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Mayor Franklin authorizes free Route 12 for six months after Fred Meyer closure, council briefed
Summary
Mayor Cassie Franklin announced a six-month pilot making Everett Transit Route 12 free to serve Casino Road and Everett Mall riders after the closure of Fred Meyer; City staff will run a free shuttle between Everett Mall Station and Everett Mall Way destinations.
Mayor Cassie Franklin told the council on Oct. 8 that she had used city code authority to authorize a temporary free transit route to assist residents affected by the impending closure of Fred Meyer at Casino Road.
“Without authority, I’m — I’m asking Everett Transit to make Route 12 a free route for all riders,” the mayor said during her remarks, explaining the route runs the length of Casino Road and connects to Everett Mall Station. At the mall, Everett Transit will operate a smaller free shuttle to connect the station with the Walmart and other retail at Everett Mall Way.
The mayor said the program will run for six months and is intended to help neighbors around Casino Road and Everett Mall access grocery and pharmacy options after the store’s closure. Councilmembers acknowledged the move during later committee reports: Councilmember Ryan said staff and committee discussions had included short-term and long-term responses to grocery access and large vacant retail sites.
The mayor characterized the action as an emergency/short-term measure to ease access to amenities while the city and partners identify longer-term solutions for vacancy and food access in the area. No council vote was required for the mayor’s temporary transit authorization, and staff said Everett Transit is implementing the free route.
