Getting around Darrington with Community Transit
Community Transit is here to get you where you want to go. We are proud to be a part of the Darrington community — we live here, ride here, and drive here. Wherever you need to go in Darrington, feel good about how you get there.
About Darrington
Darrington is a small mountain town in the foothills of the Cascades, located where two rivers once joined in a valley between the Sauk and the Stillaguamish rivers. The Sauk-Suiattle tribe were the first people to settle in the valley and today their tribe headquarters are located in Darrington. Darrington is connected to nearby areas by State Route 530, which runs along the two rivers towards the city of Arlington, located 30 miles to the west.
Town is home to a variety of small logging and lumber companies as well as Hampton Lumber’s state-of-the-art mill. Darrington’s location near the Mt. Baker-Snoqualmie National Forest and scenic rivers make it a popular destination for outdoor recreation.
People traveling to and from the area can ride from Community Transit buses along Route 230, which connects people to the neighboring Smokey Point Transit Center in Arlington. DART paratransit service and Vanpool are also options. The Sauk-Suiattle DC (Darrington-Concrete) Direct Shuttle Bus Service, a program operated by the Sauk-Suiattle Indian Tribe, also offers public transportation to residents of the reservation, Darrington, and surrounding communities.
Spanning over 27 miles between the City of Arlington and the Town of Darrington, the Whitehorse Regional Trail follows the path of the former BNSF railroad through the North Stillaguamish River Valley, offering a scenic travel option for people hiking, biking, and riding horseback.
Popular Destinations
Transit Driver Appreciation Day
On March 18, people worldwide will celebrate Transit Driver Appreciation Day (#TDAD). It’s a day dedicated to recognizing the hard work and dedication of transit drivers who provide essential transportation services to communities.
Because #TDAD falls on a Saturday this year, it will be observed on Friday, March 17.
Transit Driver Appreciation Day originated from this blog post in 2009, advocating for a “Bus Driver Appreciation Day.” (Note that the writer is a Seattle-area transit user!) Transit-related blogs (like Seattle Transit Blog) publicized this post, and Transit Driver Appreciation Day’s popularity grew into the day of observance it is today.
Why March 18?
On March 18, 1692, Blaise Pascal launched a precursor to public transportation in Paris – seven horse-drawn vehicles running along regular routes. Pascal was a French mathematician, inventor, physicist, philosopher, author, and general savant. Read more about the first instance of public transportation here.
Transit drivers are an essential part of our communities. They help people get to work, school, appointments, and other vital destinations every day. They operate buses, trains, and other forms of public transportation, ensuring that people have access to safe, reliable, and affordable transportation options.
Transit drivers play a critical role in keeping our communities moving, and they face many daily challenges and risks. They deal with heavy traffic, poor weather conditions, and difficult passengers -- all while ensuring that their passengers arrive at their destinations safely and on time.
It is important to appreciate the hard work and dedication of transit drivers. Here are a few ways customers can show their appreciation for transit drivers on Transit Driver Appreciation Day:
- Say thank you: The most straightforward way to show appreciation is to thank transit drivers for their hard work and dedication. A simple thank you can brighten their day and make them feel valued and appreciated.
- Write a note: Customers can write a note or card expressing their gratitude for the excellent service provided by the transit drivers. These notes can be posted in visible areas of the bus or train or handed to the driver in person.
- Write a commendation. Commendations are sent to the driver's supervisor and put into the driver's employee file. An easy way to send a commendation is to email Riders@commtran.org or fill out this Contact Us form. Ensure you include the driver's name, route, and time. And don't forget to tell us why they should be commended.
- Spread the word about Transit Driver Appreciation Day on social media and encourage others to express their gratitude for the hard work of transit drivers. (The hashtag if #TDAD.)
Transit Driver Appreciation Day is an excellent opportunity to recognize the hard work and dedication of transit drivers who play a vital role in keeping our communities moving. These essential workers play a critical role in our daily lives, and their contributions should not go unnoticed. By showing appreciation for their service, we can help boost their morale and let them know their efforts are valued and appreciated.
Give 'em some KUDOS! Post a message of appreciation on our Kudoboard, and we'll share it with our drivers.
