Ride Swift to get to great community eats!

Our communities are filled with delicious and diverse places to eat. Being a new transit industry employee, who also enjoys exploring local food options, I wanted to explore what routes would get customers to some local highly-rated food options!

Since November marks the 10-year anniversary of Community Transit’s Swift Bus Rapid Transit service, I focused on the Swift Blue and Green lines, which currently serve six different cities in Snohomish County.

Check out my list of restaurants, cafes, and quick dining options below! Every location is within a 10-minute walk (approximately a half mile) of a Swift station.

Did I miss one of your favorite local spots? Please leave me a comment and I’ll update this post!

An interactive map is available here.

Swift Blue – South of Airport Rd. 

Hosoonyi Korean: Award-winning food writer and radio personality Nancy Leson, also a Snohomish County resident, has been eating here for 20 years! Serves Korean BBQ, soups, rice bowls and stir fries. Located next to the 238th St stations. 

Dick's Drive-In: The only Dick's location outside of King County is in Edmonds, just south of Swift Blue Line's 216th St SW stop. Deluxe, fries, and a chocolate shake, please! 

Chug’s Root Beer: If you love root beer, like REALLY love, then Chug's is for you: over 100 brands of root beer and 300 types of soda. A 5-minute walk from the southbound College (204^th Street SW) station. 

Tubs Subs: Hearty sandwiches on thick bread that include the classics as well as new creations. A 10-minute walk from the Cherry Hill and International stations at 176^th St SW. 

Swift Blue line passing Dick's in Edmonds

Swift Blue – North of Airport Rd. 

Yummy Bahn Mi: Highly-rated Vietnamese sandwiches, pho, and bubble tea! A 4-minute walk from the Colby Ave and Wetmore Ave stations. https://yummy-banh-mi.business.site/

Gyros Plus: Greek and Middle Eastern cuisine just north of the Casino Rd stations. 

Nick's Jr: Creative burgers and sides a 4-minute walk from Pecks Dr southbound station, or 10 minutes from Madison St northbound station. 

Bento Factory: Wide-ranging Japanese menu including sushi and a few Korean dishes. A 5-minute walk from the Colby Ave and Wetmore Ave stations. 

A Pizza House: Serving pizza, pasta, salads and calzone for more than 15 years in downtown Everett. Just 9 minutes north of the Colby Ave and Wetmore Ave stations. 

Botan Ramen: Variety of ramen and Japanese options, including combos and lunch specials. A 6-minute walk from the Colby Ave and Wetmore Ave stations. 

Narrative Coffee Co.: Delicious coffee creations and brunch food just a 3-minute walk from the Colby Ave and Wetmore Ave stations. 

Cafe Wylde: Vegan food with a juice and smoothie bar! A 5-minute walk from the Colby Ave and Wetmore Ave stations. 

French Toast at Narrative Coffee Co.

Swift Green South – South of 132^nd

Sushi Zen: 40 different types of creative sushi rolls as well as more traditional Japanese offerings. Located next to the 16^th Ave SE station. 

McMenamins: Their northern-most location is next to the 16^th Ave SE station. If you're trying to collect passport stamps, don't forget that Swift Lines have bike racks!  

BMG Thai: Extensive Thai and Southeast Asian menu featuring noodle, rice, soup, salad, and curry dishes. A 5-minute walk from the 164th St SE stations. 

Azul: Latin American bistro that also is open for brunch on the weekends. A 4-minute walk from the 153rd St SE stations. 

Ezell's Famous Chicken: Classic house-made fried chicken, comfort-food sides, and desserts. Located 1-minute south of the 180th St SE stations. 

Samburna: Authentic south Indian cuisine located next to the 208th St SE stations. 

Swift Green North – North of 132^nd 

Katya's Bakery: Sweets, baked goods, coffee, and custom cakes. A 4-minute walk from the 4th Ave W station. 

