcounty.zoom.us/.../WN_nhxfRk3CSFKbqPtBNCzxoA

Saturday, March 19 from 10-11am
Zoom registration: https://kingcounty.zoom.us/.../WN_zIWZxSW0Qk6_2E5uI7RDUg

Visit the project page to learn more. https://kingcounty.gov/.../lynnwood-link-connections.aspx



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Face mask still required to ride ferries after state’s mandate ends March 12

Friday, March 4, 2022

Federal mask guidelines will remain in place for all public areas of public transit
after the state’s mandate ends next week. Photo courtesy WSDOT

A face covering will still be required for all our ferry riders and employees in public areas of our vessels and terminals after the state’s mask mandate ends on Saturday, March 12, 2022. 

That’s because our ferry system is regulated by the federal government, like airlines and rail service, and falls under the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s (CDC) public transportation order.



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Executive Constantine outlines new community-led Metro safety proposal to King County Council

Sunday, February 20, 2022

Guided by Executive Constantine’s declaration that racism is a public health crisis in 2020, King County Metro launched the Safety, Security, and Fare Enforcement (SaFE) Reform Initiative with two goals in mind: 
  1. to create a new vision for Metro’s safety and security functions, 
  2. to eliminate disproportionately negative outcomes of safety and security policies and practices on customers and employees, especially for Black, Indigenous, and other people of Color (BIPOC).
The initial SaFE Reform report was transmitted to the King County Council last week.

Metro worked with diverse community-based organizations and engaged with roughly 8,000 individuals—including community members, customers, and Metro and Metro Transit Police employees—throughout a year-long, four-phase engagement process. 

Together, these stakeholders developed a vision statement of a, “safe, accessible, and equitable transit that is co-created to support community well-being,” supported by several concepts outlined in the SaFE Report transmitted to the Council.

Community members identified three consistent themes
  • First, community members expressed a clear desire for an increased presence, a timely and appropriate response if a danger arises, and that support shows up in an equitable way. 
  • Second, Metro should make the expectations of its Code of Conduct clear and should ensure that small transgressions are not a pathway into the criminal legal system. 
  • And third, Metro should partner with community-based organizations to improve non-transit resources available to customers, and assist customers in crises related to fares, homelessness, mental health, etc., at various locations throughout the transit system.

The proposed initial concepts outlined in the report reflect the robust SaFE Reform Initiative work that is still underway with community. Each of the proposed initial concepts requires additional engagement with BIPOC community members, community-based organizations, bus riders, and employees to identify specific costs, features, functions, and timelines. Metro will continue working with both internal and external stakeholders to do this work in the weeks and months ahead.

Near-term actions to address safety on buses

Since last summer, in response to increased concerns onboard coaches, Metro increased security personnel, specifically focusing on routes with higher reports of incidents. Metro is in the process of hiring more than 50 additional Transit Security Officers to provide 24/7 visibility and support across a broader range of routes. Metro continues to monitor and adjust security deployment to support the ongoing safety of both operators and riders.

However, some inappropriate behaviors are taking place that can impact the health and safety of employees and other transit users. 

In the coming weeks, Metro is also utilizing community feedback from the SaFE Reform Initiative to implement near-term updates to policies and practices related to inappropriate conduct and misuse of the transit system. Metro is working with Metro Transit Police and service providers to implement new policies to address drinking, illegal drug use, and smoking on transit.

Additionally, Metro is developing a pilot program in response to a small number of instances of customers who do not deboard when their bus has completed its route and is set to return to base. Metro’s approach to these riders continues to be guided by compassion and aims to connect those in need of behavioral, housing, and social support with those opportunities.

In cases where individuals have rejected those resources and services, and continue to affect Metro’s ability to provide on-time transit service or the safety of our operators, Metro Transit Police will assist in removing these individuals from the bus. Metro will monitor the pilot and, in coordination with employees and community partners as part of the SaFE Reform effort, determine refinements and future steps.

While the SaFE Reform report acknowledges the limited ability of transit to affect broader societal upstream problems, the proposed initial concepts in the document are crafted to contribute to the well-being of Metro customers and employees. 

