A new Island Transit route is under consideration for South Whidbey.

During a community meeting held by IT last Thursday, officials unveiled Route 58, which would combine and condense the previously cut Route 5 and the reduced Route 8, and make small changes to routes 1 and 7.

Buses are proposed to begin operating on the route April 6, though IT officials said none of the changes will impact the heavily-relied upon and highly ridden commuter routes.

“We tried to not affect the commuter routes,” Island Transit Operations Manager Shawn Harris said.

Route 58 would run from near Holmes Harbor Golf Course, into Freeland, along East Harbor Road to Goss Lake Road, to the Bayview Cash Store, into Langley, along Maxwelton Road to Scatchet Head, then to Ken’s Korner in Clinton.

The combined route will not bring service back to the Honeymoon Lake, Baby Island, Saratoga, Deer Lake or Bailey’s Corner areas. It is being considered for operation during commuter times in the morning and evening, and would run concurrently with the commuter Route 8 Express.

Routes 1 and 7 will also see changes. Island Transit’s main service from Oak Harbor to Clinton. Route 1 buses will shift 30 minutes between 10 a.m. and 2 p.m.

“We’re basically taking a run out,” Pinch said. “By doing that, it forces us to change the departing time at 15 (minutes) after every hour to 45 (after) every hour.”

IT has a few more South Whidbey community meetings to field questions about proposed changes.

Questions or comments may also be directed to 360-678-7771 or by emailing to info@islandtransit.org

The meetings are:

• 4-6 p.m. Thursday, Feb. 5, Freeland Library
• 2-4 p.m. Thursday, Feb. 12, Clinton Community Hall.