Skagit Transit CEO Crystal Stidham outlines long range transit plan for Skagit County

On April 15, 2025, Skagit County officials convened to discuss the long-range transit plan presented by Skagit Transit CEO Crystal Stidham and consultant Sam Sambabwe. The meeting highlighted the need for improvements in the county's transit system, which aims to enhance service delivery over the next five to ten years.

The long-range transit plan is a comprehensive roadmap designed to address existing challenges while capitalizing on the strengths of Skagit Transit. Currently, the system provides extensive coverage across the county, facilitating access to jobs and essential services. However, issues such as infrequent bus service, circuitous routes, and limited evening and weekend availability were identified as significant barriers to effective transit use.

Sambabwe shared insights from community outreach efforts, which included public engagement events and feedback collection from over 600 participants. The predominant themes from this outreach emphasized the community's desire for increased bus frequency, extended service hours, and improved regional connectivity. Residents expressed a strong interest in on-demand transit options, which would allow for more flexible and responsive service.

The proposed plan includes both short-term refinements and long-term investments. Immediate changes aim to streamline existing routes and enhance service efficiency, while future recommendations may require additional resources to implement frequency upgrades and expanded service hours. Notably, the plan suggests consolidating routes to eliminate redundancy and improve direct access between key locations, such as Sedro Woolley and Mount Vernon.

A significant aspect of the discussion was the potential introduction of on-demand transit services, which would provide point-to-point transportation within designated areas. Anacortes has been identified as a prime candidate for a pilot program due to its demographics and current service gaps.

The meeting concluded with a call for public feedback on the draft long-range transit plan, which is currently undergoing a 30-day comment period. Officials expressed optimism about moving forward with phase one implementation of service changes, contingent on community input and resource availability.

As Skagit County continues to evolve, the transit plan represents a critical step toward enhancing mobility and accessibility for all residents, ensuring that the transit system meets the growing demands of the community.