Picture of sun shining in the interior of a King County Metro bus.
Hoquiam Transit Center, 7th & J Street in historic Hoquiam, Washington. Photo by Tami Dragoo. This month’s headlining transit photo takes us to the Hoquiam Transit Center, located at 7th and J Street in Historic Hoquiam, Washington. The photo features a 2019 Gillig bus with its distinctive Gray’s Harbor Transit red and green striping.

Big news over the weekend with the passage of the federal bipartisan infrastructure bill late Friday evening. Under the $1.2 trillion dollar Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act (IIJA), Washington will see nearly $8.6 billion in dedicated funds over the next five years and billions more in potential grants for bridges, electric vehicle infrastructure, modernizing public transit, broadband, and safer drinking water. Although the bill is historic in scope, and a win worth celebrating, it falls short of Biden’s original vision to “dramatically reduce the climate impacts of transportation, the single largest source of pollution.” Now, it’s up to Washington State legislators to act on climate change and pass a transportation package that fully funds Washington’s transportation needs. 

To double down on this message, TCC’s It Takes Transportation coalition yesterday published a letter signed by more than 100 elected leaders in Washington asking the State Transportation Committees to pass a transformative transportation package. Transportation investment is an urgent need in communities in every part of the state. Continuing to delay action is costing us valuable time on climate progress and other important issues, and the IIJA funding makes it all the more necessary to make a strong, multimodal transportation package happen as soon as possible.

In addition to tracking legislation and organizing with #TakesTransportation partners, we spent the last month adding fantastic new staff and board members, and wrapping up our Tracks Suits campaign (28 special orders are on the way — who’s down for a group photo outside Union Station?). 

— the Transportation Choices Coalition team

TCC News 

Welcome TCC’s New Board Members

Emily Mannetti is the Transportation Client Account and Business Development Manager at Jacobs. She has close to twenty years of experience providing communications strategy and policy guidance to transportation agencies and government partners. She specializes in coalition building and stakeholder engagement and is a passionate advocate for smart growth strategies that enhance access to, and movement within, the Puget Sound region.
 

Jacob Gonzalez is a practicing urban planner with a focus on strategies to increase access to housing and transportation. He has worked for over ten years in Puget Sound and Tri-Cities (Pasco) leading several planning initiatives and plans on metropolitan and regional transportation planning, land-use, affordable housing, downtowns, and public engagement. He has served on the Board of United Way of Benton & Franklin Counties, the Census Transportation Planning Committee and as Chair of the Downtown Pasco Development Authority.

Meet TCC’s New Advocacy Director 

Matthew Sutherland (he/him) leads TCC’s work in building support among elected officials, transportation leaders, and the public for equitable transportation policies and practices. Combating Climate Change, improving economic opportunities for everyone, and creating both healthier and safer communities #TakesTransportation. Matthew firmly believes that we need to invest in transit in a transformational way, and hopes that he can convince legislative bodies to agree!

Matthew recently finished supporting the state’s COVID-19 response as an Officer in the National Guard, and also served as a Political Director for the Biden campaign in WA. Before that, he was the Vice-President of Legislative Affairs for Graduate Students at WSU, and worked in Olympia to pass policy that helped create equitable access to Higher Education for all. Matthew has an M.A. in Political Science from Washington State University.

You can typically find him on your local rugby pitch, the light rail, or watching the Coug game.

TCC is Hiring an Operations Manager!

 

Transportation Choices Coalition seeks an experienced Operations Manager to lead the internal operations of our organization. TCC offers a flexible schedule and promotes the health and well-being of each staff member through benefits such as a hybrid in-person and remote workplace, vacation/sick policy starting at four weeks, 6 set and 4 floating holidays, professional development funding, and a yearly transit pass.

Read the full job description and apply today

Did You Miss Our Special Light Rail Transit Talk? Watch it Now 

In honor of Northgate’s opening on October 2, TCC hosted a special Transit Talk on the history of light rail in the Puget Sound Region. TCC was joined by Greg Nickels, a founding member of the Sound Transit Board, Councilmember Kent Keel, current Sound Transit Board Chair, and Patience Malaba, TCC Board Member for an engaging conversation about the past, present, and future of light rail. You can watch it here!

New FUND PUBLIC TRANSIT Shirt Styles & Sizes (including youth sizes!)

Know any transit-loving youth? Now they can share the FUND PUBLIC TRANSIT message far and wide on all their transit travels! You’ve seen the buzz about TCC’s exclusive FUND PUBLIC TRANSIT t-shirts, sweatshirts, and hoodies — now get your fave youth(s) a comfy Tee with an awesome message. And get yourself one of our snazzy, new V-Neck styles while you’re at it.

P.S. Remember to snag your bestie a new mug or tote to match. We’ve got you covered for a FUND PUBLIC TRANSIT holiday season! 

Mobility Justice 

A collage of picture depicting the diversity of transit riders.

