Submitted by Whatcom Transportation Authority
WTA’s ridership is currently down about 80%. Yet we continue to transport people who rely on the bus to reach groceries, medicine and medical care. We also carry workers who ensure that groceries, medicine and medical care remain available to all of us. This is why public transportation is an essential service.
Meet some Whatcom County residents who make essential trips by bus:
- Sandra, age 50. She rides Route 190 to Lakeway Fred Meyer for groceries.
- Jaime, age 47. Jaime takes the bus to the Kidney Center where he receives dialysis treatment, every Monday, Wednesday and Friday.
- Grant is 35 years old. Grant rides Route 26 to his essential job at Lynden Safeway, three days per week.
- Tricia, who is 38. She rides Route 14 three times a week, to her job at Boundary Bay Brewery and Bistro.
- Gertrude, age 83. Gertrude takes the bus to Safeway once per week, or twice if she needs to pick up a prescription.
- Adam is 30. He works at T-Mobile and takes the bus there, four days per week.
- John, who says he’s “75-going-on-12,” takes the paratransit bus to Bakerview Fred Meyer or to WinCo for groceries. He also rides to take blood tests on a regular basis.
- Betty is 90 years old. She takes the bus to WinCo, every five to six days.
- Christina is 21. She takes Route 15 to and from her job at McDonald’s.
We’re grateful to everyone who’s staying home, as well as to those making essential trips by bike, on foot, or by car. They’re helping to preserve capacity and improve safety for our riders and drivers.
In addition to riding for essential trips only, WTA strongly encourages riders to wear a face covering, and to keep as much space as possible between themselves and others, when riding the bus.
