Island Transit launches 20-year long-range plan, seeks public input

Brad Windler, planning and outreach manager for Island Transit, told the Langley City Council the agency is "kicking off our inaugural long range plan," a 20-year vision the agency intends to update every five years.

Windler said Phase 1 will collect public feedback and operational data to establish short-term service improvements and long-term goals; Phase 2 will focus on financial analysis and service concepts, and Phase 3 will produce draft policy recommendations and a prioritized list of improvements for board adoption. "We need to start by surveying the public for feedback on our current operations," Windler said, citing a QR code and a public survey for residents who do and do not currently ride transit.

Council members urged strong community outreach. Council member Craig Cyr, who serves on Island Transit’s board, encouraged residents to engage and said the agency’s new automated data collection should help prioritize changes. Windler noted that procuring vehicles can take about two years, underscoring the need to plan ahead for vehicle and driver needs.

The city offered to amplify Island Transit’s outreach and asked staff to share meeting dates and survey links with the council. Windler asked community groups, businesses, nonprofits and jurisdiction staff to participate as stakeholders to help shape prioritized service changes.