After more than 40 years of public service, including 15 years at Community Transit, CEO Emmett Heath has announced that he will retire later this year in order to spend more time with his family, including his three young grandchildren.

Community Transit will resume collecting fares on all its bus routes and DART paratransit service on Wednesday, July 1st.

Bus fares were temporarily suspended in March to assist with physical distancing between drivers and customers during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Community Transit will begin collecting fares for Swift Blue and Swift Green bus rapid transit lines on Monday, June 1st. Unlike other Community Transit bus routes, Swift riders pay fares at Swift stations, not at the front of the bus.

Community Transit has further reduced bus trips to align with current ridership levels during the COVID-19 pandemic.

The agency’s new reduced service schedule represents a total reduction of approximately 30% over regular bus service levels.

Community Transit seeks public comments on proposed bus service changes to take effect this fall and in spring 2021.

The changes will increase weekday and weekend trips, the frequency of service, expand coverage, and create new service that improves local bus connections in south Snohomish County.

Community Transit will operate limited bus service on Christmas Eve and New Year’s Eve.

The transit agency will operate on a Sunday schedule on Christmas and New Year’s Day.

Community Transit will operate limited bus service for the Thanksgiving Holiday. 

On Thanksgiving Day buses will use a Sunday schedule; and on the day after there will be regular local bus services, but limited commuter service to Seattle and the University District.

Community Transit’s proposed budget would increase service 5 percent in 2020 as the agency continues its expansion of bus service for Snohomish County residents.

The agency is seeking public comment on its proposed budget through Friday, November 8th.