King County and Metro continue to develop these policy improvements with community members, employees, labor partners, and other King County departments to increase safety today, and to engage with transit riders to shape the policies of the future. 

Together, Metro will continue to advance the Executive’s True North vision of making King County a welcoming community where every person can thrive.


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Rep. Valdez: Move Ahead Washington legislation proposes investments in transportation

Tuesday, February 15, 2022

Rep. Javier Valdez, D-46
Rep. Javier Valdez represents the 46th Legislative District which includes Lake Forest Park, Kenmore, northeast Seattle.


As a member of the House Transportation Committee, I’m proud to announce the introduction of Move Ahead Washington, our transportation package making historic investments in multimodal transportation, transit, and bike and pedestrian safety. 

By providing reliable, accessible, and affordable options to reach our destinations, this package makes big moves to cut carbon emissions and protect our environment.

I’m proud to support this proposal, and I look forward to hearing your thoughts as it moves through the legislative process.

Here’s an overview of the transportation investments I’ve requested for our district:
  • $50 million to improve safety on Aurora Ave, including reduced speeds, better biking and pedestrian infrastructure, fewer lanes, and more amenities near the road
  • $3.5 million to replace the damaged and inaccessible sidewalk on 61st Ave NE, along with installing bike lanes and crosswalks
  • $100,000 to build a new walking and biking trail connecting the Lake Forest Park town center and the Burke-Gilman trail


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Metro launches Lynnwood Link survey, seeks mobility board members

Wednesday, February 2, 2022

The Sound Transit stations will open in 2024.
Will you be able to get to them?
King County Metro is preparing for Sound Transit’s expansion north to Shoreline and Snohomish County and wants the public to get involved. 

In 2024, Sound Transit Link light rail will open four new stations connecting Northgate to Lynnwood. A fifth station will open on the extension in 2025.

The Lynnwood Link Connections project will deliver updated bus service that complements the new light rail stations. 

To best serve nearby communities, they are reaching out to residents in Bothell, Kenmore, Lake Forest Park, Mountlake Terrace, North Seattle, and Shoreline for their thoughts.

A core component of planning new transit opportunities is improving mobility and access for historically underserved populations.

Here are some great opportunities to help shape the future of transit in northwest King County through Lynnwood Link Connections:

Interested in the Mobility Board? We’re looking for people who:
  • Live, work, and/or travel within northwest King County.
  • Are a transit rider or a potential transit rider.
  • Bring a perspective as an individual (not as an organization).
  • Are interested in drawing connections between racial equity, transportation issues, and access to opportunities.

More information about the Lynnwood Link extension is available on the Sound Transit website.

We want our Mobility Board to equitably represent groups of people who have historically been left out of decision-making related to transit and who are disproportionately affected by these decisions. 

We strongly encourage people with the following identities and lived experiences to apply: Black, Indigenous, and People of Color; immigrants and refugees; people who speak languages other than English; residents who are low-income or no-income; and people with disabilities.

The webpage, survey and mobility board application are available in 10 languages, including English, Spanish, Chinese (simplified), Korean, Russian, Japanese, Tagalog, Somali, Vietnamese and Amharic.

Questions? Prefer the application be emailed or mailed to you? Contact the Lynnwood Link Connections team at haveasay@kingcounty.gov or 206-263-1939.

FOR MORE INFORMATION, CONTACT:
  • Elaine Porterfield, PIO, King County Metro, 206-316-6507
  • John Gallagher, PIO, Sound Transit, 206-689-4980
  • Monica Spain, Communications, Community Transit, 425-521-5270


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Free New Year’s Eve rides on King County Metro, Sound Transit, Community Transit, Pierce Transit, and Seattle Streetcar

Thursday, December 23, 2021

Riders can travel without paying fares on King County Metro, Sound Transit, Community Transit, Pierce Transit and Seattle Streetcar as part of their New Year’s Eve celebrations.

"Whether you’re ringing in the New Year from home with friends and family, or planning a night on the town, we are teaming up across the region to offer free transportation and get everyone home safely this New Year’s Eve," said King County Executive Dow Constantine. 
"This is our way of thanking our riders, and offering those who celebrate late into the New Year a safe alternative to getting behind the wheel." 

Masks are required on transit vehicles and while waiting for transit service.

