EVERETT, WA. — Older adults often find they have more time to travel and participate in community activities. Public transit offers seniors an easy and inexpensive way get to the airport to catch a flight, visit their doctor, or spend an afternoon exploring downtown Seattle. The YMCA of Snohomish County and Community Transit help seniors confidently navigate public transportation, restoring independence and fostering community connection. Through hands-on instruction and real-world experience, this initiative equips older adults with essential transit skills, ensuring mobility, access, and autonomy.
“When you’re doing hands-on, it’s way better than just hearing somebody talk about it, and then you feel better about trying it,” said Debbie McPherson, a YMCA member who attended the transit training workshop. McPherson is planning to take transit to the University of Washington this weekend with friends. “Now, if they haven’t experienced it, I’m the leader.”
The program, tailored for YMCA members, begins with an instructional session at YMCA branches, where seniors learn how to plan trips, read bus schedules, and use transit tools like ORCA fare cards. Following the presentation, participants board a special Community Transit bus for a guided ride to the Lynnwood City Center light rail station, where they practice key transit skills—requesting mobility ramps, using ADA seating, and navigating payment systems.
“This program isn’t just about transit—it’s about freedom,” said Jennifer McCoy, Senior Field Marketing Specialist at Community Transit. “Many older adults worry they’ll have to give up their favorite activities when they stop driving. We’re showing them that public transit can keep them connected to their community, their friends, and the things they love.”
Participants receive a free ORCA card with unlimited rides for one month, making future rides even more accessible. Adults 65 and over ride for the reduced fare of $1.00 on Community Transit buses and Zip Shuttle.
For many participants, this program is their first encounter with public transportation. By providing a safe, structured introduction to transit, seniors gain the confidence to explore their communities independently. The program has been met with resounding success. Nearly 200 seniors have participated in the program with more sessions scheduled this spring.
The program grew from a shared mission—ensuring that seniors remain connected, active, and independent.
“As we age, access to transportation is critical,” said Andi Skorheim, Director of Senior Memberships & Corporate Partnerships at YMCA of Snohomish County. “By eliminating uncertainty around transit, we’re empowering seniors to maintain their lifestyles and stay engaged with the community.”
Beyond practical skills, the program highlights transit safety and accessibility, with Community Transit representatives addressing common concerns on buses and at transit centers. “Once we take seniors out and show them the process, they realize it’s not as hard as they thought—it’s actually easy,” said McCoy.
For more information about YMCA membership, please visit ymca-snoco.org/membership or call (425) 374-5779. The Community Transit workshops are free for YMCA members. For transit tips for older adults, visit Community Transit’s website at communitytransit.org/older-adult or email [email protected].
