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October 2023

Martin Way Park & Ride Changes: A Faster Olympia Express

MWPR Rendering

Construction at the Martin Way Park & Ride (P&R) has been underway since late last winter and is expected to be completed later this fall. Changes to the facility access and design will allow buses to pick up and drop off passengers more efficiently, saving time for commuters traveling between Thurston and Pierce Counties.

Olympia Express riders (Route 620) will begin using the new northbound stop located on the on-ramp beginning in mid-October. All southbound riders who exit the bus at the P&R will be dropped off inside the P&R along the bus lane. These facility changes will result in reduced travel times and improve bus access for riders who use Olympia Express service connecting Olympia/Lacey to regional bus and commuter rail services in Lakewood/Pierce County.

Please continue to watch for information on this upcoming change and opportunities to provide rider input on Olympia Express service. Look for notices and subscribe to updates to stay informed on these exciting new changes at the P&R. Visit intercitytransit.com/construction/MWPR-improvements for more information. Please contact Customer Service at 360-786-1881 or [email protected] for questions or service information.

October is Walk to School Month

Walk to School Day

With support from Walk N Roll, the cities of Olympia, Lacey and Tumwater proclaim October 2023 Walk to School Month!

Walking, biking and rolling to school promotes good health, relieves traffic congestion, and helps improve air quality.
Drivers can help ensure everyone arrives to school safely by driving 20 miles per hour in school zones and stopping for pedestrians at crosswalks and intersections.

Walk N Roll partners with schools in Olympia, Tumwater and North Thurston school districts to help them organize Walk N Roll to School events in October and throughout the year. Learn how Walk N Roll can support your school by emailing us at [email protected].

Join us in celebrating Walk to School Month by walking or rolling to school. Visit intercitytransit.com/walknroll/school-events-and-activities?to see if your child's school is participating.

Volunteers Needed at Amtrak Centennial Station

Amtrak Centennial Station

Did you know that the Amtrak Centennial Station is completely run by volunteers? Since the station opened in 1993 volunteers have kept it running. They?re recruiting 20 new volunteers to open and close the station, provide information, help passengers at the platform, and monitor trains. Volunteer schedules are flexible and ideal for retirees as well as students looking to get involved in the community.

Volunteers are required to complete a no-cost background check prior to starting and they ask for at least a one-year commitment. They provide training and ongoing support, but you must have basic computer knowledge and an email address as they use it for all communication regarding volunteer schedules and important announcements.

Volunteers are welcome at any time and can start their service upon successful completion of a virtual interview. If you?re interested in volunteering, send an email to [email protected] or call 360-438-5340 and leave a message with your name and email address. Candidates will need to pick up a CSV Volunteers Information Card at the station located at 6600 Yelm Highway SE in Lacey.

Construction at OTC Coming Soon

Bus at OTC

Later this month, Intercity Transit's contractor will begin construction to make improvements at the Olympia Transit Center (OTC). The North Site Improvement Project is the final phase of planned enhancements for the transit center.

The project goals are to improve pedestrian safety and accessibility, boarding accessibility, and implement solutions to address mobility needs across OTC.

Planned improvements include:

  • Replacing the curb and sidewalk.
  • Upgrading ramps to be ADA-compliant.
  • Replacing red pavers with concrete at the bus loading platform and internal pedestrian crossings.
  • Refreshing pavement markings.

During construction, please pay attention to all rider alerts and signage at the transit center to ensure you're getting on the correct bus. Look for more information posted on our website, social media and by signing up to receive information from us via text message or email at intercitytransit.com/subscribe as we have more details to share.

Intercity Transit to Host Focus Groups

Virtual Meeting

We're hosting a series of focus groups in early October with current riders, potential new riders, and people who are unlikely to use our services.

The goal of the focus groups is to better understand the experiences and perceptions that our community has about Intercity Transit and our services. This provides us an opportunity to better communicate our programs and services to the community and address questions and concerns about riding transit in Thurston County.

The hour-long, virtual focus groups will take place in the evening. Participants will be selected based on geographic location to ensure representation from across the county.

"Be Safe. Be Seen." this Season

Rider with reflector at bus stop

The season's short, wet days make pedestrians and bicyclists less visible. Our drivers make every effort to watch for riders waiting at unlit bus stops, but we need your help!

Help ensure your safety by:

  • Wearing bright-colored or reflective clothing. Drivers can see you 500 feet away when you wear reflective clothing compared to just 55 feet when wearing dark colors.
  • Adding some shine. Put reflectors on your shoes, backpack, purse, bicycle spokes, jacket sleeves, or pant legs. Reflectors in a visible location will help drivers see you in the dark.
  • Lighting yourself up. Carry a flashlight, flashing safety strobe or use your cell phone. Help drivers see you by standing up, moving or waving as the bus approaches your stop.

Remember these tips when you're riding the bus or visit intercitytransit.com/besafe so you are sure to "Be Safe. Be Seen." this season.


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