Island Transit is holding a series of meetings to gauge public reaction to the idea of charging fares on bus routes that cross into other counties.
If fare boxes go in, it would be the first time in the agency’s history that riders would be charged. Island Transit officials had historically been opposed to fares but the management changed after financial problems came to light in 2014.
The proposal is to install fare boxes on the routes that run outside of Island County; all of the routes are funded by state grants.
The two 411 routes run between Whidbey Island and Skagit and between Mount Vernon and Camano Island. The board is considering restarting the 412 route between Camano Island and Everett.
The board hasn’t decided yet what the fare might be; the budget does not depend on fares as revenue.
The meetings will also cover the topic of bus service on the North End of Whidbey and Camano islands.
Transit officials encourage people to attend one of the meetings and provide feedback. Comments may also be sent to info@islandtransit.org.
These community meetings will be on Whidbey and Camano islands on the following dates and times:
Whidbey Island
Oak Harbor Senior Center
51 S.E. Jerome St., Oak Harbor
Wednesday, Feb. 17, 5-6 p.m.
Tuesday, March 8, 6-7 p.m.
Camano Island
Camano Multipurpose Room
141 N. East Camano Drive
Thursday, Feb. 18, 5-6 p.m.
Wednesday, March 2, 5-6 p.m.
