Olympia Transit Center - North Site Improvements

Phase 3 of construction at the Olympia Transit Center (OTC) is complete. The north platform has reopened and buses are boarding at their regular locations.

We appreciate our passengers' patience as we worked to improve pedestrian safety, boarding accessibility and implemented solutions to address mobility needs across OTC.

1. What is the purpose of the East Martin Way Gateway Station Roundabout project?
   The purpose of the East Martin Way Gateway Station Roundabout is to establish an integrated turnaround facility and station area at the intersection of east Martin Way and Meridian Road.
    
2. Is there a design for the roundabout?
   Currently, there is no roundabout design. Conceptual designs were submitted as part of the original grant application, but they were theoretical. Design work will begin following environmental review, traffic analysis, and the public review process.
    
3. Why are you proposing a roundabout at this location?
   The addition of the East Martin Way Gateway Station Roundabout enables Martin Way corridor bus service to terminate and reserve direction at Meridian Road. This allows us to provide more direct service while also incorporating pedestrian improvements and improving the quality of service on east Martin Way. This project also opens a range of future service options for northeast Lacey. Conducting this project now allows us to be well-positioned to deliver future service as promised in Proposition 1.
    
4. How many phases of construction will there be?
   There will be three phases of construction:
   1) Preliminary Engineering and Design -- Current phase
   2) Right-of-Way (ROW) Acquisition
   3) Construction
    
5. Where are you at in the project?
   We are in the beginning stages of the project. We have selected a contractor, SCJ Alliance, to help us through Phase 1 of the project to create the Preliminary Engineering and Design for the roundabout and station. This includes work for topographic survey and ROW mapping, geotechnical design, traffic validation, and environmental permitting.
    
6. Will there be an opportunity to share thoughts on the project and when?
   Yes, as elements of this phase are complete, we plan to conduct public outreach during Phase 1 to provide an opportunity for the community to learn more about the project, ask questions and express concerns. We don't know exactly when the public outreach will occur, but anticipate it to be scheduled in late 2024. When we have firm dates and information to share, we'll update this webpage.
    
7. When will the roundabout be finished?
   We anticipate Phase 1 of the project will be complete in late summer of 2025. Subsequent phases and their timelines will be established based on what we learn in Phase 1 and what we hear from the community during public outreach.
    
8. Do you have support from Thurston County and the City of Lacey?
   Yes, we have letters from both the City of Lacey and Thurston County supporting this project.

Phase 3 of construction at the Olympia Transit Center is scheduled continue through. During this construction phase, all bays on the north platform will be closed temporarily. 

Please board buses at the following temporary locations: 

• Route 62B will depart from the east corner of Olympia Ave.
• Routes 21, 60, 62A, 64 & 66 will depart from Franklin St. (see map for locations).
• Routes 41 & 48 will depart from the west corner of State Ave.

Please see map below for details. 

This project will improve pedestrian safety, boarding accessibility and implement solutions to address mobility needs across OTC.

We apologize for the inconvenience. Please call Customer Service at 360-786-1881 with questions or for service information.

Final work on Intercity Transit’s Martin Way Park & Ride Direct Access Project will require overnight closures of the northbound ramp from Martin Way to Interstate 5 (I-5), and the single right lane of I-5 closest to the affected ramp. Closures will take place on Wednesday, March 20, 2024, and Thursday, March 21, 2024, from 8:30 p.m. to 4:30 a.m. The closures are necessary to install new lighting, complete electrical work, and pour concrete.

Travelers using Martin Way to access northbound I-5 at this location are advised to use alternate routes during the closures. Northbound Olympia Express (Route 620) may experience slight schedule delays due to trips being re-routed to access northbound I-5.

Traffic control measures and detours will be in place during all ramp and lane closures. Construction is weather dependent. Updates or changes to the planned closure dates will be posted on electronic signage to keep motorists informed.

This is the final step in Intercity Transit’s improvements at the Martin Way Park & Ride to improve bus access and provide faster service for Olympia Express riders. We appreciate everyone’s patience throughout the duration of the project.

Please contact Intercity Transit’s Customer Service at 360-786-1881 with questions or for service information.

Thurston County’s largest communities are the cities of Olympia, Tumwater, and Lacey. It also boasts smaller towns such as Rainer, Rochester, Grand Mound, Bucoda, Tenino, and Vail. The fourth largest city in the county is Yelm, located in southeastern Thurston County adjacent to its border with Pierce County, along the Nisqually River. The city, with a 2020 population of 10,617, sits near the Nisqually Indian Reservation (located to the northwest on State Route 510), and Joint Base Lewis–McChord on the northeast side of the river. Another major highway, State Route 507, connects Yelm to Centralia and Spanaway near Tacoma.

The Yelm Walmart serves as the departure point for Intercity Transit buses heading back to the Olympia Transit Center, approximately 22 miles away, which includes a stop at the Centennial Train Station on the Yelm Highway. This is quite a journey for a young person who is legally blind and uses a cane to get around, but that hasn’t stopped Angel Parra!

Angel likes to take the bus and go wherever he wants, so he’s been calling on the Bus Buddy Program to send volunteers to Yelm to meet him at the Walmart, ride the bus back to Olympia, and transfer to the correct bus to get where he is going. He’s trying to learn each route so he can eventually ride the bus alone. In mid-November he rode the bus alone from Yelm to Olympia, where Bus Buddies Geoff and Tom met him and then transferred to the bus going to the Thurston County Courthouse, where Angel hoped to legally change his first name from Damien to Angel.