Shawn O’Donnel’s American Grill Irish Pub: Locally-owned and serving burgers, sandwiches and wraps, salads, as well as traditional Irish mains and sides. A 2-minute walk from the 3^rd Ave SE stations. 

La Palmera: A variety of Mexican food options with lunch specials from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Accessible from both the Swift Blue and Green lines at Airport Rd. 

Don't forget that you can take Swift to access the passenger terminal at Paine Field! A Caffe Vita coffee and pastry bar serves passengers and the public next to baggage claim, while a Beecher's Handmade Cheese cafe serves sandwiches and other cheese-centric foods in the departures terminal.

Caffe Vita (PAE) and Beecher's (PAE). 

Those are a few of my picks, what are your favorites? What other non-work destinations do you get to along the Swift lines?

Urban Hikes by Bus: Community, Exercise, Excursions

Public transportation helps foster a sense of community and is a great way to get exercise. Last summer, a group of Mill Creek senior citizens began learning how to ride Swift Green Line as a way to create community and be active at the same time.

Swift Green Line, Community Transit’s second bus rapid transit line, started service in March, 2019. The line runs between Seaway Transit Center and Canyon Park Park & Ride, serving the communities of south Everett, Mill Creek, and Bothell. Since March, many residents of Mill Creek have had the opportunity to step on a Swift bus for the first time.

Community Transit Board Member and Mill Creek City Council Member Mike Todd recognized that learning to ride the bus could be a barrier to using public transit for some members in the community. There’s also an additional learning curve to understand the difference between regular bus service and Swift bus service. To address this, Todd worked with the Mill Creek Senior Center to develop a program called Urban Hikes by Bus.

“I really wanted to get folks out and about to learn to use public transit, go on local excursions, and see local sights,” Todd said.

Swift buses arrive every 10 minutes on weekdays, and every 15-20 minutes on evenings and weekends. Todd naturally thought of Swift as a way to help senior citizens get out in their communities for moderate group exercise. “Typically, the excursions include a nature walk that is approximately two miles,” Todd said.

Last month, Todd led an excursion from the Mill Creek Retirement Community via Swift bus to the Narbeck Wetland Sanctuary just north of Seaway Transit Center. The public educational park has short nature trails with interpretive signs that tell about wetlands and wildlife. The group hiked two trails, which included about two miles of moderate walking, and ended with a picnic lunch.

The next excursion will be to the Northwest Stream Center at McCollum Pioneer Park on Friday, Nov. 15 from 10:30 a.m. to 2 p.m. Anyone is welcome to attend as long as they are able to engage in moderate activity. Admission to the Northwest Stream Center is $6 for seniors. Adult bus fare is $2.50 each way; seniors with a Regional Reduced Fare Permit ORCA card pay $1.25 for each bus trip.

The group will meet at the Mill Creek Retirement Community parking lot at 14905 Bothell Everett Hwy, in Mill Creek. From the parking lot, it’s about an eight minute walk to the Swift Green Line station on Bothell-Everett Hwy at 153^rd Street. A sack lunch will be provided for those who register in advance.

To learn more, call (425) 948-7170 or e-mail millcreekadmin@mynorthshore.org and ask about the next Urban Hike.

Taking Swift Green Line to the Paine Field Passenger Terminal

In honor of our Swift Green Line opening this week, we are celebrating "Green Week" with a series of stories about our Swift service.

The anticipation is over! The Paine Field Airport Passenger Terminal is open with Alaska Airlines providing daily flights since March 4 and United Airlines set to begin service on March 31.

The timing couldn’t be better for the launch of Community Transit’s Swift Green Line on Sunday, March 24. Swift Green Line, the agency’s second bus rapid transit line, will connect with the Swift Blue Line at Airport Rd. and Highway 99, creating a high-frequency, high-capacity transit network. With Swift Green Line stations at Airport Rd. and 100th St., riders can catch a bus every 10 minutes on weekdays and every 20 minutes early mornings, nights and weekends to reach Paine Field.

