Rural Lewis County is dotted with small, lovely towns nestled in a quiet, beautiful setting. But challenges come from living so far from an urban center. Countywide transit expansion will open opportunities and improve both accessibility and quality of life for those in rural Lewis County.
People in Pe Ell, Vader, Toledo and Winlock will vote on expanding the transit district to their neighborhoods in November. Eastern communities like Randle, Morton and Mossyrock will vote on bringing transit to their area when Lewis Highway Mountain Transit ceases operations due to higher matches in their grant funding.
Twin Transit gets people where they need to go but rural residents have questions about what expansion will mean. A recent question and answer session at the Winlock Olequa Senior Center offered answers and provided insight into the lives of those who could benefit most from transit expansion.
“Expanding transit would be good, especially for seniors who can’t drive,” said Cliff Rudig. “I’m going to get to that point someday and what will I do? You can’t call a taxi all the time.”
This was a common sentiment at the gathering. One person said they would like to use the bus when they get older, while several single ladies expressed how transit expansion would help them access other towns.
Transportation can be a barrier for all ages. Students or those without a car can gain access to education and employment opportunities by riding the bus. Transit opens doors to a better life through education and access to good employment.
Twin Transit General Manager Derrick Wojcik-Damers said it’s important to consider future needs as populations age and change. “What will suit their needs?” he asked. “Now is the time to seize the moment. This is an exciting opportunity to shape transit solutions for the next generation and to have that discussion on a transit development plan.”
Countywide transit expansion would look similar to the services offered in Chehalis and Centralia. Twin Transit plans to use ADA accessible buses equipped with kneeling capabilities, ramps and secure wheelchair areas. There’s also Paratransit service for those who can’t ride the traditional bus system and who live within three-fourths of a mile from a fixed route. For those residents in the East part of the county, Twin Transit would offer deviated fixed route services much the same way that Lewis Mountain Highway Transit does today for paratransit customers.
There will be no change in fare costs with expansion. In the Twin Cities, bus fare is $1 per ride or $2 per day and $20 for a monthly pass. Paratransit is $2 per ride, $4 per day and $25 per month. In the East Lewis County areas currently served by Lewis Mountain Highway Transit, those fares will remain just $3 per ride.
Transit expansion funding comes from sales tax, not property taxes. At two-tenths of one percent, the sales tax is only two cents on a ten dollar purchase. That tax is already in place in the current transit boundary area of Chehalis and Centralia. Out of the thirty-two transit agencies in the state, Twin Transit’s two-tenths of one-percent is the lowest.
Winlock Mayor Don Bradshaw tried to help expand transit in the 1990s. “Life’s circumstances are always a day away,” he said. “Tomorrow comes and your circumstances could change. It would be short-sighted if you never needed a bus but what about your neighbor? Think about the community and your neighbors. No one should have to beg for transportation. It’s about dignity.”
Bradshaw believes it’s necessary to connect rural communities to medical services and shopping opportunities offered in bigger cities. “The larger issue is service,” he said. “We have a great medical center here for general practitioners but what about other specialty medical services?”
It’s essential to make education accessible. “As Mayor, I’m supportive of education,” Bradshaw said. “That’s why we voted yes. The cost is outweighed by the benefit. It’s a minute amount.”
“I’m a huge proponent of transit expansion,” said Jodie Curtis, Winlock City Councilperson. “I grew up here. Not everyone drives but everyone needs opportunities for work and access to doctors.”
She recalls the difficulty of being a single mom of five in a rural community with no car. She was grateful for the transit system in that area, which allowed her to go shopping and take her kids to the doctor. “It’s a super good idea,” she said. “It would connect us and get people here too, for things like Egg Days.”
“Future generations pay for the mistakes of the past generation,” said Wojcik-Damers. “The takeaway is to come forward as a community. It’s an exciting time now. We have come so far. With the ballot in November, this is the chance. What we are all doing here will leave a legacy for generations. That’s why it’s exciting.”
Twin Transit
212 E. Locust Street
Centralia
360-330-2072
info@twintransit.org