While there are Dial-A-Lift buses that go to Yelm, it has been determined that Angel can mostly ride the bus alone. Dial-A-Lift picks him up at the house he shares with his grandmother and drive him to the Walmart, but from there he is on his own. This is where the Bus Buddy Program has made a big difference in Angel’s life. He can’t read signs, so he memorizes a route using visual signage like the colors of buildings.

I recently asked some of the Bus Buddies who have been traveling with Angel, such as Clair, Geoff, Tom, JoAnn and Donna, for their impressions of Angel. I heard words such as enthusiastic, adventuresome, and independent. One Buddy said: “Angel is incredibly eager to learn and participate in as much as he can. His enthusiasm for life is contagious. He loves conversations about traveling and all the places he would love to go and visit. He has impeccable skills, and is not afraid of going to new places and learning new skills.”

This is just one example of how the Bus Buddy Program is helping one visually- impaired individual learn to ride the bus here in Thurston County. It is going quite well and we envision a time in the not too distant future where Angel won’t be calling anymore. Instead he’ll just hop the bus and off he goes. He is a real inspiration to the Bus Buddies who have ridden with him during the past few months.

We hope other people will read this article and become inspired enough to give the buses a chance.

Phase 2 of construction at the Olympia Transit Center is scheduled to be completed March 31, 2024. During this construction phase, all bays on the south platform will be closed temporarily. 

You may board your bus at the following temporary locations: 

• Routes 12 & 42 will depart from Olympia Ave. between Washington St. & Franklin St. (wb).

• Routes 13, 45 & 47 will depart from State Ave. between Washington St. & Franklin St. (eb).

Please see map below for details. 

This project will improve pedestrian safety and accessibility, boarding accessibility and implement solutions to address mobility needs across OTC.

We apologize for the inconvenience. Please call Customer Service at 360-786-1881 with questions or for service information.

Beginning Monday, Dec. 11, 2023, Intercity Transit’s contractor will replace the parking lot lights at the Martin Way Park & Ride. Bus service will not be impacted and the lot will remain open for parking. Overhead work by the electrical contractor will require temporary closure of some parking stalls. Work areas will be closed or blocked by traffic cones.

We ask our customers and riders who use the Martin Way Park & Ride to stay clear of work zones and closed areas while work is underway. Overhead work is expected to be completed by Dec. 15.

Starting Sunday, Nov. 19, riders heading north to Lakewood from the Martin Way Park & Ride will board buses at the new “flyer” stop, located on the northbound ramp to I-5. Northbound buses will no longer enter the facility, so passengers will need to catch buses to Lakewood at the flyer stop. This change will speed up boarding and reduce travel times.

Passengers of both directions should be aware that southbound Route 620 buses to Olympia will enter the Park & Ride from the northbound I-5 on ramp, but will not stop at the flyer stop. Southbound buses will depart from the current temporary stop location. This will continue until the permanent stop location for the southbound direction is completed.

We appreciate everyone’s patience throughout this project. Please call Customer Service at 360-786-1881 with questions or for service information. 

During the closure, Grays Harbor Transit, Mason Transit and Twin Transit will depart from State Ave. between Washington St. & Franklin St. (wb). Please see the map below for the location of departures and arrivals for Grays Harbor Transit, Mason Transit and Twin Transit during the closure. 

The northbound Interstate 5 (I-5) on-ramp at Martin Way, near College St., will be closed on Thursday, Sep. 28 and Friday, Sept. 29. During the closures, traffic control measures and a detour for NB I-5 traffic will be in place. The closures will occur from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. The temporary closures are necessary for construction activity to be completed on the northbound I-5 on-ramp. Southbound access to Interstate 5 will not be impacted.

Repair work in the North lot area of the Martin Way Park & Ride (Park & Ride) will require users to shift parking south to the South lot area closest to the main entry of the Park & Ride. This transition will occur on September 7, 2023.

Park & Ride users entering the lot on September 7th will see signs indicating the North lot area will be closed to the public and users will be directed to the parking area closest to Martin Way (South lot).  The contractor will close access to the North lot the evening of September 6th. Note: Any vehicles remaining in the North lot will be noticed to move. Unattended vehicles will be tagged and potentially towed if not moved immediately following the closure.

Please pay attention to all signage and park in designated areas only. We appreciate your patience as we work to improve the facility and transit service for our customers. Please call Customer Service with questions at 360-786-1881.

The northbound Interstate 5 (I-5) on-ramp at Martin Way, near College St., will be closed for overnight work Friday, August 18. During the overnight closures, traffic control measures and a detour for NB I-5 traffic will be in place. The closure will occur between 9 p.m. and 6 a.m. The closure is necessary to complete permanent striping from the ramp onto I-5. Southbound access to Interstate 5 will not be impacted.

Motorists using Martin Way to access I-5 NB are advised to use alternate routes during the closure. Visit intercitytransit.com/Construction/MWPR-improvements for construction details, including dates and times for the planned closures.