From the Swift Green Line station, it’s just a short walk to the passenger terminal. We decided to video that walk from the northbound Swift Green Line station at Airport Rd. and 100^th St. to provide an actual view of what it’s like and how long it actually takes. This is the station that riders will arrive at if they take Swift Green Line from Mill Creek or Bothell. It’s also the same station that riders will arrive at if they transfer from Swift Blue Line coming from Everett Station or Lynnwood, Edmonds or Shoreline.

When walking to the passenger terminal, it’s important to note that pedestrians will need to cross Airport Rd. and then cross again to the south side of 100th St. where there is a sidewalk and walking path to the terminal.

Parts of the path are newly paved. Pedestrians will pass buildings such as a flight museum and several training facilities. There’s an Alaska Airlines office along the path that’s not part of the terminal, so keep walking. Just past Alaska Airlines, the sidewalk ends. You can see the terminal to your right. Follow the crosswalk markings across the parking lot to get to the terminal.

The walk takes about 10 minutes from the station to the terminal, depending on a few factors such as:

•       Wait time for walking signal at intersection
•       Walking speed
•       Baggage, and
•       Weather

This test walk took about 8 minutes; the weather was clear and sunny.

We are excited about the new service at the passenger terminal and just as excited to provide a reliable and consistent option to get there for those choosing not to drive. Swift Green Line riders can leave the driving to us, while they relax and enjoy the ride to the Paine Field Passenger Terminal.

7 Facts You Didn't Know About Our New Swift Buses

In honor of our Swift Green Line opening this week, we are celebrating "Green Week" with a series of stories about our Swift service.

In four days, Community Transit Swift Blue Line will be joined by the Swift Green Line, a milestone for Snohomish County's Swift Bus Rapid Transit network.

If you're new to the idea of bus rapid transit and Swift, you can read about it here.

We also have more details about Swift Blue Line and Swift Green Line, but for this post, we're going to focus on seven facts about our Swift buses you may not know.

It can take up to 2 years to get a bus

But in this case, it took 19 months (from order to delivery) for one Swift bus. There can be an additional 30-60 days added to that timeline. Below is Bus #18710 back in November 2018, waiting to be equipped and branded with Swift decals and trim.

Sweet 16: The number of buses ordered for the Swift Green Line

16 new buses were ordered to serve the Swift Green Line. These buses may look a little different (seating arrangements, windshield, headlights, etc.), but they will have the same branding, colors and signage as our current Swift Blue Line buses. You'll see both bus models serving the Swift network.

Two for the Blue

Two additional buses were ordered to increase the frequencies on the Swift Blue Line-- they were received last summer and put into service September 2018.

Two Swift buses (the newer model is on the left.)
You'll see both models serving the Swift Blue and Swift Green Lines.

21 Run

There are 21 activities, from installations to inspections, completed on a Swift bus before it goes into service.

Before our buses hit the road, they are outfitted with technology, equipment and amenities:

1. Delivery inspection
2. Replace engine oil and filter
3. Replace differential oil
4. Check and adjust tire pressures
5. Re-torque wheel lug nuts
6. Lube suspension
7. Set-up and test DVR system
8. Verify programming
9. Commission Advanced Public Transportation System (APTS).
   (This is the technology that enables us to track our buses in Dispatch and share real-time information via BusFinder and data feeds.)
10. Perform fire suppression system service
11. Set-up and test HVAC system
12. Install bike racks
13. Install Mobile Access Router (GPS)
14. Install destination sign emergency arrow switch
15. Install convex mirror
16. Install interior decals
17. Install schedule holders
18. Install and program Traffic Signal Priority (TSP) system
19. Installation of Swift graphics and decals
20. Program and commission radio system
21. Install: (2) garbage cans; Wheel blocks; First aid kit; Seat belt cutter; Insurance card holder; Destination sign legend/holder; Good to Go Pass; T-Key; and Tire Chains

Gimme a (Disc) Brake

A new Swift bus awaits inspection at the Merrill Creek Bus Yard in Everett.

