WTA looking for public input on proposed route changes

Whatcom Transportation Authority is updating its bus routes, and they're looking for public input.

Feedback on the proposed plan must be received by July 15.

One meeting remains for collecting in-person input. That meeting is planned for 6 to 8 p.m. Wednesday, July 13, at the Ferndale Senior Center.

Those who would like to review the plan online and provide input through an online survey, can visit https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/wtastrategicplan2016.

Those who would like to review the plan, then comment via phone or email, can pick up printed information at WTA’s Bellingham Station in downtown Bellingham, or at Cordata Station, near Whatcom Community College. They can also download a pdf at http://static1.squarespace.com/static/555a7c48e4b0e109ea9e541e/t/576cdf0f5016e1ee102c6728/1466752796579/Proposed+Route+Changes+and+Service+Expansion.pdf. They can provide input by calling 360-715-4500 or by emailing comment@ridewta.com.

WTA developed the proposed plan with significant community input, as part of a strategic planning process. Community input has come through multiple sources, including interviews with community leaders, surveys, stakeholder committees, presentations to community groups, targeted outreach and an online “Planning Game.”

Highlights of the proposed plan include earlier Saturday service on most routes, later evening service on several rural routes, and new Sunday service to Lynden, Ferndale, Lummi Nation/Gooseberry Point and Sudden Valley. The plan also proposes reducing service to some areas.