Whatcom Transportation Authority rolls out new bus route

By Stefanie Donahue

To better serve communities in north Whatcom County, Whatcom Transportation Authority (WTA) is unveiling a new route connecting Everson, Nooksack, Lynden, Birch Bay Square and Ferndale. Service along route 65 will begin on Monday, September 25, according to WTA. The route will operate from 6:45 a.m. to 5:53 p.m. Monday through Friday. It’s a flex route, so riders can call in advance to request the bus deviate off-route within a designated area.

“We look forward to providing our riders with a direct connection between the communities north of the Nooksack River,” said WTA general manager Pete Stark. “Thanks to the grant funding for this pilot project, what was once an unmet need for bus service is now an opportunity to learn about the ridership demand along this corridor.”

The route addition is a part of a two-year pilot project aimed at responding to requests for increased service to areas in north Whatcom County. The pilot project is funded by a grant from the Washington State Department of Transportation. WTA will decide whether or not to renew the program in 2019. Visit ridewta.com or call 360/676-7433 for more information.