The new Swift buses have disc brakes, reflecting a current trend in heavy duty vehicles to improve stopping performance. The disc brake actuators take up some space under the floor, resulting in some of the seat configuration changes you'll see on the new Swift buses.

It can take up to four hours to install the Swift graphics on a bus (And that's with two installers!)

So there you have it-- 7 fun facts about our new Swift buses. Did you learn something new? What else would you like to know?

The Swift Green Line service officially kicks off at Noon on Sunday, March 24. Get the details at https://www.communitytransit.org/swiftgreen.

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Bringing You Home with Swift Bus Rapid Transit

Mina shares her story on the benefits of being a Swift rider

Bringing You Home with Swift from Community Transit on Vimeo.

Life is always on the move for Mina, an international student at Edmonds Community College. With different classes every day, and a busy social life, she needed a commute option that was inexpensive, flexible, and fast. She hopped on Swift and has been moving ever since.

Mina, who is from Mongolia, lives in Lynnwood with her brother. Every day she walks 15 minutes from her apartment to catch Swift Blue Line to the college where she studies Computer Science. Because Swift comes every 10 minutes, she never worries about a schedule. In just a few minutes the bus will arrive. Mina's commute is fast; just a quick 10 minute ride and she arrives at College Station.

Swift Blue Line is a bus rapid transit line that runs along Highway 99 between Aurora Village and Everett Station. Most of Mina's friends also use Swift to get to school and to support businesses along Highway 99. "We take the bus because we don't feel that cars are necessary since the bus comes to most of the area. We hang out, go to eat, go to karaoke."

Mina doesn't drive, and Uber is too expensive for her to use regularly. She doesn't mind since she feels safe and confident in Swift, "I don't have to worry about safety; it's really safe. And also I don't drive so I can study just while riding the bus, and I can hang out with my friends."

Want to get in on the Swift action? You're in luck! Our Swift network is expanding beyond Highway 99. Swift Green Line will open in March 2019 and will run from Canyon Park/Bothell through Mill Creek to the new Seaway Transit Center near Boeing/Paine Field. Swift Green Line will connect with Swift Blue Line at Highway 99 and Airport Road, creating the region's first bus rapid transit network for travel in South Snohomish County and beyond.

Swift, bringing more connections and more opportunities to keep you moving.

Community Transit "Moves" Me, Big Time

Did you hear the news? Swift Blue Line just turned seven! The first of its kind in Washington state, Swift Bus Rapid Transit connects communities along a 17-mile stretch of Highway 99 between Everett and Lynnwood. The Swift Blue Line route serves Snohomish County's busiest transit corridor, with over 1.7 million commuters using it each year to get to work and school.

We had a chance to meet with Mina, a student at Edmonds Community College, who relies on us to get an education. "Public transportation is an affordable way to get to my classes. Without public transportation, school just wouldn't happen for me." We realize that our riders need more than affordable and reliable transportation. They need transit to be fast and frequent as well. Swift Blue Line operates every 12 minutes weekdays from 6 a.m. to 7 p.m., and every 20 minutes weekdays from 5-6 a.m., weeknights and on weekends. This makes life easier for commuters like Mina. "You don't even need a schedule with Swift Bus Rapid Transit because the bus comes every 12 minutes or so."

Community Transit has big plans to "move" you big time, now and in the future. Construction on the Swift Green Line begins in 2017, with service offered to customers in early 2019. Swift Green Line will connect the Boeing/Paine Field aerospace manufacturing area in Everett with the Canyon Park technology center in Bothell. And we are only getting bigger! Other Swift Bus Rapid Transit lines are in the works, providing the efficiency and appeal of light rail, delivered faster and at a fraction of the cost.

Snohomish County is the fastest growing county in the state. We are proud to provide innovative transportation to "move" you to work, school, and life.

