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Disabled riders urge caution as Everett explores merger with Community Transit
Summary
A paratransit rider warned the Everett City Council that DART’s service falls short for many disabled and senior residents; council members said Community Transit has committed to maintaining paratransit service and employee protections if a merger proceeds.
During public comment at the June 24 meeting, Everett residents pressed the council for clear plans and protections as officials continue to explore a potential merger of Everett Transit with Community Transit.
Berna Rhinemond, an Everett resident who identified herself as a regular paratransit rider, told the council she depends on Everett paratransit for medical appointments and daily needs and described "late or missed rides that have taken up my entire day and worsened my physical pain" when she has had to use other services. "Please don't sacrifice the well‑being of disabled and elderly residents of Everett for a tax increase," Rhinemond said.
A council member responded that Community Transit has committed to keeping Everett's paratransit service "whole in Everett as is," and emphasized that employee protections and bargaining details would be addressed through the negotiation process and returned to council for review. The mayor also said Community Transit leadership had committed in meetings to protect paratransit service levels for existing users.
Council and staff repeatedly noted that any merger or service change would be subject to additional planning, negotiation and council approval. No formal action or vote on a merger was taken at the meeting.
The exchange underscored the specific concerns of paratransit riders about reliability and continuity of service, and a demand from commenters that the city secure written commitments and implementation details before proceeding further.
