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Committee backs rapid‑transit locally preferred alternative and MOU with WTA to pursue 10‑minute service on four GO lines
Summary
The committee recommended adoption of a locally preferred alternative that shifts rapid transit investment to improvements across four GO lines to reach 10‑minute headways, and authorized the mayor to enter a Memorandum of Understanding with the Whatcom Transportation Authority to coordinate implementation and priorities.
The Public Works & Natural Resources Committee voted to recommend adoption of a rapid‑transit locally preferred alternative (LPA) and to authorize the mayor to enter a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with the Whatcom Transportation Authority (WTA) to prioritize and implement the plan.
Tim Homan, assistant public works director for transportation, said city and WTA staff shifted the study’s focus from building a single, heavily upgraded rapid‑transit line to making coordinated improvements across four existing GO lines so each can reach roughly 10‑minute headways. Homan said the LPA bundles smaller, targeted investments—bus stop islands, transit‑signal priority (TSP), tiered stop upgrades (tier 1 mini hubs and tier 2 upgraded stops), stop balancing (about a quarter‑mile spacing goal) and other corridor improvements—designed to reduce bus bunching and improve on‑time performance.
Homan told the committee the WTA board adopted the LPA in April and that public outreach showed strong support for faster, more reliable and more frequent service; staff plan to seed early projects with city transportation funds and pursue grants for implementation. Staff cited short‑term capital estimates of roughly $36,000,000 for initial improvements and an operational cost impact to WTA in the range of about $2 million to $4.5 million per year if service frequency increases.
Council members asked how the LPA links to the comprehensive and multimodal plans and to the TIP. Homan said the LPA is referenced in the city’s planning work and that the first project—transit‑signal priority on the Gold Line—is expected to appear on the TIP in June; grant success could accelerate schedules. Council member Chase moved adoption of the resolution recommending the LPA; the committee approved by voice vote.
The committee also moved and approved authorization for the mayor to sign an MOU with WTA that documents roles, responsibilities and sequencing for implementing the LPA and ensures continuity of intent for future staff.
