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TRAFFIC WATCH: Public marches on Thursday, May 1

On Thursday, May 1, there will be public marches going on in downtown Seattle that could affect traffic and bus service.

The May Day marches are scheduled to arrive from various points to downtown around 4 p.m. The biggest impact to bus service will probably be South Jackson Street and on Fourth Avenue, and also in the Seattle Center area.

Metro buses will remain on regular route and will serve their normal stops; however crowds and traffic may cause delays of one hour or more on bus service that operates through downtown Seattle.

Delays caused by the event in downtown Seattle and in the Seattle Center area could have a domino effect on operations throughout Metro's service area. So, buses could be delayed system-wide on Thursday afternoon and evening.

For more information, visit Metro Online.

Metro seeking public comment on new design for bus stop signs

Metro is seeking public comment on a new design for bus stop signs. The signs will be temporarily installed this week on Third Avenue in downtown Seattle, near the southbound bus stop at Union Street by Benaroya Hall. They will remain in that location until Thursday, May 8.

Metro is testing the signs as part of a multiyear program to invest in an up-to-date design for passenger facility signs that is more informative, easier to see and use, and more attractive for transit customers. During this program, Metro plans to replace its 18-year-old signage system with new signs, beginning in 2009 with signs at bus stops.

If you would like to comment, please fill out the survey on Metro Online. Metro is also conducting on-the-street surveys at the sign location with transit customers and passersby.

Flynn is Metro’s top Vehicle Maintenance employee

Dan Flynn about to cut his celebratory cake.

Dan Flynn, a 28-year Metro veteran, has been named Vehicle Maintenance Employee of the Year for the transit agency.

Flynn has worked in the body shop throughout his career at Metro. During that time, he’s repaired and restored damage to dozens of different bus models – and even got to repair the Seattle Monorail back when Metro operated the line.

Managers say Flynn has been the “go-to person” in the body shop for many years, because of his personal efficiency and thoroughness. He is also a great mentor to new employees.

KCDOT says goodbye to award-winning manager

Win Mitchell is retiring from King County after 35 years of dedicated service.

Windell Mitchell, the director of the Fleet Administration Division for the King County Department of Transportation, is retiring after 35 years of service to King County.

The Fleet Division manages the acquisition, maintenance, replacement, and disposal of a diverse number of vehicles and off-road equipment, including King County Sheriff Office patrol cars. It manages the purchasing and warehousing of a large inventory of construction materials and supplies, traffic signs, safety equipment and hand tools. It handles the disposal of all surplus property. Fleet also provides reimbursable vehicle services, stores materials and supplies to more than 188 cities, jurisdictions, and government agencies.

Since becoming director of the division, Mitchell has instituted many measures to increase productivity and improve employee skills and service. He has also been at the forefront of King County’s climate change efforts. Mitchell and his staff have won numerous national awards for their groundbreaking work.

“Win has been the spark plug and risk-taker we needed to green the fleet,” King County Executive Ron Sims recently told Government Fleet magazine.

Women in Trades Fair features transportation jobs

Staff from the King County Department of Transportation (KCDOT) is participating in this week’s annual Women in Trades Fair, which will be held Friday, May 2 at the Seattle Center.

The annual event is an opportunity for women of all ages to meet recruiters and women employees who are carpenters, transit operators, electricians, painters and custodians. Fair attendees will learn about wages, training and skills necessary to get these jobs.

KCDOT staff will be at the fair demonstrating some of their on-the-job skills, and answering questions about careers in transportation. The event runs from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. at the center’s Fisher Pavilion.

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Updated: April 28, 2008

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