Editor,

Community Transit is planning on installing a high tech frequent service SWIFT bus route from Bothell to Boeing Everett.

This is good news for Whidbey.

Island Transit can expand service on the Island Transit No. 1 so that, every 30 minutes, it gets on the ferry boat and goes from Oak Harbor to Boeing, intersecting with the new SWIFT service.

Already there is a large number of Boeing employees using van/carpools. More important, it means that now the entire island will have access to the entire Sound Transit System for Snohomish, King and Pierce counties.

Plus it will give excellent North-South Transit service for the entire Island with 30-minute service all the way to the last ferry run.

What the island needs to do is talk to the state Legislature and, yes, even consider a small local tax increase. The benefits of such an expanded No. 1 Island Transit will reduce unsafe traffic congestion and offer a new, low-cost alternative to people who can’t drive or can’t afford to drive cars.

It would also stimulate tourism on the island.

It is good for business. When people spend less money on gasoline, that means they have more to spend in local stores. Having the bus get on the ferry boat would free up some parking slots for drivers.

Expand the No. 1 Island Transit bus route. Have it get on the ferry boat, go to Boeing and tie into the rest of the rapid transit system of Eastern Washington.

It is worth it.

Martin Nix

Seattle