C-Tran launches new facility, logo, changes
Friday, November 16, 2007
BY DON HAMILTON, Columbian staff writer
C-Tran throws a party today to open its newest and biggest transit center, unveil a new logo and inaugurate a series of service changes.
The public is invited to the ribbon-cutting at the new 99th Street Transit Center at Stockford Village. C-Tran will pass out travel mugs and offer goodies provided by local merchants Applebee's, Safeway and Burgerville.
"This is an exciting time for C-Tran and our customers as we will soon implement the most significant service change in the agency's history," said Jeff Hamm, C-Tran's executive director and CEO. "Not only will these changes provide many of our riders with better service, but we hope to attract many new riders to the system as well."
The service changes include:
- Closure of the Seventh Street Transit Center in downtown Vancouver, with transfer points shifted to other downtown spots.
- The Safe Stop program, a new policy allowing passengers to get off between bus stops after 8 p.m.
- Extended service on many routes.
- New service to the Delta Park/Vanport light-rail station in Portland.
- Reintroduction of transfers for all-zone and express cash fares.
The kickoff party may be today but the new services will begin Sunday, with the entire C-Tran system operating free on Monday.
The name of the new transit center reflects the growing Stockford Village business center along 99th Avenue around Interstate 5.
Its location also reflects the transportation demands created by the increasing population north of Vancouver, especially Ridgefield and Battle Ground. The new transit center will offer three express routes to downtown Portland.
C-Tran's new logo and the bus route number will be larger on the new bus stop signs. The new logo - the letter "C" surrounded by a royal blue circle with arrows at each side - is set against a baby blue background on the signs, said Scott Patterson, C-Tran spokesman.
"We want the route number to stand out and we want the logo to stand out," he said. "The more color, the more you take away from the ability to see the information on the sign."
Seventh Street will reopen to auto traffic soon. C-Tran plans to keep its service center there for now but may relocate it if interest lags, although the agency wants to keep some kind of presence downtown.
The long-term future of the Seventh Street site remains uncertain, but its fate seems tied to plans for the new Interstate 5 Bridge. The 39-member Columbia River Crossing panel is planning a new bridge with mass transit. No matter what mode is chosen, be it light rail or express buses, Seventh Street would be a natural first Vancouver stop coming off a new bridge, Patterson said.
If you go
- What: A ribbon-cutting party for the opening of C-Tran's 99th Street Transit Center at Stockford Village. The C-Tran system will be free Monday to mark the new transit center and other service changes.
- When: 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. today.
- Where: The 99th Street Transit Center at Stockford Village, 9700 N.E. Seventh Ave.
- Information: Call C-Tran's customer service line at 360-695-0123 or go to
www.c-tran.com .
Don Hamilton can be reached at 360-759-8010 or
don.hamilton@columbian.com
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