Skagit Transit unveils Anacortes transit improvements and microtransit plans

In a recent City Council meeting held via Zoom, Crystal Stedham, CEO of Skagit Transit, presented a comprehensive overview of upcoming changes to public transportation in Anacortes. Joined by her new planning and outreach manager, Malia Kuzminski, Stedham outlined a plan aimed at enhancing transit services based on extensive community feedback.

Stedham emphasized the importance of improving public transportation routes, noting that the current system has significant room for enhancement. Over the past year and a half, Skagit Transit has collaborated with a consultant to assess local and regional routes, exploring options like microtransit—an on-demand service designed to meet the evolving needs of the community.

The consultant's findings highlighted both strengths and weaknesses within the existing transit system. While coverage across the area is commendable, issues such as infrequent service and a lack of evening and weekend options were identified as major challenges. Community engagement played a crucial role in shaping the recommendations, with over 600 survey responses indicating a strong desire for increased frequency, extended service hours, and improved regional connectivity.

Key recommendations from the consultant include the elimination of the underperforming Route 409 and significant modifications to Route 410. The new plan proposes that Route 410 will be shortened to serve only downtown Anacortes and Island Hospital, while the 40X route will be extended to provide better connections to Mount Vernon and include Sunday service. Additionally, the introduction of microtransit is set to pilot in a designated area, aiming to offer flexible, on-demand transportation options.

Looking ahead, Stedham outlined midterm goals to improve weekday service frequency to every 30 minutes and enhance Sunday service to every hour. These changes are part of a broader strategy to streamline operations and better serve the community's needs over the next five to ten years.

As the City Council considers these recommendations, the focus remains on creating a more efficient and responsive transit system that aligns with the desires of Anacortes residents. The meeting underscored a commitment to ongoing engagement and evaluation, ensuring that public transportation continues to evolve in tandem with community expectations.