See the full web version



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New hybrid-electric ferry will enter service in 2025

Tuesday, December 21, 2021

New ferry will enter service in 2025
A new hybrid-electric ferry, set to enter service in 2025, will be an Olympic-class vessel similar in design to Suquamish.

The Washington State Transportation Commission (WSTC) chose the name Wishkah for our first hybrid-electric ferry out of six finalists. 

Wishkah is the name of a river that runs from the Olympic foothills southward into Grays Harbor at the town of Aberdeen. 

The WSTC has legal authority for naming state highways, bridges and ferries in Washington.



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Ferry vehicle reservations are open now

Sunday, December 19, 2021

In September ferries were parked, due to crew shortages
Photo by Jan Hansen

Anyone traveling on our ferries this holiday season should regularly check our online sailing schedules

Due to an ongoing staff shortage, several routes remain on one-boat service, with a second boat added daily as crewing availability allows. Riders should sign up for rider alerts to receive an update each night and morning on what schedule we’re operating on each route.

Vehicle reservations for Anacortes/San Juan Islands and Port Townsend/Coupeville ferry runs reopened Friday, December 17, for sailings on January 2 through March 26, 2022.

New reservations for both routes were suspended October 16 when the San Juan Islands was temporarily downsized from four boats to three. The fourth boat returned November 19 on a trial basis to see if all four boats could be reliably crewed before reopening reservations.

While we’re excited to reach this milestone in service restoration, it’s important to note that we still face significant crewing and vessel availability challenges that will result in periodic disruptions. When they occur, we’ll continue the process of prioritizing travel for reservation holders on a first-come, first-served basis.


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Shoreline Planning Committee meeting Thursday: Shoreline Place signage design, Transportation Master Plan update

Monday, November 1, 2021


Shoreline Planning Commission Regular Meeting Thursday, November 4, 2021 from 7-10pm online

A live feed of the online meeting will be streaming on the City’s website, and the Commission is providing opportunities for public comment by submitting written comment or calling into the meeting to provide oral testimony.


Agenda Highlights
Link to Full Meeting Packet
Comment on Agenda Items

Contact us:
Carla Hoekzema, Planning Commission Clerk
(206) 801-2514
choekzema@shorelinewa.gov



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Scene on the Sound: Ferries idled due to crewing challenges

Thursday, September 9, 2021

Three ferries docked at Kingston. Photo by Jan Hansen

Here's the morning message from Washington state ferries:

Good morning... here's the latest service update related to crewing challenges:

Edmonds/Kingston: 1-boat service with all #2 sailings starting at 840a canceled until further notice PointDefiance/Tahlequah: Route back in service but delayed after 1 canceled roundtrip

The #2 vessel Spokane will resume service to the route earlier than anticipated with the 11:55 a.m. sailing from Kingston restoring full two-boat service. Thank you for your patience this morning during the previous cancellations.



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Help the state name the next new ferry

Friday, July 23, 2021

Photo courtesy WSDOT
OLYMPIA – Construction of a new, hybrid electric Olympic Class ferry is expected to start in 2022. 

The new 144-car vessel will need a name and the Washington State Transportation Commission has initiated its process to do so by seeking naming proposals from the public.

But it takes a little more work than just suggesting a name.

Naming guidelines

Sponsors of naming proposals will need to keep in mind the following:
  • Names should carry statewide or regional significance and represent our state’s image and culture.
  • Names should represent such things as state-adopted symbols, tribal names, names of bodies of water, geographic locations, cities, counties, relate to nautical heritage, etc.
  • Consideration will be given for consistency with existing WSF fleet names.
  • Names should have broad familiarity, be non-offensive, and meet ethical standards.
  • Names with commercial overtones or names honoring or commemorating individuals should generally be avoided, but will be considered upon very careful review. In these cases, the following guidelines will apply:
  • Individuals must be deceased for at least 20 years. They must have enduring distinction and have played a significant historical role in the region and/or state.

Naming proposals submitted to the commission must identify how they conform to the above guidelines; provide background on the proposed name, making a case for the proposal; and provide evidence of public support for the name.

