A: Thank you for your question. According to the Federal Transit Administration’s Common Grant Rules, WTA is “prohibited from specifying in-state or local geographical preferences, or evaluating bids or proposals in light of in-state or local preferences, even if those preferences are imposed by state or local laws or regulations.” This language can be found in the Federal Transit Administration Circular, Chapter 4220.1 F. While this applies specifically to purchases made with federal funds, WTA’s policy is to follow this format for all procurements. WTA recently solicited proposals for a firm to provide Transit Advertising Services, including sales, contracting with advertisers, inventory management, sign installation, etc. The previous contract--our second consecutive contract with a local firm--had expired. Two firms responded to our request for proposals. One was a local firm and the other was Clear Channel Outdoor of Seattle. An evaluation team judged both proposals and—based on scoring of both proposals--selected Clear Channel Outdoor.

A: In 2007, the number of overtime hours was 21,601. The amount paid out for overtime was 665,000. The number of overtime eligible employees was 227. In 2008, the number of overtime hours was 18,800. The amount paid out for overtime was 608,000. The number of overtime eligible employees was 227. In 2009, the number of overtime hours was 21,200. The amount paid out for overtime was 666,000. The number of overtime eligible employees was 208. Here are a couple of things to consider: Transit is unique in the sense that it can’t operate without covering all its shifts. In an office setting, by contrast a few employees home sick or on vacation can be managed in the short term. Also, WTA implemented a hiring freeze partway through 2009.

A: Sure. The cost to provide one fixed route ride is $3.26. Our bus fare is $1 per ride (or $2 if traveling to Mt. Vernon). As a reminder, WTA does not recieve any funding from property taxes. Sales tax funding is the only form of tax revenue we recieve.

A: Thank you for your comment. Some Washington State transit agencies do allow dogs on board. I’ve spoken to my counterparts at those agencies. They report mixed reviews of their “dogs allowed” policies. In the past several years, the request to allow dogs on buses has appeared once or twice in letters to the editor. Each time that has happened, we’ve received an overwhelming response from existing riders who are opposed to dogs on board, for reasons ranging from irresponsible dog owners to phobias among passengers.

A: Certainly. Our total expenditures in 2009 were $22,240,194. Total 2009 ridership, including fixed route, Specialized Transportation and vanpools was 5,212,740. Total passenger miles (number of miles traveled by all passengers) was 20,558,667. Total revenue miles traveled by all vehicles was 3,365,213. We used 600,639 gallons of fuel in 2009.

A: Welcome back to Whatcom County. In 2002 WTA introduced new service to East County communities, including Everson, Nooksack and Sumas. Called "Flex Service," it includes a fixed route component and an on-demand component. In other words, the bus makes scheduled stops at a limited number of bus stops along the route. It can also deviate from the route within a designated "Flex Zone." People who live in the Flex Zone can call ahead to picked-up closer to home. For more specific information on Route 71X serving Everson, Nooksack and Sumas, please call 360-676-RIDE or visit www.ridewta.com.

A: Thank you for your question. WTA raised it's fares in October of 2009, from 75 cents to $1 per ride. WTA's fares are very similar to systems our size in Washington State (most of whom also increased their fares at some point this year). We expect this fare increase to result in an additional $300-$400,000 per year.

A: Thank you for riding with us, and thank you for your question. It's a good one. We have one bus to dedicate to Gooseberry Point/Lummi Ferry, yet there are at least three major (and competing) destinations with specific time point requirements: Lummi Tribal Center, Downtown Bellingham and the ferry. When we last changed Route 50's schedule, staff held several well attended community meetings regarding the service. Staff then explored several routing options. In the end, priority went to meeting the needs of riders who needed to reach the Tribal Center or downtown Bellingham by certain timepoints. These two groups participated very actively in our meetings. We recognize that unfortunately, as a result, ferry passengers wishing to connect with Route 50 are sometimes inconvenienced.

A: Please accept my apologies for the delayed response! I was out of the office from the time of your message until mid-November, and since then have been experiencing technical difficulties accessing this site. Each year, WTA makes 50,000 free ride coupons available to agencies who work with people who have difficulty paying for transportation. Here are three such agencies you may wish to contact: Northwest Work Force Development (676-3255), The Opportunity Council (734-5121) or DSHS Vocational Rehab (714-4136).

A: Thanks very much for your note, Monica. It's terrific to hear the 72X is working for you. We appreciate you riding with us!