Transit moves me, big time! from Community Transit on Vimeo.

Swift celebrates 7th Anniversary with big future plans

Ribbon cutting on the first Swift line in 2009

If you’re anything like me you like things quick. Unfortunately, sometimes getting around Snohomish County is anything but quick. That all changed when the first Bus Rapid Transit system in our state came along. 

On November 30, 2009 Community Transit’s Swift line was born. Swift was built with 15 stations, in each direction, along Highway 99 plus terminals at Everett Station and Aurora Village. Improvements have been made over the years and the final stop on the line was completed last January near Edmonds Community College.

How has Swift stacked up compared to our other routes? Well I like to call it the Russell Wilson of bus systems - the leader. Swift carries about 5,500 riders each weekday and more than 1.7 million a year. Weekends average near 3,000 riders per day as well. One in six of all Community Transit riders travel on Swift. The ease of riders paying at the bus stop prior to boarding gives it the efficiency and appeal of light rail, delivered faster and at a fraction of the cost. 

Swift’s first line got a new name last August as we unveiled ‘Swift Blue Line’. And Swift is getting even better when the Swift Green Line comes online. Thanks to federal money, construction on the Swift Green Line will begin in 2017 and wrap up in late 2018. By early 2019, Swift Green Line will begin service and have 17 stations in each direction between Canyon Park in Bothell and the Boeing/Paine Field area.

To get the Swift Green line moving there are three things that need to happen:

·        - The Seaway Transit Center will be constructed as the Swift Green Line's northern terminal and will be located on Seaway Blvd. and 75th Street in Everett across from Boeing's main entrance. 

·       -  Addition of lanes near the 128^th street and I-5 Bridge. Adding lanes on each side near the bridge will ease the congestion and get the bus through on time.

·        - Construction of 34 stations along the Swift Green Line route. 

Unveiling of Swift Green and Blue Line names in Aug. 2016

Snohomish County is continuing to grow, and with 65,000 jobs in the Boeing/Paine Field vicinity, and 25,000 jobs in the Canyon Park area, we need fast, frequent new bus service between the two areas and Swift Green Line gets that done.

More big plans are ahead with Swift as in 2023 Swift Orange Line will connect with Link Light Rail at Lynnwood Transit Center, covering those key east/west corridors. We know Snohomish County is a great place to live, work and play. We are glad that Swift is helping keep it that way. Happy seventh anniversary to Swift.

Some Swift riders joined in on the #mannequinchallenge earlier this month! Watch below:



***Sean Christensen is a Public Information Specialist for Community Transit. He joined the company in October 2016. Sean comes from a background in media, athletics, communications, and production.***

Community Transit "Moves" Me, With the Service I Need

For forty years, Community Transit has been privileged to serve the communities of Snohomish County. We work hard to make sure our customers have the connections they need to get to the important things in their life. Each weekday we provide nearly 40,000 trips to people who rely on us to connect them with jobs, school, healthcare, and home. That's up to 10 million riders each year!

Community Transit is committed to investing in the transportation demands of Snohomish County, one of the fastest-growing and dynamic counties in the state. Thanks to local support, we have recently expanded service to include two new routes that provide more east-west bus connections, and new service along Highway 9 to create a north-south transit corridor. We've also added new commuter trips to downtown Seattle and the University of Washington. Even our Dial-A-Ride Transportation (DART) has expanded to include new service and hours along some routes.

And we're continuing to grow! Plans for our Swift Green Line bus rapid transit are well underway and will connect the Boeing/Paine Field aerospace manufacturing area in Everett with the Canyon Park technology center in Bothell. This corridor intersects with our existing Swift Blue Line and serves high-density housing and nearby concentrated jobs. We hope to begin construction on 34 Swift stations in 2017, with a goal of beginning operations in 2019.

Thank you for trusting us to "Move" you with the service you need.

Transit moves me, with the service I need. from Community Transit on Vimeo.