How to submit name proposals

Naming proposals must be received by 5pm Friday, October 1, 2021 and must be provided in both hard copy and electronic form as follows:

  • Hard copies are to be mailed to: Washington State Transportation Commission, PO Box 47308, Olympia, WA 98504-7308
  • Electronic copies are to be emailed to: transc@wstc.wa.gov, indicating “Ferry Naming Proposal” in the subject line.

Washington State Ferries has 21 vessels in its fleet. Many have names reflecting the state’s tribal heritage. The current Olympic Class vessels are named Chimacum, Samish, Suquamish, and Tokitae, keeping with that tradition.

Additional information on ferry naming can be found on the commission’s website at:
https://wstc.wa.gov/programs/ferry-highway-naming



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Councilmember Dembowski delivers van to the Shoreline Lake Forest Park Senior Center, surprises Center with $20,000 grant

Thursday, July 15, 2021

Senior Center board president Ginny Scantlebury and
King County Councilmember Rod Dembowski
Photo courtesy King County 
On Wednesday, July 15, 2021 King County Councilmember Rod Dembowski delivered a “retired County vanpool” 7-passenger Dodge Caravan to the Shoreline Lake Forest Park Senior Center on 185th in Shoreline 

He also surprised the Senior Center with a $20,000 grant from King County.

“Over the course of the pandemic I have had the opportunity to work closely with the tireless leadership and dedicated volunteers at the Shoreline Lake Forest Park Senior Center,” Councilmember Rod Dembowski said.
“They continue to provide essential services, such as protecting vulnerable seniors from COVID-19, feeding those in need, and vaccinating the public. 
"Their work inspires me and countless others in the community. I am honored to help advance their work by securing this grant, and delivering their new van.”

Councilmember Dembowski delivers a van to the Senior Center
Photo courtesy King County

King County Metro retired the 2013 van earlier this year. Metro retires vehicles in its vanpool fleet after they reach the end of their service life – typically after six years. When the vans reach this age, they are considered surplus and donated by the King County Council to local nonprofits.

The County’s Youth and Amateur Sports Grants Council District funds made the grant Dembowski secured possible.

The $20,000 “get active” grant money can be used for their senior activities, e.g. their yoga, tai chi, Hula and similar activity programs.





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Residents encouraged to take the Puget Sound Regional Council Transportation plan survey

Monday, July 12, 2021

Northgate transit station photo courtesy PSRC

The Puget Sound Regional Council (PSRC) is developing the next Regional Transportation Plan, which will describe how the region will meet transportation needs into the future, addressing existing needs and future growth.

The plan will outline investments the region is making to improve all aspects of the transportation system – from roads, transit, rail, ferry, bicycle and pedestrian systems – and ensure the safe and efficient movement of people and goods.

The plan is updated every four years per federal law and will respond to the priorities and growth strategy identified in VISION 2050.

PSRC wants to hear from you! Click here to take the survey through August and let PSRC know your thoughts as someone interested in transportation in Lake Forest Park. The survey is available in multiple languages.

The survey is open to anyone in the Puget Sound region.



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Survey: how do you want to get around Shoreline? Bus, bike, walk, drive? Tell the City planners in this survey which will guide planning for the next 20 years

Saturday, June 26, 2021



The TMP supports all forms of travel – by foot, bicycle, skateboard, scooter, stroller, wheelchair, transit, motorcycle, automobile, etc. The TMP will guide local and regional transportation investments and define the City’s future transportation policies, programs, and projects for the next 20 years.

The last update to the TMP was in 2011. The City must update the TMP by 2023 to align with the City Comprehensive Plan and meet the Growth Management Act requirements, maintain the City’s eligibility for pursuing future grant funding, and set transportation policies for guiding the development of Shoreline.

For additional information, visit the Current TMP webpage

The 2021 TMP update will:

  • Establish goals, policies, and prioritized projects for transportation improvements for the next 20 years.
  • Develop transportation networks for all users (people walking, cycling, riding transit, driving, etc.).
  • Make decisions now that will affect our community for years to come.

Survey 2 and Open House 2

A second round of public participation for the Transportation Master Plan (TMP) is now underway. The project team will be focusing on the transportation network elements for cars, pedestrians, bicyclists, and transit.


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