A: Unfortunately, the wind/rain screens at our downtown Bellingham Station have never protected the benches from the rain as they were intended to do. We are working to remedy this and hope to have it resolved soon. We're VERY sorry for the unsheltered conditions our passengers have had to endure while we've investigated our options to solve the problem.

A: Hello, John. Thank you for your question. The money to operate WTA service comes primarily from local sales tax. Sales tax revenues are down significantly, and this trend is expected to continue. WTA's 2009 budget predicted a $900,000 revenue shortfall--even after cutting many expenses. It is already looking as though this shortfall will actually be much greater than $900,000. At this rate, WTA would not be able to continue to offer its current level of service for very long. We are raising fares in an effort to postpone the time at which we would have to consider cutting back service. We have been experiencing record ridership increases for well over a year (2008 was up 32%, or 1.1 million rides over 2007). Raising fares is one of many strategies we'll employ to prevent cutting service at a time when demand for our service is so high. Having said all of that, we regret that the fare increase will be a hardship for some of our riders.

A: It sounds like you'd like an application for our Specialized Transportation services. I'd be happy to get one in the mail to you. The fare is 75 cents per ride, or 35 cents if you're over 65 years of age. I'm sorry, I don't have an answer for you regarding the price of fuel. I wonder about that myself.

A: Unfortunately, no. There is no current plan for direct service between Lynden and Sumas.

A: We'll certainly record your suggestion/request for the future. Unfortunately however, WTA isn't planning any service increases in the near future. We're currently at our operating capacity.

A: Unfortunately, we are not planning to add service of any kind in the near future. I will make note of your request for a direct connection between Lynden and Sumas.

A: I'm sorry the existing bus service isn't convenient/usable for you. Though there are no plans for expansion of service in the near future (anywhere in our system, that is) I will make sure your request is noted as an "unmet need." Thank you for contacting WTA.

A: Thanks for your question. It's true that the cost to put colorful graphics on some of our buses (fewer than 10%) is higher than the cost to paint them white and add our logos and striping. However the difference in cost is not remotely comparable to the cost of adding service (either increased frequency or further reach)in the rural areas. Not only is the initial cost difference not comparable, but applying graphics is a one-time expense. The cost for increased service--buying, maintaining and insuring the vehicle, purchasing fuel, and paying the driver--are ongoing operational expenses, incurred every day/year that the service is in effect.

A: WTA doesn't provide service within Skagit County, other than to drop off at Skagit Station on Route 80X. Please contact Skagit Transit at (877) 584-7528 or skagittransit@skagittransit.org. Thank you.

A: WTA has had service to the airport in the past, but it was very, very rarely used and it added a fair bit of running time to the route. Now that more people are riding the bus, we may look at trying to re-implement this service on an on-request basis. Thank you for your question.