Intercity Transit seeks comments from riders and the community on the proposed 2026-2029 Transportation Improvement Program (TIP), which is a summary of planned projects that may include and use federal funding during the four-year period.

The public comment period is open now and ends May 21, 2025. A public hearing is scheduled for May 21, 2025, at 5:30 pm. The public can attend the hearing in person at the administrative office of Intercity Transit, 510 Pattison Street SE in Olympia, by telephone or Teams video conference.

In addition to providing comment at the May 21, 2025, public hearing, the public may also submit their comments by 12 p.m. May 21, 2025, by:

• Mail: P.O. Box 659, Olympia, WA 98507 – TIP Public Hearing
• Email: [email protected]
• Phone: 360-705-5808

Further details about how to provide comment at the public hearing will be posted on our website at intercitytransit.com.

If you need special accommodation to participate in the public hearing, call 360-705-5808 at least three days prior to the meeting.

Review a draft copy of the 2025-2028 TIP online. Written comments must be received by 12 p.m. on Wednesday, May 21, 2025, to be considered by the Intercity Transit Authority.

Spring is back and it’s the perfect time to hop on your bike! Whether you’re commuting, running errands or just riding for fun, bicycling is a great way to boost your health, cut down on car trips and enjoy the outdoors.

Intercity Transit’s Bicycle Community Challenge (BCC) brings even more excitement to your rides! Join solo or as part of a team to stay motivated, connect with others, and win great prizes along the way. All bicycle riders in Thurston County are eligible, whether for transportation or recreation.

Thurston County residents can create an account, log bike rides and find out more about the BCC and BCC events at bcc.intercitytransit.com.

Log your rides May 1 through May 31 and you’ll be entered to win prizes.

Join Intercity Transit's Walk N Roll program on Saturday, June 7 from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. at Garfield Elementary School for The Great Olympia Bike Rodeo!

This free community event includes bicycle safety checks, a skills course, a miniature street scape to practice traffic safety skills, and free bike helmets for children with a need (while supplies last).

Bike rodeos provide children opportunities to learn and practice bicycle handling skills in a fun, safe and encouraging atmosphere. The event is organized in partnership with Child Care Action Council's Safe Kids Thurston County program, the Olympia Police Department, and Target Zero. Bring your child's bicycle and helmet and come learn, play and celebrate the joy of bicycling!

Have you noticed the new brightly colored signs at the Olympia and Lacey Transit Centers? These are part of a pilot program that uses NaviLens technology to provide wayfinding information to riders who are blind or have low-vision to help them navigate to a bus bay, receive real-time next bus departure information, and get directions to the bus using their smart phone (Android or iOS) and the NaviLens app.

NaviLens uses high-contrast, color-coded QR style codes that can be scanned from up to 60 feet away. Unlike traditional QR codes, Navilens codes don’t need precise alignment or focus, allowing users to receive audio guidance about their surroundings, transit schedules, and other service information. The technology provides information in 34 languages, so it can also help non-English speakers navigate transit.

There are two apps available to help our customers:

• The NaviLens app helps blind and visually impaired users by allowing them to scan codes without needing to know their exact location. It provides the same information as traditional signage through audio and haptic feedback, helping guide users to their destinations.
• The NaviLens GO app provides sighted users trip planning information, departures and service status information to help navigate the transit centers and the system. More information is available on our website at intercitytransit.com/how-to-ride/navilens.

There is still some work to do behind the scenes to ensure both apps function as expected. We anticipate things being fully operational by the end of the month.

The start of spring and summer seasons means construction, parades and community events may impact our regular routing. The best way to receive information from Intercity Transit about upcoming detours or impacts specific to the route(s) you ride is to sign up to receive alerts via text message or email at intercitytransit.com/subscribe.

You can also find detour information on our website at intercitytransit.com/rider-alerts.

When it comes to pedestrian safety, one simple rule can make a big difference: never cross in front of a bus. Bus drivers sit high above the road and may not see someone walking directly in front of the vehicle, especially if that person is in their blind spot. Another often overlooked danger is the possibility of being hit by a passing vehicle in the next lane. The safest choice is to always wait until the bus has come to a complete stop and use a designated crosswalk when available. Staying alert around buses protects not just you, but everyone on the road.