A: I'm sorry the Route 49 schedule doesn't work for your work trip. There is one departure that's not in the transit guide that may help(it was added after the book was printed). It departs WTA at 4:30 pm. Some in this (our) neighborhood have been able to make use of Route 49 by arriving at 8 and departing at 4:30. I realize this won't work for everyone, and agree that the schedule is limited. Unfortunately, we have no plans to increase service to the Irongate Industrial District in the near future.

A: The main factors that would determine whether or not WTA would pay for damage to a bike on one of our racks would be 1) whether or not the bike was racked properly and 2) whether or not WTA was at fault. In the event of an accident caused by another motorist, it would be the responsibilty of that motorist (through his/her insurance carier) to cover the damage. WTA (or any insurance policy) would generally cover the depreciated value.

A: Thank you for riding with us, and thank you for your suggestion and question. You're correct that less than 10 percent of our operating revenues come from the fare box. The rest comes from our local sales tax paid by all Whatcom County residents. Though WTA does receive some federal funding for capital projects (like our fleet replacement), none of our operating revenues (money to run bus service) comes from the federal government.

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.