The northbound Interstate 5 (I-5) on-ramp at Martin Way, near College St., will be closed overnight for striping on Tuesday, Aug. 1 and Wednesday, Aug. 2. Closures will occur between 8:30 p.m. and 4:30 a.m. During the overnight closures, traffic control measures and a detour for northbound I-5 will be in place. The closures are necessary to allow removal of temporary striping, placement of permanent striping and shoulder work on the ramp. Southbound access to I-5 will not be impacted.

Construction and painting at the Martin Way Park & Ride (Park and Ride) will require users to shift parking to the newly completed North Lot of the Park and Ride beginning Friday, June 23.

This will move parking from the lot closest to Martin Way (South Lot) to the area closest to I-5 (North Lot). The change will occur immediately following painting of the North Lot. At that time the contractor will close access to the South Lot to support ongoing construction and utility work.

Park and Ride users entering the lot on Friday, June 23 will see signs indicating the South Lot is closed and will be directed to the freshly painted North Lot.

Please pay attention to all signage and park in designated areas only. We appreciate your patience as we work to improve the facility and transit service for our customers. Please call Customer Service with questions at 360-786-1881.

What: Several overnight closures of the northbound Interstate 5 (I-5) on-ramp at Martin Way, will result in a detour for vehicles needing to access northbound I-5. The full closures are necessary to allow construction work to reconstruct the on-ramp shoulder and to re-pave and paint in the ramp lane as part of Intercity Transit’s Martin Way Park & Ride Direct Access Project.

When: Closures will be from 8:30 p.m. to 4:30 a.m. on the following dates:

• Monday, May 15 - I-5 mainline and ramp preparation 
• Tuesday, May 16 - I-5 mainline and ramp preparation 
• Wednesday, May 17 - I-5 mainline and ramp preparation 
• Thursday, May 18 - I-5 mainline and ramp paving

Where: Construction will take place on, or adjacent to, the northbound I-5 on-ramp at Martin Way, near College St.

Impacts: Motorists will see traffic control measures and detours in place for the duration of the overnight construction work. Construction is weather dependent. Updates or changes to the planned closure dates will be posted on electronic signage to keep motorists informed. Motorists using Martin Way to access northbound I-5 at this location are advised to use alternate routes. Southbound access to I-5 will not be impacted.

What: Construction adjacent to the I-5 on-ramp on Martin Way, will require the closure of the westbound right turn lane onto the northbound I-5 ramp. Westbound traffic accessing northbound I-5 will need to detour.

When: The current dates and times are as follows:

• UPDATED - Thursday, May 18th from 7 a.m. to 8:30 p.m. – Prep for paving

Where: The westbound (right) turn lane onto the northbound I-5 ramp on Martin Way; adjacent to the I-5 on-ramp.

Impacts: Motorists will see traffic control measures and detours in place for the duration of the construction work. Construction is weather dependent. Updates or changes to the planned closure dates will be posted on electronic signage to keep motorists informed. Motorists using the westbound turn lane to access northbound I-5 are advised to use alternate routes. Access from College St. to northbound I-5 will remain open during the lane closures.

What: Upcoming concrete demolition and trenching for new utility lines will impact drive aisles and some parking spaces in the main parking lot as part of planned construction activity. The lot will remain open during construction.

When: Beginning April 3, 2023, with initial work lasting approximately two weeks. New walkways will be poured and placed between the last week of April and early May. The duration of the activity will be four to five weeks.

Where: Trenching will take place in the vicinity of the pedestrian walkway that connects Martin Way and the north side of the main parking area.

Impacts: Users will see orange construction fencing around closed areas near the walkway where work is underway. These areas will include the closure of adjacent parking spaces to provide a buffer for work and users. During trenching, one of the three drive lanes connecting the lot may be closed, requiring lot users to use one of the other entry/exit aisles. Steel plates will temporarily cover drive lanes during construction and between work phases. Fencing will be placed to delineate closed parking areas during the utility trench work and site updates will be provided as conditions change.

The sidewalk on Martin Way is expected to remain open. However, there will be short term closures when work is being done under sidewalk areas where utility connections are being completed.

Parking revisions at Martin Way Park and Ride will begin on April 3, 2023.

Park & Ride users should plan for these activities and use caution around work areas. Please watch for pedestrian traffic and pay attention to all site traffic control measures and advisories, observe signage and use caution around work areas.

Yes. We previously managed a wide range of fares, passes and programs (see image below). With zero-fare, our customers and our drivers no longer have to spend the time making sure that have the correct pass, sticker or dollar value, speeding up travel.

Another incredible benefit is the opportunity to recruit new businesses to our area. This means greater employment opportunities and adds dollars to our economy.

For more information:

• Call us at 360-705-5852
• Email us at tellus@intercitytransit.com

Zero-fare systems typically operate in three types of communities: small urban areas, resort and university towns. Thurston County has elements of all three, as the seat of state government and host to multiple colleges. Systems that most-closely reflect the zero-fare program Intercity Transit is considering include Mountain Line (Missoula, MT), Chapel Hill Transit (Chapel Hill, NC) and Corvallis Transit System (Corvallis, OR).

Intercity Transit collected about $600,000 in prepaid fares from local partners including the State of Washington, non-profit organizations, municipalities, and colleges. Moving forward with implementation of zero-fare means that we will no longer collect those resources. Our partners can now invest those resources toward other goals, from expanding scholarships to increasing workforce development or ensuring access to medical appointments.

