We’ve got great news for people trying to get around on Vashon Island: One of the alternative service solutions that emerged from Metro’s work with the community – Community Van – is just about ready to hit the road!
One Community Van (and one more on the way!) has been delivered to the island and Janet Welt has been hired as a Community Transportation Coordinator by the Vashon Island Chamber of Commerce to manage the service. For more details on this new service, call 206-773-7003 or email CTC@vashonchamber.com.
Metro has been working with the Vashon Island community since September 2015 to learn what was working and not working about Metro services and to find so-called “alternatives services” that could fill the gaps. Part of Metro’s Community Connections program, this work with the community involved five working group meetings, a public open house and two online surveys.
As a service that provides group trips defined by the community 24×7, Community Van meets three of the four transportation needs that were identified by the Vashon community:
- Serve areas where the bus doesn’t go today (Check!)
- Be available on weekends and evenings (Check!)
- Pick up and drop off people near their home (Check!)
- Offer sustainable, active (bike/walk) transportation options
Reaching this milestone is a testament to the teamwork and enthusiasm the community and project staff brought to this effort! We’ll be monitoring how service operates and appreciate your feedback.