Community operated, community driven: Skyway Van ready to assist with mobility needs

Responding to requests by Skyway residents for greater mobility options, King County Metro is excited to announce the launch of the new Skyway Community Van.

The Skyway Community Van is designed to provide alternative travel options and help fill community transportation gaps. It’s a reservation-based rideshare service, available 24 hours a day, seven days per week.

“Connecting communities is at the core of our mission and investing mobility options for Skyway is a critical piece of the puzzle,” said King County Executive Dow Constantine. “Transportation is crucial, and the Community Van program, powered by volunteers from the community, is a positive step toward improving access for people who need more than a bus to get to work, school, or to the grocery store.”

Riders requiring an accessible vehicle are invited to request additional accommodation when making their reservation. The vehicles are driven by trained volunteer operators.

“Skyway residents have been asking for increased mobility options that match the growing needs of their community,” said Christina O’ Claire, Metro Mobility Director. The Community Van service will join Via to Transit as well as regular bus service in providing greater transportation opportunities for an area that depends on transit to access work, school, the services they depend on, and the activities they enjoy.”

Community Van Coordinator and Skyway native Kahdijah Jackson has been recruiting volunteer drivers and raising awareness of the new option for getting to events, services, school, and appointments.

“I’m excited to be part of a service that provides a new mobility option for Skyway,” said Jackson. “This is a ‘community-driven’ program that I hope everyone in the community will utilize!”

The community vans are part of Metro’s Mobility Framework— which helps the agency adapt to the changing transportation landscape in an equitable and sustainable way. Skyway has been identified as an area of opportunity due to the challenge of meeting residents’ transportation needs with Metro bus service.

“The new Skyway Community Van service is driven by the community, for the community”, said King County Councilmember Girmay Zahilay, whose district includes Skyway. “This new service will provide residents with the ability to get around the neighborhood more safely and conveniently. I am excited for this opportunity help bring community together.”

The cost of the van ride is standard Metro fare: $2.75 for adults, $1.50 for youth (6-18), $1 for seniors and disabled. Riders can use the Transit Go Ticket app on their phone, a monthly or annual ORCA Card, or Metro Paper Tickets. Many people—including people with lower incomes, people with disabilities, seniors, and youth—qualify for a discount fare. Use our online tool to find the ORCA fare that’s right for you.

As with all Metro services, safety is first priority. All drivers and passengers are required to wear face masks when riding in Community Vans as required by Federal Law. Should a passenger arrive without a mask, one will be provided. Each van provides hand sanitizer, disinfectant spray, and disinfectant wipes. All vans have vinyl safety screens between the driver and passengers.

To find out how to schedule a trip, contact Kahdijah Jackson by phone at 206-477-7660 or by email at skywayvan@kingcounty.gov.  You may also visit the Community Van website to view the trip schedule or to submit a trip request form. Calls, emails, and trip requests will be responded to within 24 to 48 hours, or on the next business day if received on weekends or holidays.