Join us on Saturday, October 1st for our annual “Tuxes & Trains” gala fundraiser as we toast to a new era in Washington state transportation.

Can you believe it’s already September? This time of year always seems to fly. 

This month, we’re celebrating the rollout of Youth Ride Free, which is providing free public transportation to 1.4 million Washingtonians 18 and under across our state. The first of its kind in the nation, Youth Ride Free is part of the historic Move Ahead Washington transportation package that’s investing more than $16 billion into Washington’s transportation infrastructure for the next 16 years.

Here at Transportation Choices, we think it’s essential to take a moment to acknowledge our wins as a community. That’s why we’re so excited to celebrate with you and transportation advocates from across our state at our annual Tuxes & Trains gala fundraiser on October 1st. Join us at Seattle’s iconic MoPOP museum as we come together to celebrate this exciting new era in Washington State transportation.

We can’t wait to see you. 😊

Keep moving,
Transportation Choices Coalition

WHAT WE’VE BEEN UP TO

“Youth Ride Free” is rolling out!

As of September 1st, most Washington state transit agencies have made fares free for people 18 and under, timing the rollout with the start of a new school year and meeting the October 1st deadline for adoption. Providing pre-paid public transportation for 1.4 million Washingtonians 18 and under will put money back in families’ pockets, reduce greenhouse gas emissions, and cultivate a new generation of transit riders. 

“Youth Ride Free” was a key provision in the historic Move Ahead Washington transportation package that Transportation Choices helped pass during the 2022 WA legislative session. We couldn’t be more excited!

Attending the annual Washington State Public Transportation Conference in Spokane, WA

We had an amazing two days in Spokane, connecting with transit agencies from across our state at the Washington State Public Transportation Conference. Our Executive Director, Alex Hudson, led a discussion on the significance of Generation Transit and what Youth Ride Free means for mobility in Washington. Big thanks to Washington State Transit Association for bringing together all the people who move us. Until we meet again, Lilac City! 👋

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WHAT’S COMING UP

Tuxes & Trains 2022 — Saturday, October 1st

Our Tuxes & Trains 2022 gala fundraiser is all about Generation Transit. This year, we’re celebrating the historic Move Ahead Washington and its transformative Youth Ride Free program that is making public transit free for 1.4 million Washingtonians 18 and under.

Join us at Seattle’s iconic MoPOP museum as we come together to celebrate this exciting new era in Washington State transportation. Network with changemakers, transit advocates, and industry leaders from across our state. This is your once-in-a-year opportunity to show up and show out for Transportation Choices. Don’t miss out on the party of the year!

See what it’s all about: transportationchoices.org/tuxestrains2022

Let's Move Redmond

Let’s Move Redmond

Saturday, September 10th

Join Transportation Choices for Let’s Move Redmond THIS Saturday! Let’s Move Redmond is an Open Street Festival that promotes healthy, active transportation by transforming 161st Street into a place where people can bike, walk, scoot, roll, and play. Come find our team from 11-3 PM to talk transit and for a chance to win one of our fab “The Future Takes Transit” t-shirts!

LEARN MORE: moveredmond.org/letsmoveredmond/

Community Transit Hiring Fair

Saturday, Sept. 17th

Community Transit is hosting a hiring fair in Everett on Saturday, September 17th. Talk to Community Transit bus drivers and mechanics and learn more about their company culture. Bring a copy of your resume and get connected with a hiring manager. They can even get you scheduled for an initial interview! Family-friendly.

LEARN MORE:
communitytransit.org/blog/post-details/blog/2022/09/01/you-re-invited-to-community-transit-s-hiring-fair 

GET INVOLVED

Help shape the future of transit in the Yakima Valley

Do you live or work in the Yakima Valley? The Yakima Valley Conference of Governments (YVCOG) is conducting a Transit Feasibility Study in order to understand the transportation needs of Yakima County communities and residents. You can participate in this study by taking this brief survey to help YVCOG find better ways to effectively serve all the unique and diverse residents and communities of the Yakima Valley.

Take the survey: https://www.yvtransitstudy.org/

King County looking for input on its Comprehensive Plan

King County is updating its Comprehensive Plan, a 20-year plan that guides land use in unincorporated areas (places outside of city limits). This update will focus on actions to address social equity, affordable housing, and climate change in our region. There will be many opportunities for the public to provide input during this year-long planning process, starting with two surveys in September. These short surveys will ask for your thoughts on how King County should address affordable housing and climate change.

The county would like to know:

  • What types of housing make sense for our growing neighborhoods?
  • How can we help residents stay in our communities as costs rise?
  • How can King County help you stay cool in extreme heat?
  • How can we help residents use less gasoline in their day-to-day lives?

Take the survey: https://publicinput.com/M3564

Take action on the federal greenhouse gas rule!

Alliance for a Just Society and the National Campaign for Transit Justice are urging organizations to submit comments this week on greenhouse gas emissions to the Federal Highway Administration. You can read more about why this rule is so critical here, and check out this sample letter you can use to provide comments.

Submit comments: https://www.regulations.gov/commenton/FHWA-2021-0004-0001

WHAT WE’RE READING

Free transit starts today for most youths across WA – Seattle Times

“Young transit riders in most of Washington won’t pay their bus fares today or any day until they turn 19, as agencies across the state pivot toward providing free rides for people 18 and under.”
READ MORE

Kitsap Transit gets nearly $1M to help address frequent ferry delays and cancellations – MyNorthwest

“Since the start of the pandemic, just like other ferry services, Kitsap Fast Ferry has had its share of cancellations. It was so bad at points that cancellations would happen daily. But with new federal funding, Kitsap County is looking to change that.”
READ MORE

Vancouver leaders work toward a transportation transformation – The Columbian

Vancouver leaders work to reshape neighborhoods so residents can get around without cars.
READ MORE

Should Public Transit Be Free? – Freakonomics Episode 513

“It boosts economic opportunity and social mobility. It’s good for the environment. So why do we charge people to use it? The short answer: it’s complicated.” 
LISTEN

STAFF PICK

what’s turning our wheels this month

Transportation funding song contest winners!

Some people speak at their city council, some write letters to their congressperson, and others, well, they get creative. Earlier this year, our national partner TransitCenter held a competition to produce the most compelling song about transportation funding, and boy did folks deliver. Check out these two hits-with-a-message and share widely! 😊

Winning Song: Federal Funding By Elijah Pipersburgat Ride New Orleans – IG: @rideneworleans
Runner-up: Transportation Transformation by Paul Rippey, Portland transit activist

Hester Serebrin
Transportation Choices Policy Director

PARTNER CONTENT

Vulcan Real Estate’s New Development Supports Bellevue Transit

Vulcan Real Estate recently celebrated the topping out of 555 Tower in Bellevue. Not only is the building changing the Eastside skyline, but its public space and retail pavilion will help activate the pathway connecting Meydenbauer Bay Park, the Civic Center District, and the Grand Connection. With an engaging, walkable street front, richly lit public open space, and a diverse retail experience, 555 Tower on 108th Ave NE is an urban asset that aligns with Transportation Choices’ values and goals around sustainable, transit-oriented development.

The Grand Connection plays a key role in facilitating pedestrian movement between the East Link Extension’s Bellevue station and the city center. This landmark infrastructure is a significant development in Bellevue’s plan to improve its accessibility and create a more cohesive, connected downtown experience, which supports Transportation Choices’s mission to bring Washingtonians more and better transportation choices.

Vulcan Real Estate is a sponsor of Transportation Choices 2022 gala fundraiser, “Tuxes & Trains: Generation Transit.”

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