ECO: Reduce, reuse, recycle, rethink
WTA Transit Talk
4111 Bakerview Spur
Bellingham, Washington 98226
360-676-RIDE
Whatcom Transportation Authority spokeswoman Maureen McCarthy answers your questions about bus service in Whatcom County and beyond. More information is available at ridewta.com and 767-RIDE.
Most Recently Answered Questions
Questions 1 - 10 of 30 (Page 1 of 3)Submitted by John from Bellingham,WA
Q: Are there any plans to run a route from Silver Beach or Barkley, out North Shore rd., to Y rd., to SR 542, then back to Barkley or Silver Beach. It seems like an ideal route to help reduce traffic in the water shed. Plus, people could use this route to access the new parks and the restaurant that is to open March 2009.
Answered 11/21/08 08:45:37 by Maureen McCarthy
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.Submitted by Jim from Sumas
Q: Are there any plans to have a direct route between Sumas and Lynden, instead of via Bellingham?
Answered 11/12/08 09:56:39 by Maureen McCarthy
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.Submitted by LC from Bellingham
Q: Are there any plans to extend bus service down Britton Rd. toward Mt. Baker Hwy? I live near the fire station and the closest bus stop is at Squalicum High School, quite a walk and not at a convenient time to get to work in downtown bellingham. there are many people in the 3 developments below the fire station that would use the bus, especially during the winter months. Maybe a bus schedule from September to March would be good.
Answered 10/13/08 09:02:33 by Maureen McCarthy
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.Submitted by Student from Bellingham,WA
Q: Why does the WTA have money to put pictures onto the buses and not have enough money to add more buses and routes further out in the county? From what I have heard , the pictures are not cheap.
Answered 09/30/08 10:02:57 by Maureen McCarthy
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.Submitted by Ed from Bellingham, WA
Q: Will you be providing service to the newly planned walmart opening in Mount Vernon?
Answered 09/22/08 12:31:45 by Maureen McCarthy
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.Submitted by Irene Lawson from Custer, WA
Q: Are there any plans to have WTA make trips to the airport? The only way to arrive or leave is by personal vehicle or taxi. Seems a schedule could be coordinated with the arrivals and departures. Not everyone can afford a taxi, this would be a great help.
Answered 09/22/08 12:30:22 by Maureen McCarthy
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.Submitted by ryan brennan from bellingham washington
Q: Will the new station have a lighted and heated concourse??
Answered 09/03/08 10:15:27 by Maureen McCarthy
A: Yes. The concourse at our new Cordata Station will be lit and heated.Submitted by Eleanor from Ferndale
Q: I read in the newspaper that wta might be increasing the bus fare to $1. If this happens, will reduced fares also increase (I hope not)? I've been riding the buses for over 10 years and love this system and the drivers!! Keep up the good work!
Answered 08/25/08 12:05:25 by Maureen McCarthy
A: Thank you for riding with us! Though a recent headline stated WTA may raise fares, the body of the article accurately reported that in fact our Board of Directors agreed NOT to pursue a fare increase, at least not for a while. If and when we increase bus fares we would indeed have to increase the reduced-rate fare, just to be fair.Submitted by Jen from Bellingham, WA
Q: At what age do you think it's appropriate for a child to start riding the bus alone?
Answered 08/11/08 09:33:03 by Maureen McCarthy
A: The answer to your question really depends on the child, because childrens' assertiveness, confidence, common sense and maturity (and other skills and abilities)vary so greatly. Having said that, for children who are familiar with the bus (after riding with adults or older children), familiar with the route and destination, and who have demonstrated good safety behaviors on walking or biking trips, around 10 years can be a good age to begin making basic transit trips. Our drivers are happy to help kids by letting them know when their stop is coming up, so the seats near the driver are good ones for children. REMINDER: Children need to be instructed to let the bus depart before crossing the street! This is different than what they're told when de-boarding a school bus, as a school bus has the traffic arms to stop traffic while children cross.Submitted by Belinda from bellingham,wa
Q: Is there any hope that service would include James St Rd between Sunset and Bakerview? With all the people who live on E. Orchard it would be very helpful if the kids didn't have to walk down James to Sunset
Answered 08/07/08 09:51:39 by Maureen McCarthy
A: We've looked at ways to serve this area by re-routing existing routes. Unfortunately, to do so would disaffect more current riders than we could hope to serve with the re-route. I'm sorry. I often walk that stretch of James on my way to work, and you're right--it's not good for walking.