Philadelphia to become first major US city to ban minor traffic stops to promote equity, curb ‘negative interactions’ with police (USA Today — October 31)
“Traffic stops are traumatic for drivers and scary for police officers. Limiting them makes everyone safer and communities stronger.”

Before the Final Frame: When Police Missteps Create Danger (The New York Times — November 1)
“Criminologists call this “officer-created jeopardy.” But it often goes unexamined in deadly-force cases.”

Why Cars Don’t Deserve the Right of Way (The Atlantic — October 15)
“As we rebuilt cities around the automobile, historians contend, drivers came to expect to be policed. And communities of color have paid the highest price.”

Why Many Police Traffic Stops Turn Deadly (The New York Times — October 31)
“Officers, trained to presume danger, have reacted with outsize aggression. For hundreds of unarmed drivers, the consequences have been fatal.”

‘You Have To Scream Out’ Being Black and disabled is a constant struggle. (The Atlantic — September 21)
“Miles’s story is emblematic of what it’s like to be Black and disabled in America: Every day is a struggle to not get left behind.”

How to Take on Harmful Jaywalking Laws – Decriminalizing Walking for Mobility Justice (America Walks — October 16)
“Kansas City and Virginia recently decriminalized jaywalking and the California legislature right now is considering the same action…Could your state or city be next to follow suit and set this critical precedent? We hope so.”

Recent News

‘Small Victories’ For Vulnerable Road Users In Infrastructure Bill (Streetsblog USA — November 8)
“Active transportation advocates are celebrating modest but potentially powerful new policies in the newly passed $1.2-trillion infrastructure bill — and pressing for the passage of its companion bill, which they say will boost safe infrastructure even more.”

The Infrastructure Bill: What’s In It For Us? (Streetsblog USA — November 7)
“The bill allocates $39 billion for public transit, not only to clear up a massive backlog of repairs (in New York City alone, that money could be spent in two years), but also to expand lines, improve accessibility for people with disabilities and help state and local governments buy zero-emission buses (which are barely a part of the U.S. mode share right now).”

FTA awards Sound Transit $275.3 million in COVID-19 relief funding (Mass Transit — November 2)
““As our nation’s transit systems recover from COVID-19, the American Rescue Plan funds ensure that they continue to provide service to the many Americans who depend on transit to get to essential jobs, healthcare and vaccine appointments,” added FTA Administrator Nuria Fernandez.”

You Don’t Have to Be Afraid of Public Transit (Vice — September 26)
“Before we can fix American public transportation, we need to fix the way we talk about it.”

Polluting cars now have to pay to drive within 140 square miles of London (FastCompany — October 25)
“To some, traffic and pollution are just part of living in a city, but policies like low emissions zones and congestion pricing are challenging that notion.”

Snohomish County Leaders participate in the Week Without Driving Challenge (Snotrac Blog — November 2)
“For the week of October 22 to 29, Disability Rights Washington and supportive organizations (including Snotrac) hosted a “Week Without Driving Challenge” for the region’s leaders.Here are their thoughts from the week, selected and edited from posts, tweets, and news articles.” 

Metro General Manager Terry White and his ‘Week Without Driving’ challenge (Metro Matters — October 28)
“Growing up in Seattle, he says transit was a lifeline for him, his brother and his disabled mother.”

Cross-Border Transit Returning with Greyhound Service in November (The Urbanist — October 27)
“Greyhound Bus Lines will restore cross-border service as soon as November 8th, according to new schedules posted on the company website.”

Mason Transit Authority optimistic about future (Shelton-Mason County Journal — October 21)
“MTA cut service back because of COVID-19, but with the uncertainty of when the pandemic will end, Asher feels it will soon be time to bring back the full service if safety measures are in place.”

Everett Takes Stock of Findings on a Possible Transit Merger, Charts Next Steps (The Urbanist — October 21)
“A merger of Everett Transit with Community Transit that would significantly increase transit service in the region may still have legs.”

Skagit, Whatcom transportation authorities join fare systems to help bus riders (goSkagit.com — October 12)
“Skagit Transit and the Whatcom Transportation Authority joined electronic fare systems last week, meaning travelers can use the same system to pay their fares on the buses.”

A Photo Tour of Link Construction (Seattle Transit Blog — October 22)
Recently STB writers Bruce Nourish and Tim Bond had an opportunity to check out the new Link extensions from the air. Enjoy the photos!

Sound Transit Proposes South Tacoma and Lakewood Station Access Improvements  (The Urbanist — October 20)
“The access improvement projects are to be funded as part of the Sound Transit 3 program and implemented by 2030.”

Northgate light rail frees buses for Snohomish County routes (HeraldNet — October 11)
“Ridership is projected to increase for Community Transit, despite losing some commuter passengers to light rail, because of added bus frequency, Ilgenfritz said.”