We expect the pilot project to last five years. This will provide enough time to promote our service and measure the impacts of moving to zero-fare. However, the Authority may decide to end zero-fare if needed. Alternatively, if zero-fare proves successful over the life of the demonstration, they may decide to get rid of bus and Dial-A-Lift fares permanently.

Peer systems report very few problems or challenges related to zero-fare programs. Nonetheless, we are working to address several issues noted by peer agencies as follows:

• Perception: Some people resent “subsidizing transit” when they don’t use it. However, everyone benefits from reduced congestion, fewer carbon emissions and knowing that friends and relatives can access employment and medical appointments regardless of income.
• Safety: Some worry that “if anyone can ride,” transit will become less safe. Intercity Transit already has strong rider code of conduct. Our Operators and Operations Supervisors are well trained to address issues if they arise.
• Overcrowding: Some peer systems experience overcrowding immediately following the introduction of zero-fare. Intercity Transit has already added capacity, so we don’t think this will be an issue. In addition, new buses and more frequent service are planned and being added to major routes.

No. Intercity Transit is expanding service per the mandate voters approved last year. In fact, after accounting for the costs associated with fare collection, fares amount to less than 2 percent of total annual operating revenue. That amount is not enough to impact service.

Fares account for less than 2 percent of our net revenue. After considering the capital and operational costs of a new system, the difference is negligible. The opportunity to offer faster service, increase ridership, improved access and equity is a far better investment. 

With the passage of Proposition 1, Intercity Transit has been purchasing new buses to replace buses that have been used beyond their expected service lives. Because of this, we needed to decide whether to have these buses built with or without fare boxes. In addition, the fare boxes we currently use are obsolete. Not replacing that old technology allows us to avoid those expenses and invest those resources in service enhancements.

Yes, many other options were considered including magnetic swipe cards, contactlesss RFID cards, mobile flash passes and other new technologies. Many existing and potential new riders asked us to integrate with the ORCA card which is used by transit systems in Pierce, King, Snohomish, and Kitsap Counties.  Regional integration eliminates the need for travelers to utilize multiple fare collection systems. A zero-fare system achieves the same objectives as multi-system integration at a much lower cost for Intercity Transit. We also discovered the ORCA card is in the process of being replaced. The newer version, ORCA II, won’t be available to us for approximately two to four years. So at this time, there is no regional fare collection system we could migrate to. In addition, we found that investing in the capital and the operating expenses of a new fare collection system would cost us more than we were going to collect in fares. That’s not a good value proposition.

Zero-fare transit systems collect no fares from passengers. Some agencies refer to this as “fare-free.” In this case, however, fares would be “pre-paid” through sales tax revenue.

Intercity Transit made a commitment to the community after the passage of Proposition 1 to fulfill nine community-defined priorities, including making fare collection more efficient and integrated with peer transit systems. After careful review of a number of different options, the Authority determined that zero-fare offers the most economical, effective and fastest way to deliver the transformational service voters wanted.

Zero-fare transit systems report many benefits. Going zero-fare increases ridership which in-turn improves the environment and reduces congestion. It enhances access and equity making communities more livable. Eliminating the fare reduces barriers both for those individuals that can afford to pay as well as those that cannot. And zero fare makes boarding easier and faster which reduces travel times for all.

• Route 47 if 21 is next (weekends) with stops indicated
• Route 47 if 21 is next (weekends) without stops indicated
• Route 47 if 47 is next (weekdays) with stops indicated
• Route 47 if 47 is next (weekdays) without stops indicated
• Route 47 outbound with stops indicated
• Route 47 outbound without stops indicated

• Route 45 inbound with stops indicated
• Route 45 inbound without stops indicated
• Route 45 outbound with stops indicated
• Route 45 outbound without stops indicated

• Route 42 inbound with stops indicated
• Route 42 inbound without stops indicated
• Route 42 outbound with stops indicated
• Route 42 outbound without stops indicated

• Route 41 inbound weekdays if 13 in next with stops indicated
• Route 41 inbound weekdays if 13 in next without stops indicated
• Route 41 inbound evenings and weekends if 41 is next with stops indicated
• Route 41 inbound evenings and weekends if 41 is next without stops indicated
• Route 41 outbound with stops indicated
• Route 41 outbound without stops indicated

• Route 21 inbound with stops indicated
• Route 21 inbound without stops indicated
• Route 21 outbound with stops indicated
• Route 21 outbound without stops indicated

• Route 13 weekdays inbound if 41 is next with stops indicated
• Route 13 weekdays inbound if 41 is next without stops indicated
• Route 13 inbound if 62B is next with stops indicated
• Route 13 inbound if 62B is next without stops indicated
• Route 13 weekdays inbound if 66 is next with stops indicated
• Route 13 weekdays inbound if 66 is next without stops indicated
• Route 13 weekends inbound if 64 is next with stops indicated
• Route 13 weekends inbound if 64 is next without stops indicated
• Route 13 outbound with stops indicated
• Route 13 outbound without stops indicated

• Route 12 inbound if 12 in next with stops indicated
• Route 12 inbound without stops indicated
• Route 12 inbound if 62B is next with stops indicated
• Route 12 inbound if 62B is next without stops indicated
• Route 12 outbound with stops indicated
• Route 12 outbound without stops indicated

• Wheel Options Toolkit
• Wheel Options 11 x 17 poster
• October Riders Wanted list

