Community Transit introduced three alternatives for public comment in June. Alternative I would retain much of the current route structure, with fewer hours of service and less frequency. Alternative II would be similar to Alternative I, but would provide minimal Sunday service, with more reductions on weekdays and Saturdays. Alternative III would remake much of the system to focus service on high ridership corridors and reduce the number of direct commuter trips to and from Seattle.

After the initial comment period and a public hearing, board members asked for an option that would combine different aspects of those proposals into a Hybrid Alternative. The hybrid combines the commuter routing of Alternative I with the local routing of Alternative III. It was introduced at the board’s August meeting, where board members stated they wanted public input on the proposal. So far about 50 people have commented on the plan. Those comments are being provided to board members.

Each of the alternatives would reduce the agency’s service by about 20 percent, or 80,000 hours of service. They can be viewed at www.communitytransit.org/2012changes.

A decision is expected at the September meeting, which is necessary to allow agency staff the time to develop and implement the final approved plan.Community Transit is responsible for providing transportation options for Snohomish County residents, including bus and paratransit service, vanpool and ridesharing options. Call Community Transit at 425-353-RIDE or 800-562-1375 for bus information, or 888-814-1300 for carpool or vanpool information, or go towww.communitytransit.org. You can also read our blog at communitytransit.blogspot.com, visit our Facebook page or see us on YouTube. Support local businesses and Community Transit when you Buy Local for Transit; read more at www.communitytransit.org/buylocal.