Making public transportation more equitable
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Over 7,000 Washingtonians rely on Island Transit each week. That is why I championed a $7.52 million grant to Island Transit to build a brand new transit center in South Whidbey to connect rural communities to the resources of metropolitan areas, making traveling to and through the rural regions easier for all.
Public transportation should work for everyone, and I will continue to work for the necessary support for the expansion and strengthening of Island Transit.
Island Transit's zero-fare system is a testament to our strength in community building. 25% of Island County's population is over the age of 65 and a little over 15% of the population identifies as having a disability. Through Island Transit's zero-fare system, everyone has access to feel connected to our community.
This is just the beginning of what must be done for Island County and rural communities nationwide.
The work we are doing to improve Island Transit will be the blueprint for restructuring public transportation systems across the United States. From small communities in Northwest Washington, all the way to communities in Southern Florida, we need to invest to create and reinforce public transportation systems that can help communities thrive.
I am fighting for even the smallest communities because they are essential to building stronger infrastructure systems throughout America. Connecting rural and urban communities through public transportation means no one is left behind, and we can use this momentum to move forward.
We cannot stop with Island Transit: we need to continue to invest in every community for the betterment of infrastructure everywhere.
Rick
