Getting around the region on public transportation is about to get a little easier.

Beginning July 10, Island County transit riders can connect with Everett Transit at the Everett multi-modal station. The Everett station will act as the central connecting point for riders traveling to north and south Puget Sound.

Island Transit and Skagit Transit in Burlington have formed a partnership that will offer additional multi-modal transportation connections in the northern Puget Sound region.

Travelers will now be able to hop on buses and other modes of public transportation at regional stations from south of Seattle clear up to the Canadian border and beyond. Options include not only Island Transit, Skagit Transit and Everett Transit, but also Community Transit, the Sounder, Greyhound, Amtrak and airport shuttle services.

The Everett Connector will extend the County Connector transit service, a collaboration between transit agencies in Island, Skagit and Whatcom counties. The connector began last September and offers transit connections between Bellingham, Mt. Vernon, Camano and Whidbey islands.

The Everett Connector is funded by a one-year, $1.2 million state grant.

An open house and dedication ceremony of the Everett multi-modal station is scheduled for 11 a.m. to 1 p.m., Monday, July 17 at 3210 Smith Ave., Everett.