Everett Transit’s service change proposal, up to 15 percent cuts in service, closure of customer service centers, and a fare increase for all, is a bad deal for the citizens of Everett.

In 2004, voters in Everett approved a sales tax increase that effectively doubled the tax revenue for Everett Transit to 0.6 percent. This increase meant new life for both fixed route and paratransit services. However, transit and city leadership elected to use some of this added revenue to partner with Community Transit in providing the Swift service between Everett Station and Aurora Village. ET committed millions of dollars for a new terminal at Everett Station and 16 custom bus stops along the Swift route.

Transit leadership also agreed to pay one-twelfth of its future tax revenue for the ongoing operation of the Swift. Last year this payout exceeded $1.2 million. Although Everett Transit is under contract to support the Swift until 2022, there is a termination clause that allows either party to terminate the contract if either transit company experiences a significant loss of funding that would require systemwide service reductions.

Now, as gas prices soar and demand for transit increases, we are facing service cuts. One proposal includes the elimination of the route No. 9, which has the second highest ridership of any ET route.

Customers are encouraged to use other, less direct routes, or ride the Swift, which cost almost double Everett Transit’s fare.

While it’s great to be a team player in the regional transportation system, it’s time Everett Transit looked after the people of Everett first. Everett Transit exists to serve the city and not routes beyond our city limits — this is Everett’s transit company!

Bob Giles

Coach operator

Amalgamated Transit Union 883

Everett