Now’s your chance to shape proposed transit improvements for Vashon

Metro has been working with Vashon Island stakeholders to explore ways transportation on the island can be improved to move more riders in more cost-effective ways. Now it’s time for the broader community to have a say on potential future transportation options.

Metro is inviting Vashon residents to attend an upcoming open house to share their thoughts on a set of alternative transit concepts that have recently been developed based on a Vashon survey taken last fall.
The meeting will be held:
5 p.m. – 8 p.m. Tuesday, April 5 (Welcoming remarks at 6 p.m.)
Vashon Maury Island Land Trust Building
10014 SW Bank Road, Vashon Island

Following input from its stakeholder group and other residents, Metro has come up with four alternative services concepts that have the potential for providing new transportation options tailor-made for the way Islanders travel.

Those concepts would be part of a two-year demonstration and could include:

Exploring the feasibility of using Metro Access vans to serve anyone looking for a ride on a space available basis. Currently Access service is only been available to qualifying riders with disabilities.

Deploying Metro-owned community vans through a partnership with a local community organization. Vans would be booked in advance, serve popular island destinations and be driven by program volunteers.

Launching Real-time ridesharing - an informal carpooling option that matches riders and drivers traveling to the same destination through the use of a real-time ridesharing app.

Creating a physical on-island or virtual community transportation hub for Islanders to connect with each other to share rides or find out about local transportation options.

During the open house, you will have an opportunity to learn more about each concept and talk with Metro staff. You can also share your thoughts by taking a second online survey beginning April 5. The survey will also be available for people to fill out at the open house.

Depending on the types of concepts residents prefer, the demonstration project could be launched as early as this summer or fall.