Submitted by Whatcom Transportation Authority
There’s a new way to catch a ride in Lynden. Starting June 13, 2021, you can hail a ride anywhere in Lynden, on a Whatcom Transportation Authority (WTA) van called the Lynden Hop. Riders of the Lynden Hop can expect their van, driven by a WTA driver, to arrive approximately 15 minutes after they make their request.
The service is wheelchair accessible and open to everyone. The cost is one dollar per trip if paying by cash, however all valid WTA bus passes will also be accepted. You can catch the Lynden Hop from 6:30 am to 7:30 pm on Mondays through Fridays, and 8 am to 5 pm on Saturdays and Sundays.
WTA expects most riders to hail “the Hop” using our new mobile app. However those who would prefer to book by phone (360-676-7433) or on their desktop (www.ridewta.com/ride) will have that option as well. Here’s a short video, to show how it works.
WTA Board Member and Lynden Mayor Scott Korthuis said, “Like other WTA services, the Lynden Hop will be safe, reliable and friendly. It will also provide a new level of convenience, as people can travel point to point anywhere within Lynden. I encourage everyone to try this new service.”
The Lynden Hop is a one-year pilot project. Eighty percent of the cost to operate it comes from a Federal Transit Administration “Integrated Mobility Innovations (IMI)” Grant. The Lynden Hop was one of twenty-five projects in twenty-three states to receive IMI funding, through a competitive grant process. The purpose of IMI is to support innovative technologies that improve access to public transportation, increase efficiency, and enhance the overall rider experience. With this project, WTA hopes to learn whether on-demand van service can improve access to public transportation in a small city, and will share what it learns with transit agencies across the nation.
Masks are required on the Lynden Hop, and on all public transportation, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s current requirements.
WTA provides fixed route, paratransit, rural dial-a-ride, vanpool, and on-demand van service in Whatcom County, Washington. WTA’s mission is to enhance our community by delivering safe, reliable, efficient and friendly service. To learn more about the Lynden Hop, call (360) 676-7433 or visit www.ridewta.com/hop.
