I'm a nursing major at the local community college who relies on Everett's community transport to navigate both my education and my job as an in-home caregiver for disabled elderly individuals. Many of us depend heavily on these essential services for our daily routines, ensuring that we get to our destinations effectively and on time. Veering from the path that keeps these services local and separately managed threatens the livelihoods and health of many who depend on them.

Merging Everett Community Transport with the county’s DART service could present a host of challenges that would negatively impact lives. From personal experience, I've found that DART services, although widespread, often boast higher prices compared to our local community transport. Furthermore, the reliability of DART service regarding pick-up and drop-off times has been less satisfactory for our needs, leading to missed appointments, crucial delays, and a palpable anxiety about getting to where we need to be. For students trying to improve their futures and community members seeking vital medical care or simply wanting to remain a part of their community, the stakes are incredibly high.

Imagine missing a class or a critical appointment because the transportation service you relied upon for a timely journey falls short. This isn’t just about inconvenience; it’s about ensuring the rights of individuals to access reliable and affordable public transportation. Access to education, medical attention, shopping, and community activities is a basic need, and the independent operations of Everett Community Transport and Paratransit have continuously provided this.

We urge our local policy makers to maintain the independence of Everett Community Transport and Paratransit. By doing so, we’re not only preserving an essential service for students and caregivers like me, but also ensuring a better quality of life for disabled elderly residents who depend on these services for their day-to-day activities.

Sign this petition to keep our transport services effective, reliable, and affordable. Your support can make a crucial difference.