50th Anniversary

Community Transit 50th anniversary emblem

For 50 years, Community Transit has served Snohomish County, helping people get where they need to go.

Since 1976, we’ve been part of daily life across our communities. From big moments like the Seahawks parade to everyday trips like getting to work, school, or a doctor’s appointment.

Join us as we celebrate 50 years of connecting people to what matters most.

Celebrating 50 years of Community Transit

a black-and-white photo of a driver posing next to an old DART vehicle

50-year timeline

A single canceled bus route helped spark legislation that expanded transit across Washington. Explore key moments from the past 50 years and see how Community Transit grew alongside Snohomish County.

Explore our history timeline

CT's classic GMC bus Bluebell serving as a mobile transit museum

Visit Bluebell – our traveling mobile museum

Step aboard our original 1959 GMC New Look bus, which you helped name 'Bluebell,' now transformed into a traveling mobile museum. This interactive experience highlights the story of transit in Snohomish County.

See a map of when and where you can meet Bluebell or view our list of events below

the CT Merrill Creek HQ building sign being installed in the 90s

HistoryLink stories

We’ve partnered with HistoryLink to share stories from our region’s transit history. Browse articles and historic photos that show how transit has shaped Snohomish County.

Visit HistoryLink.org

a CT-hosted community event with booths and decorations

Community celebrations

Our riders are at the heart of everything we do. We’ll be announcing more ways to celebrate throughout the year, including special events and community activities.

Check back soon for updates!


Visit us at upcoming events

Visit us at one of the events below to tour our mobile museum, pick up a 50th Anniversary ORCA card, and collectible trading cards featuring iconic vehicles from throughout Community Transit’s history. Trading cards will be available at all events while supplies last.

historic bus at this event– mobile museum bus onsite     50th anniversary orca cards available– 50th Anniversary ORCA cards available

  • Stilly Valley Health & Safety Fair | Saturday, May 30, 2026; 10 a.m. – 2 p.m.

  • Snohomish Pride Parade | Saturday, June 6, 2026; 10 a.m. – 11:30 a.m. historic bus at this event

  • Lake Stevens Pride | Sunday, June 7, 2026; 11 a.m. – 6 p.m.

  • Community Access Family Skate Night | Friday, June 12, 2026; 5 p.m. – 6:30 p.m.

  • Marysville Flag Day Event at Marysville Opera House | Sunday, June 14, 2026; 1 p.m. – 4 p.m. historic bus at this event50th anniversary orca cards available

  • Everett Station District Street Fair | Wednesday, June 17, 2026; 4 p.m. – 8 p.m. historic bus at this event

  • Lynnwood Rotary Club Challenge Race | Saturday, June 20, 2026; 9 a.m. – 12 p.m. historic bus at this event

  • Stanfest | Saturday, June 20, 2026; 5 p.m. – 8 p.m. historic bus at this event50th anniversary orca cards available

  • Celebrate! Lynnwood | Friday, June 26, 2026; 6 p.m. – 9 p.m.

  • Lynnwood Library FWC Community Activation Event | Saturday, June 27, 2026; 3 p.m. – 6 p.m. historic bus at this event

  • Darrington 4th of July Parade | Saturday, July 4, 2026; 1 p.m. historic bus at this event

  • Arlington 4th of July Parade | Saturday, July 4, 2026; 5 p.m. historic bus at this event

  • Lake Stevens Aquafest | Friday – Sunday, July 10 – 12, 2026 historic bus at this event

  • Mill Creek Festival | Saturday & Sunday, July 11 & 12, 2026; 10 a.m. – 6 p.m. historic bus at this event50th anniversary orca cards available

  • Nubian Jam | Saturday, July 25, 2026; 10 a.m. – 7 p.m.

  • Stanwood Camano Fair Parade | Saturday, August 1, 2026; 11 a.m. historic bus at this event

  • Mukilteo Lighthouse Festival | Friday – Sunday, September 11 – 13, 2026 historic bus at this event

  • Fair on 44th | Saturday, September 12, 2026 historic bus at this event50th anniversary orca cards available

  • Merrysville for the Holidays Lighted Parade | Saturday, December 5, 2026; 6:30 p.m. historic bus at this event

Stilly Valley Health & Safety Fair

May 30, 2026; 10 a.m. – 2 p.m.

Stilly Valley Senior Center
18308 Smokey Point Blvd, Arlington

Celebrate! Lynnwood

Jun 26, 2026; 6 p.m. – 9 p.m.

Alderwood Mall
3000 184th St SW, Lynnwood

the design of the Community Transit 50th anniversary ORCA card

Get a 50th Anniversary ORCA card

Limited-edition 50th anniversary ORCA cards will be available at select events while supplies last.


a CT bus waiting at a bus stop at sunrise

Looking ahead

As we celebrate 50 years, we’re also planning for the future.

Community Transit is expanding service, improving connections, and investing in a cleaner, more efficient fleet to better serve Snohomish County in the years ahead.

Learn more about our future plans

About Community Transit's 50th anniversary

Community Transit marks 50 years of service on October 4, 2026.

Community Transit serves Snohomish County, Washington, providing bus, paratransit, vanpool, and microtransit service.

Community Transit began service in 1976.

You can attend community events, visit the traveling history bus, explore our online history timeline, and follow Community Transit on social media for updates.