• Customizeable email/article and social media posts
• Be Prepared 11 x 17 poster
• September Riders Wanted list

• Customizeable email/article and social media posts
• August Riders Wanted list

• Customizeable email/article and social media posts
• 2019 Vanpool for more summer fun poster
• July Riders Wanted list

• Customizeable email/article and social media posts
• 2019 Summer Youth Pass poster
• June Riders Wanted list

• Customizeable email/article and social media posts
• 2019 Ride Transit Month poster
• May Riders Wanted list

• Customizeable email/article and social media posts
• 2019 BCC poster
• Bike Commuting Basics class poster
• April Riders Wanted list

• Customizeable email/article and social media posts
• 30 second ad
• Vanpool testimonials
  • Malika
  • Rebecca
  • Timothy
• Free table tents: Please contact Bree Anderson to get supplies mailed to you for your employee break rooms or cafeteria.
• Banner ad (link to Malika testimonial video)
• Photos
  • Everyday Heroes
  • Malika
  • Rebecca
  • Timothy
  • Vanpool vehicle
• March Riders Wanted list

• Customizeable email/article and social media posts
• February Riders Wanted list

• Customizeable email/article and social media posts
• Make Vanpooling your New Year's Resolution poster for CTR boards
• January Riders Wanted list

• Customizeable email/article and social media posts
• December Riders Wanted list

• Customizeable email/article and social media posts
• Be Safe Be Seen poster for CTR boards
• November Riders Wanted list

• Customizeable email/article and social media posts
• Proposition 1 poster for CTR boards
• October Riders Wanted list

• Customizeable email/article and social media posts
• Service Change 11 x 17 poster for CTR boards
• September Riders Wanted list

• Customizeable email/article and social media posts
• Sign up for Intercity Transit News - 11 x 17 poster for CTR boards
• August Riders Wanted list

• Customizeable email/article and social media posts
• Road Trip Survey poster (11x17)
• July 2018 Riders Wanted list

• Customizeable email/article and social media posts
• June Vanpool Riders Wanted list
• Summer Youth Pass poster (11x17)

Enhancing service by improving frequency from 30 to 15 minutes on a bus route may not seem like a lot, but it means our riders will spend less time standing at bus stops and shelters, and arrive at their destinations according to the schedule.

Intercity Transit uses Language Link interpreter services for customers with limited English proficiency which provides us with the ability to serve customers in over 200 languages. If you need help in your native language, please call Customer Service at 360-786-1881. Customer Service is open daily from 7 a.m. to 6 p.m.

You can attend our LIVE webinar scheduled for:

Thursday, May 31, from 3 to 4 p.m.
Register here.

After this date, we will make the recorded webinar available on our website.

Yes. We have Open Houses planned at the following dates and locations:

Wednesday, May 30
4 – 6:30 p.m.
Timberland Regional Library
500 College Street SE, Lacey

Monday, June 4
4 – 6:30 p.m.
Timberland Regional Library
7023 New Market Street, Tumwater

You may submit your comments or suggestions by going to servicechanges@intercitytransit.com and fill out the online web form. Comments will be reviewed daily by Intercity Transit staff and evaluated to see if the changes can be incorporated into the proposed service changes. New FAQs will be added on our website at www.intercitytransit.com/servicechanges to address new questions that might come out of the comment period. You will receive an email confirmation letting you know that we received your comment or suggestion.

We will take public comments on the proposed service changes up until 5 p.m. on Wednesday, June 20, 2018.

Q: Can you extend Route 94 to provide more service in and beyond Yelm?
A: Currently, Intercity Transit is looking at proposed service changes that would not require additional funding. Many riders who travel to, from and around Yelm have requested additional service. We are considering how to add service in Yelm should funding become available. We encourage Yelm riders to continue to follow our IT Road Trip community engagement process and learn about the progress we are making toward providing additional service in Yelm. Information can be found at www.itroadtrip.net.

The proposed changes are “revenue neutral” – meaning they do not require new funding.  

Q: Will the proposed Route 612 stop at the Martin Way Park N Ride?
A: Yes. The proposed Route 612 will stop at the Martin Way Park N Ride. This will provide an opportunity for local riders to park and ride Northbound for longer commuter trips and park locally as an option to paying for downtown Olympia parking to save money.

Q: Why are you not stopping at the Tacoma Dome on the proposed 612 Express route?
A: We are currently looking at designing Express services to best support northbound commuters -- working people who leave and return to Thurston County daily. Express service is not designed to meet everyone’s trip needs. Northbound commuters would be able to stay on Intercity Transit’s Express (612 Route) as far as 10th and Commerce. Pierce Transit provides frequent service to the Tacoma Dome and downtown Tacoma, as well as the Lakewood Park N Ride and Lakewood Transit Center. With the proposed Route 612, riders could make transfers at Lakewood or at 10th and Commerce to reach destinations in downtown Tacoma or Seattle. Link light rail, operated by Sound Transit, runs every 12-24 minutes providing access to and from Seattle departing from the Tacoma Dome.

Q: How many riders are you transporting each day on this route?
A: We are currently averaging 696 boardings on weekdays for the combined routes.

Q: Will the fares for the routes change?
A: No.

