Public open houses first step in getting new Regional Express bus service into the fast lane
By the end of next year travelers in the Central Puget Sound region will be able to take advantage of a new level of fast, reliable, limited-stop Regional Express bus service from Sound Transit - the Central Puget Sound Regional Transit Authority. A series of public open houses has been scheduled to discuss plans for implementing the new regional service, how it will be integrated with existing local bus service and new rail transit services, and how citizens can participate in decisions implementing the service. The open houses all will be held from 6:00 to 8:00 p.m. at the following locations:
| Wednesday, July 15 Bellevue Community College N.W. Emerging Technology Ctr 3000 Landerholm Circle S.E. Bellevue | Wednesday, July 22 Tacoma Community College Conference Center 6501 19th St. Tacoma |
| Monday, July 20 South Seattle Community College Jerry M. Brockey Center 6000 16th Ave. S.W. West Seattle | Tuesday, July 28 Tukwila City Hall, Council Chamber 6200 Southcenter Blvd. Tukwila |
| Tuesday, July 21 Snohomish County P.U.D. Auditorium 2320 California Everett |
Many of the twenty new Regional Express bus routes will be implemented by the end of 1999, and the remainder will begin service as additional support facilities - including direct HOV access ramps, park-and-ride facilities and transit stops and centers - are completed in the coming years. The Sound Transit Board recently approved the first purchase of new buses for Regional Express service, which will include high-back seats, "luggage" racks, reading lights and air-conditioning. While the routes for Regional Express service have been defined in general terms, public input will help define specific routes, locations for transit stops and centers, and appropriate levels of service.
Approved by the voters in 1996, Sound Transit is on track to implement a three county regional transit system plan known as Sound Move. In addition to the 20 new Regional Express bus routes Sound Transit is developing Sounder commuter rail running 81 miles between Everett and Tacoma/Lakewood; Link light rail, a 24-mile system connecting the cities of Seattle, Tukwila and SeaTac; and numerous transit improvements including transit centers, park-and-ride facilities, and direct access ramps to the state's HOV lane network.
You may also write or call for more information at Sound Transit, 1100 - 2nd Ave., Ste 500, Seattle 98101. (206) 398-5000.
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Sound Transit plans, builds and operates regional transit systems and services to improve mobility for Central Puget Sound.