LEVY DOLLARS AT WORK | Thank you, Seattle! (SDOT Blog — October 29)
“From July-September, you’ve helped us finish 2 new bridges, create almost 5 miles of bike routes, repair sidewalks on 312 different blocks, break ground on a new bus route, and more.”

Metro Presents its 2021 Employee Award Winners! (Metro Matters — October 29)
““I am proud of what we have accomplished this year despite the challenges we have all faced due to the pandemic,” said Metro General Manager Terry White.”

Take Action

It Takes Transportation Campaign

Tell legislators: A better future #TakesTransportation
Washington state legislators are long overdue to pass a transportation package — but we don’t need just any kind of investment. We need a transformative approach to transportation that meets our needs for health, safety, and affordability, and addresses climate, social, and economic justice. Join us in telling legislators that a better future #TakesTransportation.

Mission in Motion 

On Monday, November 1, TCC’s Executive Director, Alex Hudson, joined Mayor Durkan as she announced her executive action on climate.

As part of the Mayor’s executive action, she expanded free transit passes to middle school students for the remainder of the school year, and a City study on how to make transit free for all youth in Seattle. This gives thousands of young people a golden mobility ticket to get them to school and beyond – alleviating costs for families and building a generation of transit riders. 

We’re thrilled to see this important program come forward, as Hudson writes, “Expanding ease of access to public transit is a key element of creating a climate resilient and socially equitable city. This pilot project will help get more young Seattleites where they need to go safely and reliably, while also lowering transportation costs for families and empowering a new generation of transit riders.”

A major win!

Get Engaged

Add your voice: helmets, yes; helmet laws, no
Join Cascade Bicycle Club in making sure county leaders know that there is broad community support for decriminalizing helmet usage, a decision that will help mitigate inequitable enforcement and focus on ways to make our streets safer for all. Take one minute to send an email to officials.

Health and Equity Advocates Forum: USING OUR VOICE & INFLUENCE FOR ENVIRONMENTAL AND CLIMATE JUSTICE
We invite you to join an Oregon and Washington Forum on Advocating for Healthy Homes, Healthy Buildings, Healthy Communities. Our goals are to listen, learn, and then act together with the community. Tuesday November 9th 7:00 – 8:30pm: Register Here or Wednesday November 10th noon – 1:30pm: Register Here.

Early scoping begins on Everett Link regional light rail extension and Operations and Maintenance Facility North 
Sound Transit has kicked off early scoping work on the plan to bring a regional light rail extension to downtown Everett, with two virtual public meetings scheduled this month. Community members can learn more and provide feedback through an online portal at https://everettlink.participate.online/.

WTS International invites you to submit an abstract for the 2022 Annual Conference
Consider sharing your specialized transportation knowledge, insights, and experiences as part of a breakout session at the 2022 WTS Annual Conference!

Call for Papers on the Special Issues: Equitable Active Transportation
Studies point to inequities among socio-economic and demographic groups in access to infrastructure for active travel, the use of active travel modes, safety of active travel, and predominant cultures of active travel (such as male-oriented bicycling groups and gender stereotypes). These inequities call for extra attention from scholars and practitioners to the planning and deployment of an equitable active transportation system.

Share your e-bike story!
Have e-bikes changed your life? Share your story with Cascade Bicycle Club today to help them communicate the value of bike-friendly policies!

Access Paratransit Advisory Committee members needed 
Do you use Access Paratransit? Or are you interested in advising us on equal access to public transportation for people with disabilities? Then consider joining the Access Paratransit Advisory Committee (APAC).

PSRC Future Transportation Survey
PSRC is developing the next Regional Transportation Plan, which will describe how the region will meet transportation needs into the future, addressing existing needs and future growth. The plan is updated every four years per federal law and will respond to the priorities and growth strategy identified in VISION 2050

Survey to understand desire for BIA-funded programs and services ESDA wants to understand the interest of property owners at this time to receive programs and services that could be funded by a BIA.

Support our Resilience + Recovery Fund

Transit and inclusive transportation options will be an integral part of Washington’s recovery as well as an important piece of our continued effort to correct racial and economic injustice. In the months and years ahead, our efforts to fund transit in Washington will be more necessary than ever.

Join us in donating to the Fund today.

Staff Pick

The Legacy of Racism in Transit: A Must Watch Video from TransitCenter

So much of our work as transit advocates is undoing the legacy of racism in transportation: from disparities in transit service; to bus stop quality; to affordable fares; to the harms of over policing and enforcement. Whether you are learning about these issues for the first time, or need a re-grounding, I highly recommend TransitCenter’s recent video, “The Legacy of Racism in Transit.” This powerful yet accessible film (less than 10 minutes!) is a must-watch for anyone who believes in equitable transportation for all.  

 

Kelsey Mesher
Deputy Director  

Meme in Motion

Did you know the new Roosevelt Station has its own Twitter account? Follow @RoosieStation for station updates, commute announcements, and of course to stay up to date with all the latest Roosie Station Moose happenings.   

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