Q: Will there be additional buses added to this route?
A: Under the proposal, weekday frequency will increase to 15 minutes during AM/PM peak hours for certain trips, so there will be more bus activity on the proposed Route 612, however because of changes elsewhere in the system, Intercity Transit will not be buying or using more buses to support this change.

Q: Are you adding any stops to this route?
A: No.

Q: Are you taking any stops out of this route?
A: Yes. Under the proposal 19 bus stops would no longer be served by weekday Express service.

Q: How will I make a transfer to downtown Olympia if I am riding the proposed Route 68?
A: If the new proposed Route 68 is implemented, riders of Route 68 would make a transfer at Tumwater Square onto Route 13 to continue to Capitol Campus and then downtown. Although transfers may not be as convenient, buses on Route 13 leave Tumwater Square frequently. Route 68 riders should be able to make a fairly easy transfer to reach Capitol Campus.

Q: How many riders are you transporting each day on this route?
A: We are currently averaging 784 boardings on weekdays.

Q: Will the fares for the routes change?
A: No.

Q: Will there be additional buses added to this route?
A: Under the proposal, weekday frequency will increase from 60 minutes to 30 minutes, so there will be more bus activity on the proposed Route 68. However, because of changes elsewhere in the system, Intercity Transit will not be buying or using more buses to support this change.

Q: Are you adding any stops to this route?
A: Yes. The proposed Route 68 will serve all 42 bus stops that are currently served by Routes 12, 43 & 44 that are located between Tumwater Square and Capital Mall.

Q: Are you taking any stops out of this route?
A: Yes. The proposed Route 68 will no longer serve the 24 bus stops located along Capitol Way between Tumwater Square and the Olympia Transit Center as they will be served by Route 13, as well as Dash and Olympia Express (proposed Route 612).

Q: How many riders are you transporting each day on this route?
A: We are currently averaging 1,379 boardings on weekdays. 

Q: Will the fares for the routes change?
A: No.

Q: Will there be additional buses added to this route?
A: No.

Q: Are you adding any stops to this route?
A: Yes. Ten new bus stops are anticipated to be added to Route 62A under the proposal. They would be generally located in northeast Lacey on Orion Drive between Meridian Road and Willamette Drive, as well as on Willamette Drive between Orion Drive and Marvin Road.

Q: Are you taking any stops out of this route?
A: Yes. Under the proposal eight bus stops would be removed from Route 62A generally along the north side of Martin Way between Meridian Road and Marvin Road (see map at www.intercitytransit.com/servicechanges).

Q: How many riders are you transporting each day on this route?
A: We are currently averaging 465 boardings on weekdays.

Q: Will the fares for the routes change?
A: No.

Q: Will there be additional buses added to this route?
A: No.

Q: Are you adding any stops to this route?
A: No.

Q: Are you taking any stops out of this route?
A: Yes. Under the proposal one bus stop located at St. Francis House would be removed .

Q: How many riders are you transporting each day on this route?
A: We are currently averaging 616 boardings on weekdays.

Q: Will the fares for the routes change?
A: No.

Q: Will there be additional buses added to this route?
A: No.

Q: Are you adding any stops to this route?
A: Yes. Four new bus stops are anticipated to be added to Route 47 under the proposal. They would be located on Kaiser Road between 7th Avenue and Harrison Avenue, as well as Harrison Avenue between Kaiser Road and Cooper Point Road.

Q: Are you taking any stops out of this route?
A: Yes, under the proposal 10 bus stops would be removed from Route 47. See map at www.intercitytransit.com/servicechanges.

Q: How many riders are you transporting each day on this route?
A: We are currently averaging 51 boardings on weekdays.

Q: Will the fares for the routes change?
A: No.

Q: Will there be additional buses added to this route?
A: Under the proposal, weekday service will increase to cover the day without gaps in service, so there will be more bus activity on the proposed Route 42. However, because of changes elsewhere in the system, Intercity Transit will not be buying or using more buses to support this change.

Q: Are you adding any stops to this route?
A: Yes. The proposed Route 42 will serve all 29 bus stops that are currently served by Route 43/44 located between South Puget Sound Community College and the Olympia Transit Center, as well as two new stops located on Dr. Nels Hanson Way.

Q: Are you taking any stops out of this route?
A: Yes. The proposed Route 42 will no longer serve five bus stops generally located along RW Johnson/21st between 29th and Black Lake Boulevard.

Q: How many riders are you transporting each day on this route?
A: We are currently averaging 395 boardings on weekdays.

Q: Will the fares for the routes change?
A: No.

Q: Will there be additional buses added to this route?
A: Under the proposal, weekday frequency will increase from 60 minutes to 30 minutes, so there will be more bus activity on the proposed Route 12. However, because of changes elsewhere in the system, Intercity Transit will not be buying or using more buses to support this change.

Q: Are you adding any stops to this route?
A: Yes. The proposed Route 12 will serve all 43 bus stops that are currently served by Route 43 located between Linwood and 7th and the Olympia Transit Center.

Q: Are you taking any stops out of this route?
A: Yes. The proposed Route 12 will no longer serve the 36 bus stops located along 2nd Avenue, Custer Way and Capitol Way, as they will be served by Route 13 and the proposed Route 68.

