This past September, Island Transit had the pleasure of coordinating a field trip with members of the Langley Climate Crisis Action Commission to demonstrate just how easy it is to travel from Langley, WA to Seattle using only public transportation.
With a focus on promoting sustainable travel options, this trip was the perfect opportunity to showcase the seamless connectivity between Island Transit, Washington State Ferries, Community Transit and Sound Transit.
The journey began in Langley. Linda, Ben, and Tony met at the Langley Park & Ride, excited to start the trip without the hassle of driving or parking in Seattle. The first leg of the trip was a ride on Island Transit’s Route 60 Southbound bus, which provided fare free transportation to the Clinton Ferry Terminal. Island Transit’s fare free policy is a fantastic benefit for residents and visitors, making public transportation accessible to everyone.
Upon arriving at the ferry terminal, the group boarded the iconic Washington State Ferry to Mukilteo. As they crossed Puget Sound, Linda, Ben, and Tony took note of the beauty of the surrounding islands and enjoyed the calm waters. It was a perfect start to the journey—convenient, scenic and stress-free.
Once in Mukilteo, the group transferred to Community Transit’s Route 117, which took them to Lynnwood. Route 117 was an ideal choice for this leg of the trip, offering a direct connection from Mukilteo to Lynnwood Transit Center. With comfortable seating, efficient service, and timely schedules, it was clear that Community Transit plays a key role in regional connectivity.
At the Lynnwood Transit Center, the group experienced one of the highlights of the trip – the Sound Transit Light Rail. With its recent extension to Lynnwood, the Light Rail provides a fast, modern and environmentally friendly way to travel to Seattle.
The group was impressed by the convenience of the train, the smooth ride, and the ease of the trip getting into Seattle. The convenience of avoiding traffic and arriving in the heart of Seattle in no time made this a game-changer for future trips.
Arriving at the University District, the group enjoyed falafel for lunch and spent time discussing the importance of public transportation in addressing the carbon footprint of daily commutes. Linda, Ben and Tony were enthusiastic about how accessible and efficient public transportation had been for the entire trip, reinforcing their commitment to advocating for sustainable transit solutions on Whidbey Island.
The return trip was equally smooth, with coordinated connections back to Mukilteo via Community Transit and then home to Langley aboard Island Transit. The day was a complete success – an easy, affordable and environmentally friendly way to travel from Whidbey Island to Seattle.
If you’ve been thinking about taking a trip to Seattle, consider leaving your car behind and giving public transportation a try! It’s not only easy and convenient, but it’s also a fantastic way to reduce your impact on the environment. So, grab a friend, plan your trip, and get ready to explore Seattle – stress-free.
Happy travels!
