North Central Washington gets increased commuting options

WENATCHEE - Commuting just got easier for residents across North Central Washington. Link Transit is rolling out significant enhancements to its service in January, aiming to streamline commuting options for the denizens of North Central Washington. This initiative includes a host of improvements featuring increased frequency, extended operating hours, and the introduction of new routes tailored to meet the growing demands of the region's workforce.

Effective Jan. 2, commuters can expect a more comprehensive schedule catering to a variety of travel needs. Here's a breakdown of the key changes set to take place:

Expanding routes and frequencies

• South Wenatchee to Walmart: Fresh weekday trips at 5:56 p.m. for Route 1N and 6:25 p.m. for Route 1S.
• East Wenatchee to Walmart:  New weekday trip at 5:30 p.m. on Route 2.
• Central Washington Hospital:  New weekday trips at 6:30 a.m. and 7:30 p.m. for Route 3.
• Pybus Market/Walla Walla Point Park: A boost in service to 30-minute intervals on weekdays for Route 4.
• Cherry/Western to Walmart: Restoring 30-minute service on weekdays for Route 5.
• WVC/Target/Walmart: A fresh weekday trip at 7:30 p.m. and expanded 30-minute service on weekends for Route 7.
• South Wenatchee: Additional weekday trips at 8, 8:30, and 9 p.m. for Route 9.
• Chelan/Manson: New weekday trips at 7 a.m., 2, and 3 p.m. for Route 21.
• Leavenworth Express (Rt 122): Expanding to six round-trips per weekday.
• Rock Island: Introducing new Saturday trips at 11 a.m., 12, and 1 p.m. and adding Sunday service mirroring Saturday's schedule for Route 23.
• Malaga and Waterville: Both will now offer Sunday service for Routes 24 and 25 respectively.
• Chelan DART: Commencing new service from 7:30 a.m. to 9 a.m. on weekdays.

For commuters eager to plan their journeys in advance, Link Transit provides easy access to the updated schedule book. Whether through downloadable copies available on Link Transit's Ride Guide at www.linktransit.com/rideguide or physical copies obtainable on Link buses, at Columbia Station, and various locations across the service area, staying informed is convenient.

Additionally, the MyStop mobile app offers a seamless avenue to access route and schedule information anytime, ensuring commuters are always a tap away from planning their next trip.

These significant service enhancements align with Link Transit's commitment to actualizing the objectives outlined in Vision 2020. This ambitious six-year plan, initiated in 2020 after voters' approval of a sales tax increase in 2019, aims to optimize transit services in the region.

North Central Washington is gearing up for an improved commuting experience, with Link Transit's January schedule changes set to pave the way for enhanced accessibility and convenience in daily travel routines.