We want to know your opinion!
Help us improve our public transportation system!
Get Involved
Whatcom Transportation Authority is committed to making the Long Range Transit Plan a community-driven process, incorporating the knowledge and vision of residents and organizations into every aspect of the planning process. As such, the plan will focus heavily on community engagement across all parts of the County. Help us improve our transit system!
We will be updating this page throughout the project with new ways to get involved, so check this page periodically for updates. In response to the COVID-19 pandemic, in-person events are on hold until further notice.
WTA 2040 Survey #1
Thank you to everyone who responded to WTA 2040 Survey #1! WTA received 542 online responses (541 English, 1 Russian; 9 paper surveys). The survey asked questions to understand current public opinion on both current travel patterns and vision for future travel options. The survey was available online throughout the month of August 2020 and closed on September 6, 2020.
When asked, “why is WTA important to you,” the majority of respondents indicated that the most important factor is that it meets the transportation needs of the community, followed by environmental benefits, congestion relief, and improved quality of life.
The survey is being used to understand existing conditions and develop future transit scenarios. A summary of survey responses is available in the Library.
Transportation Advisory Group (TAG)
WTA assembled a group of community representatives and stakeholders to guide the development of WTA 2040. Members of the TAG include riders, residents, businesses, groups, and local agency representatives. The group will meet at three key checkpoints over the course of the plan development.
The group convened in July 2020 to learn about how TAG members and those they work with or represent use WTA and needs, concerns, and hopes for the future. Notes and PowerPoint slides from the first TAG meeting are available in the Library.
WTA 2040 Survey #2
The project team wrapped up a second survey in February 2021, which asked questions about WTA’s proposed transit scenarios. The survey presented detailed information about three scenarios with varying levels of investment: Limited, Moderate, and Substantial Investment. WTA received approximately 400 completed responses (including one response in Russian and one in Spanish). Given the length and depth of the survey, many participants initiated the survey but did not complete every question.
The survey asked participants to rank all evaluation metrics. More frequent service ranked highest overall, and improved passenger amenities ranked the lowest. Reductions in greenhouse gases received the second highest #1 votes, as well as the second highest #11 votes, indicating that it was a polarizing option. Priorities that received the highest #1, 2 and 3 votes included: More frequent service, Access to jobs for Priority Populations, and Proximity to frequent service for Priority Populations. A summary of survey findings is available in the Library.
Tim Wilder
Planning Director and Project Manager
Whatcom Transportation Authority
360.788.9330