We are looking at long-term service planning and will keep our riders and the community informed as information is available. Most of the changes that are being considered are coming from suggestions made by the community and riders during our 2017 IT Road Trip outreach effort, but that will take additional funding to implement. Road Trip planning is ongoing, and additional public engagement activities will be publicized this spring and summer. To learn more and sign up for our mailing list to be kept informed of upcoming new changes, go to www.itroadtrip.net.

Our fleet is aging. Many of our buses are over 15 years old when they were built to run for 12 years. We will replace eight of our oldest buses in 2019 with new buses, and replace another six buses in 2020. Altogether, we are ordering 14 new buses to help support service to our customers.

Additionally, we have ordered 12 new paratransit vans for our Dial-A-Lift service. These vans will go into service during 2018 and will be run on propane to increase efficiency and lower carbon emissions into the air.

Yes. There are several construction projects going on that Intercity Transit is managing to help improve the customer experience. They include:

• Bus stop and shelter improvements are being made at 33 sites.
• Tumwater Square improvements include better customer access and safety with improved sidewalks, bus shelters, street crossings and a dedicated bus lane. Construction began in March and should be completed by May, 2018.
• Underground Storage Tank Replacement Project
• Olympia Transit Center Expansion

To learn more about our construction projects, go to www.intercitytransit.com/construction and follow our progress.

We maintain ongoing conversations with local jurisdictions and other partners about where bus stops should be located. We look at our own ridership data and we take public suggestions into consideration. As a transit system, we are granted “use of public right away” for installing bus stops, shelters and sidewalk improvements. Because those transit amenities sit on city or county land, those agencies have a lot of influence on where buses are allowed to stop. Other considerations regarding bus stop improvements include whether or not they are accessible locations by bus and if the location meets American Disability Act (ADA) standards for people with impaired mobility and sight. We also consider safety issues like traffic patterns and whether or not our bus passengers can safely cross the streets near a proposed bus stop or shelter. A lot of thought and careful consideration goes into those decisions.

Yes. We have plans to improve lighting at 33 new bus stops this year to enhance safety for our passengers.

In all, we’ll be removing approximately 31 bus stops based on the service changes proposed.

We’ll be adding an estimated 16 new bus stops as a result of the proposed service changes.

Yes. The proposed service changes will help our buses get to the planned stops with more regularity by reducing the number of stops the bus makes on each trip. 

Yes. Analysts have told us that with the rate of growth in Thurston County, we should expect to add 6-7% additional time to our Express bus schedules every year to accommodate increased traffic congestion.

We have promoted the use of alternative modes of transportation for more than 35 years. We encourage people to use bus services, vanpool services and walk or bike to work, school, shopping and to other destinations within our service area, which includes the cities of Tumwater, Lacey, Olympia and Yelm.

Yes, for some routes. After 9 p.m., more evening hours will be added on Route 12 along Little Rock Road and on Route 13 along Capital Way. 

A large number of riders traveling form Lacey to other destinations like South Puget Sound Community College and the Westside (Capital Mall area) currently must go through downtown Olympia to make this trip adding extra time. Route 68 will be able to travel from east Lacey to east Olympia without going through downtown Olympia providing an option that reduces travel times. Fifteen minute service will still be offered between downtown Olympia and Tumwater Square. 

Route 12: Proposed changes will increase frequency from 60 minutes to 30 minutes all day.
Route 68: Proposed changes will increase frequency from 60 minutes to 30 minutes all day.
Express: Proposed changes will increase frequency to every 15 minutes during peak hours southbound in the morning and northbound in the afternoon.

Yes. On most routes we are adjusting the schedules to better align with the amount of time it takes the bus to travel from stop to stop. Traffic congestion over the years has lengthened travel time and we have not yet adjusted our schedules to reflect the additional travel time needed to navigate traffic. New schedules will more accurately reflect true travel times and allow buses to stay on schedule.

Yes and no. Thurston County is expected to see between 100,000-170,000 new residents in the next 20 years. We are planning for this anticipated growth to provide transit service for the community to get to and from their homes and work or shopping. While we are looking ahead at future growth, the proposed changes are designed to address current service needs. 

We are anticipating 30-40 percent growth in our ridership over the next 20 years. We currently have just over 4 million passenger boardings a year. These proposed changes will help us align routes with residential and business growth patterns in our service area to prepare for more ridership.

Thirteen of our 25 routes will be changing under the proposed service changes:

Yes. By adjusting routes and schedules to provide reliable on-time performance, our passengers can expect the bus to arrive according to the schedule.  

We are proposing a restructure of some of our services. This process includes some of the following:

• Resources will be shifted to support service where there is greater customer demand based on ridership numbers.
• We will adjust routes by ensuring services do not overlap but complement each other.
• Service will be reduced where there are few riders and little demand.

For riders in our system who use routes that are changing, the proposed changes should:

• Improve schedule reliability or on-time performance.
• Add increased frequency on some routes.
• Provide service from Lacey to SPSCC and the Westside without a downtown Olympia transfer.
• Provide more direct and consistent Express service design.

We looked at ridership data which shows us where ridership and demand is growing and also where service demand is changing. We also looked at forecasts for housing and employment to verify bus service is being offered in the areas that can support transit service. And finally, we examined on-time performance and travel times on our bus routes to confirm schedule predictability.

No. The proposed service changes do not include any changes to the current fare for local bus, Dial-A-Lift or Express bus services.

