Whatcom Transportation Authority is eyeing some big changes to bus service starting next summer, especially for routes outside of the downtown Bellingham core, and is seeking community input on the proposals.
The service changes, which will go into effect June 2025, include increased frequency for trips to the Lummi Nation, Bellingham Technical College, Lighthouse Mission and to the waterfront (which recently got bus service for the first time); reconfigured service to PeaceHealth St. Joseph Medical Center to better serve employees and patients; Sunday service for Bellingham Airport; and a new route to the King Mountain Neighborhood.
The plan does include some service reduction — WTA is proposing to reroute bus travel out of the Cornwall Park neighborhood, reduce the number of trips on East Bakerview Road, and eliminate up to eight trips to Birch Bay Village (Route 75) because several of the agency’s new buses can’t complete the U-turn on the route. To view the whole list of proposals, visit engage.ridewta.com/service-changes.
WTA is hosting several outreach opportunities in the coming weeks where current and potential bus riders can learn about service changes and make suggestions. There will be a table at Bellingham SeaFeast on Oct. 5 and 6 at Zuanich Point Park. (Extra buses will serve the waterfront this weekend to enable seafood-hungry travelers to attend the maritime festival without a car.) There will be opportunities to comment at Cordata Station from 7–10 a.m. and 3–6 p.m. on Oct. 17; at Bellingham Station from 7–10 a.m. and 3–6 p.m. on Oct. 22; and during an open house on Zoom from 6-7:30 p.m. on Oct. 29.
The WTA Board of Directors will hold a public hearing on the plan on Thursday, Nov. 7 at 4011 Bakerview Spur. Comments can be made in person or virtually — the meeting link will be posted online on Nov. 6.
Julia Tellman writes about civic issues and anything else that happens to cross her desk; contact her at juliatellman@cascadiadaily.com.
