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Can you build a better bus system? Are
you a back seat driver when it comes to buses? Or, maybe an armchair
quarterback who knows just what it would take to improve public
transportation? Well, Metro’s got an offer you can’t refuse.Improvements to bus service don’t just spring up overnight. King County Metro Transit has a deliberative process to bring new routes online or revamp existing service. And, it all starts with input from the most important people at Metro – our customers.  Throughout
the latter half of October, Metro is hosting a series of public meetings
to discuss future transit service in Central,
East
and in
Southeast areas of King County. Two years ago, North King County bus
service was revamped. Last year, the Ambaum-Delridge area of the county
got a transit makeover.The goal seems simple: Improve and expand the transit network, by making the best possible use of service hours already on the street, and the buses and transit facilities now in place. But, there is one big challenge – finding the money, buses, and other resources to make it all happen. “Metro Transit is facing increased demand for public transportation improvements, at a time when limited resources are available to improve bus service,” said Metro’s Manager of Service Development Victor Obeso. “Still, it makes sense to plan ahead for a time when more resources will be available for transit improvements.” Senior Transit Planner Jack Lattemann said the public sessions are always a source of great ideas for making Metro service better. But the ideas have to work together. Revised or new routes need to be integrated into the existing network, so passengers can make connections. The planners have to keep an eye on future development, so the system can expand with growth, yet not get ahead of it. And, there are several everyday necessities that need to be accounted for. “I always tell people that the single hardest thing to do in designing a new bus route is deciding where to end it,” said Lattemann. “Where the buses park on the end of the route; whether suitable streets are available to turn around a transit coach; and where the operator takes a comfort stop are all basic and necessary components for a workable bus route.” Lattemann says the planners always start with the existing system. They look for things that are working well, spot issues and opportunities for improvement, and then work with the riders and affected communities on the best ways to change service. If the potential changes are area-wide, staff work with a community-based sounding board composed of bus riders and key stakeholders to listen to public comments and develop recommendations. Major changes require action by the King County Council in the form of a service change ordinance. In order to keep the planning cohesive-and within budget, they work from a six-year plan. That plan goes through a major update every few years to keep up with the changing needs of passengers and the region. The next major update begins in 2006, and will also involve extensive public input.  Lattemann
says the community always provides useful insights that planners use for
both short-term and long-term service adjustments. He says the comments
from the public help planners recognize areas where existing service
needs changes and prioritize requests for new service.The upcoming meetings are focusing on Central, East and Southeast King County. Eastsiders are invited to share suggestions for transit service changes in Bellevue, Kirkland, Redmond, Bothell, Woodinville, and Duvall. The emphasis areas in Southeast King County are: Auburn; Kent; Algona; Pacific; Covington; Enumclaw; and service between those communities and Sea-Tac Airport. Meetings with Metro’s transit planners will be held: Monday, Oct. 17 – 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. Auburn Library, 1102 Auburn Way S., Auburn Tuesday, Oct. 18 – Noon-2 p.m. Kent Regional Library, 212 Second Avenue N., Kent Monday, Oct. 24 – 6 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. Kirkland Heritage Hall, 203 Market Street, Kirkland Wednesday, Oct. 26 – 6:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. Redmond Public Library, 15990 NE 85th Street, Redmond Thursday, Oct. 27 – 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. Kent Senior Activity Center, 600 E. Smith Street, Kent Friday, Oct. 28 – Noon to 12:30 p.m. Bellevue Congregational Church, 752 108th Avenue NE, Bellevue Saturday, Oct. 29 – 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Information table at Crossroads Mall, 15600 NE 8th Street, Bellevue Comments will also be accepted online through Oct. 31 (follow the links from http://transit.metrokc.gov). Or, leave a detailed voice mail at (206) 684-1146. |
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