The September 23, 2018, proposed service changes are primarily a response to traffic growth in the region, which causes travel delay that results in buses running late. Our riders frequently share frustration about arriving late to work or appointments as well as missing transfers to other routes. In addition to on-time performance, we also looked at requests and suggestions gathered last year during our outreach. For more information see the IT Road Trip.

• Customizeable email, article and social media posts
• May Vanpool Riders Wanted list
• Ride Transit Month poster (11x17)

The maps of the proposed service changes linked below show both the approximate locations of the bus stops that will be added and removed. The exact location of new bus stops is still being studied and won’t be determined until later this summer after the final plans are approved. If your route is changing, we recommend that you contact Intercity Transit Customer Service a week or two before the service change to verify your route, bus stop, and schedule changes. Below is a link to the maps by route:

Route 12:

Map

Route 42:

Map

Route 47:

Map

Route 60:

Map

Route 62A:

Map

Route 68:

Map 

Thirty one bus stops along Capitol Way will no longer be served by Route 68, but will be served by Route 13.

Route 612 - Express service:

Map

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• Ad for inclusion in your employee newsletter
• BCC poster (11x17)

For the week of April 2nd, the following work will occur:

• The contractor will continue to complete the permanent fencing around the paved area;
• Work continues in the unleaded fueling canopy area to get ready for the startup activities for the week of April 16th;
• Clean up around the site to remove forms and miscellaneous supplies;
• Lube Room fluid collection system installation work; and
• Installing the E-stops in the Maintenance Building.

• Customizeable email, article and social media posts
• Flyer for posting on your CTR board
• March Vanpool Riders Wanted list
• Vanpool Video Testimonial - Dave
• Vanpool Video Testimonial - Jesse
• Vanpool Video Testimonial - Joyce
• Vanpool Video Testimonial - Tammi

• Customizeable email, article and social media posts
• Travel Training flyer for posting
• February Vanpool Riders Wanted list

• Customizeable email, article and social media posts
• Dash Flyer for posting
• Dash photo
• January Riders Wanted list

• Customizeable email, article and social media posts
• 3 is Enough flyer
• 3 is Enough ad
• Winter Commute Tips
• December Vanpool Riders Wanted list

• Customizeable email, article and social media posts
• Image for social media posts
• Vanpool flyer - low-resolution for web posting
• Vanpool flyer - high-resolution for printing
• November Vanpool Riders Wanted list

• Customizeable email, article and social media posts
• Image for social media posts
• Low-resolution flyer for web posting
• High-resolution flyer for printing
• Powerpoint slide

Today's construction activities consist of Lakeside Industries and Rognlin’s paving the temporary sidewalk along Pattison Street. Traffic control measures are in place, please be careful as you are traveling through the area today.

In addition, other work activities for today include paving east of the new concrete parking area, and pulling forms from the light pole and lube room concrete pour from yesterday's work.

The upcoming construction activities through the week of August 28, 2017 include:

• Continuing work in the Lube Room as the sump walls, floor slabs, and CMU walls are constructed;
• Continuing work in the new bus parking area; and
• Installation of the slotted drains in the bus parking area.

Rognlin's continues work to install conduit and stormwater vaults on site; finishing up demolition on the concrete floor in the lube room; and preparing for the concrete pour on the next section of the bus parking area (currently scheduled for August 14th).

The contractor is hauling off site extra excavated material and continues to get the east side parking area to proper elevation to prepare for the concrete paving formwork and installation.

Electrical work continues in the Maintenance Building and demolition work in the Lube Room begins on Friday, July 7^th.

This week the contractor continues to work on the parking area and the stormwater structures. The week of July 3^rd, the contractor will continue work on the stormwater structures, begin to form and set rebar for the concrete parking area, and install the electrical conduit in the parking area.

The contractor continues to progress right along with UST project work. This week the contractor finished the underground stormwater retention system and completed backfilling up to the subgrade. The contractor is continuing to install underground utilities next week and beginning to deliver and install the base material under the concrete parking area and will install the trench drains. The contractor’s electrician will start work the week of June 26^th in the lube room to install conduit and conductors.

UPDATE: Please be advised the contractor's work schedule has changed from the earlier update posted on June 7.

The contractor will be placing rock over the plastic stormwater chambers of the newly installed infiltration gallery on June 8 and June 10. Work hours:

• June 8: 7:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.
• June 10: 7:00 a.m. - 7:00 p.m.

Adjacent businesses and residents can expect an increase in the amount of noise from the rocks hitting the plastic.

Beginning June 8 - 12, between 7:00 a.m. and 5:00 p.m., the contractor will be placing rock over the plastic stormwater chambers of the newly installed infiltration gallery. No work will occur over the weekend.

Adjacent businesses and residents can expect an increase in the amount of noise from the rocks hitting the plastic.

The contractor continues to build and install the stormwater collection, treatment and retention system located under the new parking area. This work will continue for the next couple weeks.

CONSTRUCTION UPDATE: The contractor will not be hauling off site today. They will focus on cleaning up the construction entrances, silt fence work, and laying down additional quarry rock spalls at each of the construction entrances.

The next couple of weeks the contractor’s schedule of work includes excavation and removal of material and grading the site. There will be a substantial amount of construction activity occurring onsite and a large number of dump trucks will be entering and exiting the construction site. As a reminder - drivers, pedestrians, and bicyclists, please exercise caution when traveling in this area.