Community Transit

Swift Bus Rapid Transit

• Determination of Non-Significance 6/2/08
• SEPA Environmental Checklist

Swift Map

Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) is a popular new mode of transit that combines the efficiency and appeal of light rail with the flexibility and low cost of buses. This fast, frequent and unique style of bus service is coming to Snohomish County in 2009 and will be called Swift.

Community Transit is partnering with Everett Transit to bring Swift to Snohomish County’s busiest transit corridor – Highway 99/Evergreen/Rucker/Pacific. This highway between Shoreline and Everett, lined with dense housing and retail, is expected to continue growing.

Swift will improve transportation on this route by providing more convenient options for workers, students, shoppers and casual travelers, including:

• Frequent service – Swift buses will run every 10 minutes for most of the day
• Fewer stops – Swift will stop at only 15 locations each way along the route
• Faster boarding – Swift riders will pay their fares at stations and can board through any
of three doors
• No schedules – Real-time monitors will display next bus arrival times
• Less noise and pollution – Swift’s hybrid buses are quieter, use less fuel and emit almost no pollutants

ROUTE

Swift will serve a total of 29 stops on both sides of a 17-mile stretch of Highway 99, Evergreen Way, Rucker Avenue and Pacific Avenue.

Both terminals are major transit hubs. At the south end, the Aurora Village Transit Center in Shoreline offers connections to Community Transit and King County Metro Transit buses that serve south Snohomish County, north King County and downtown Seattle.

At the north end, Everett Station offers connections to Community Transit, Everett Transit, Island Transit, Skagit Transit and Sound Transit buses, as well as Sounder commuter trains, Greyhound and Amtrak.

Local bus service will continue to stop at more than 50 locations along this route, providing even more connections.

The Swift route has 10 miles of transit signal priority (TSP) intersections, which can extend a green light a few seconds to keep late-running buses on schedule; TSP will also soon be coming to Everett. Additionally, there are seven miles of transit-only lanes in the corridor, and plans include further traffic improvements.

STATIONS

Swift stations will provide shelter, seating and information to help riders get to their destinations quickly and to connect to local bus service.

Larger than a standard bus shelter, Swift stations will be identified by a roadside marker that stands out along the corridor. The stations are designed with ample lighting and translucent weather barriers that are graffiti-resistant. Frequent visits by transit police as well as regular upkeep of the facility will help riders feel safe and secure during their brief waits.

Stations will feature real-time monitors to let waiting passengers know when the next bus will arrive. Ticket vending machines will allow those without transit passes to purchase a ticket and board the bus through any of three doors. A raised curb will allow for easy access onto the low-floor Swift buses.

VEHICLES

Swift vehicles are stylized 60-foot articulated, hybrid diesel-electric buses with a sleek Swift logo and colorful graphics. The buses are designed with other features you won’t find on a standard bus, including:

• Wide seats with extra legroom for a comfortable ride
• Standing room for riders who prefer to stand for shorter trips
• Seating for 48 passengers and overall capacity up to 80 riders
• Automatic stop announcements and an electronic monitor displaying the next stop
• Wheelchair boarding at the second door
• Bicycle boarding at the third door onto onboard bike racks

PARTNERSHIPS

The entire Swift project, including 15 buses and 29 new stations, will cost about $30 million, significantly less expensive than rail. These costs are largely supported by state and federal grants that Community Transit has already secured and will involve no new taxes or fare increases.

In 2007, an historic partnership agreement was reached between Community Transit and Everett Transit to share the costs of Swift in Everett. Renovation of Everett Station and construction of Swift stations in Everett will be borne by the city. Community Transit will take on the cost of running the Swift service. Customers of both agencies will benefit.

Community Transit also is partnering with Edmonds, Lynnwood and Snohomish County to ensure Swift stations are placed in locations that are optimal for transit connections and economic development. The jurisdictions will select the name for the stations in their areas and have input in their final design.

Swift will fly in 2009!