FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: October 15, 2001

MEETING SET TO DISCUSS FUTURE OF TRANSIT SERVICE

OLYMPIA – Thurston County Commissioners have set November 13^th as the date for a Public Transportation Improvement Conference. (PTIC)  The meeting will be used to take input regarding the service boundaries for the Thurston County Public Transportation Benefit Area.  The county’s transit provider, Intercity Transit, is recommending the area match the urban growth area boundaries around Olympia, Lacey and Tumwater with a possible service corridor extending to the city of Yelm. 

Intercity Transit General Manager Michael Harbour says, “In light of recent reductions in revenue, we feel it is wise to concentrate on the more populous parts of the county where public transportation is most effective.  The recommended plan allows for rural areas to be served if residents of those areas voted to be annexed.” In addition Harbour says, “The agency is also exploring new sources of revenue that could enable Intercity Transit to increase its services at some point in the future.” 

County Commission Chair Kevin O’Sullivan says it’s important for local government representatives in the county to attend the conference.  “We called the meeting because we want to ensure towns and cities affected by the possible change in transit services have an opportunity to give their opinions.  Transit is critical to many jurisdictions throughout the County and it is important that their representatives are heard before any decision is made.  We also understand that a public hearing will follow the conference and our hope is area residents will take the opportunity to also give their opinions on this vital matter.”

The process, as established by state law, calls for the PTIC to be held so representatives of affected jurisdictions can decide the boundaries of a recommended service area.  That plan would go forward with a public comment period and a formal hearing and could then be adopted by the County Commission. 

The first formal step in the process, the Public Transportation Improvement Conference, will be held at 6 PM on November 13^th   at the Thurston County Courthouse room 280.  The public is invited to attend, but citizen testimony will not be taken until the public hearing.