Ready to Roll: Community Transit's New Swift Green Line
Community Transit recently launched the Green Line, connecting the new Seaway Transit Center near Boeing and the Canyon Park Park & Ride in Bothell. I've long been a fan of their Blue Line, mainly because it allows me to leave my car at my friend Liz's shop, City Radiator and Auto Repair.
From there it's a quick walk to the station at 4th Ave W and Evergreen Way, and before long I'm at my neighborhood stop near 41st.
I wanted to try the full Green Line out, but Seaway Transit Center has no parking. I found street parking near Kasch Park, hopped on at the nearby stop, and rode to Seaway. As their schedule promises, I was at the end of the line—17 stops and 12.5 miles away—in about 36 minutes.
The biggest pain point when riding the bus is the schedules. Ever miss a bus that runs every half hour by one minute? It's a bummer. Swift's schedule is easier and better. From 6 a.m. to 7 p.m. on weekdays, it runs every ten minutes. Before and after that, and on weekends, every 20.
Stops are quick because you pay or tap your ORCA at the station while you wait to board.
One unique feature on Swift buses is bike racks inside. I think it's great they're there, but be alert if you're in the seat right next to them. One time a cyclist stumbled on his way into my Blue Line bus and nearly parked his bike in my lap.
Bike racks inside instead of on the front of the bus // Christopher Bragg
Only you can decide if commuting by bus is right for you, but I recommend it highly if you can make it work. I've been a licensed driver for 30 years, but for half that time, I had no car and rode up to five buses a day. These were long commutes but I saved money, read a whole book every week, and never had to deal with the stress driving brings.
My trip on the Green Line really took me back to that feeling, and I had fun playing with my phone and checking out all the great stuff nearby. Here are some stops with great reasons to hop off and hang out for a while.
Swift Green Line map // Courtesy Community Transit
Kasch Park Rd: Walk, picnic or play at Kasch Park (of course) or have a fun lunch at Le Bistro at Sno-Isle Tech.
100th St SW: Skip the expensive parking when flying out of Paine Field Passenger Terminal and take the Green Line instead.
Highway 99: Have some great Vietnamese food at Pasteur's Noodle Soup or Mexican at La Palmera. Just .7 miles up the road is the amazing strip mall at 112th where you can find One Twelfth Street Diner, Tyler's Donuts, Pho 36, Oshima Sushi and more. This is also the transfer point for the Swift Blue Line.
4th Ave W: Live in Everett favorites 9 Delicacies and Cracken Coffee Roasters, plus Acropolis, a great place to get a personal pizza for lunch.
3rd Ave SE: Slide into a booth at Shawn O'Donnell's for a pint and some beef stew, London broil, or braised pork shanks. The Full Irish is great at breakfast, and don't forget they do trivia on Tuesdays.
A view of Shawn O'Donnell's from the bus // Christopher Bragg
Dumas Rd: This is your stop for outdoor adventures at McCollum Park, where you'll find an outdoor pool, a forest trail, and Evergreen BMX. Explore the wetlands on a half-mile boardwalk trail at the Northwest Stream Center, where the annual Swamp Lantern Festival runs currently Thursdays-Sundays until April 30.
16th St SE: Have a great meal at Sushi Spott, Sushi Zen, Pho Mama's or McMenamin's Mill Creek. Once you've had your fill, pick up a bag of healthy groceries at Sprouts to bring back home.
153rd St SE: Speaking of groceries, I'm a big fan of Central Market at Mill Creek Town Center. But I'm also glad it's so far away because it's easy to get carried away there. They have the best Asian food section I've seen in a non-Asian store, and the deli and sushi/soup/salad/hot bars will make your head spin. There are also lots of restaurants and dessert choices nearby, plus spas, gyms, yoga and the University Book Store. Head west on 156th to find the trail system at Mill Creek Preserve, which can also be accessed via the next stop at 164th.
180th St SE: Grab some takeout at Pho Bothell, Ezell's Famous Chicken or Top Pot Doughnuts and bring it with you to Decibel Brewing. Your dogs and kids are welcome, too! If you're not too full of food and beer, bounce over to Elevated Sportz Trampoline Park. If you'd rather walk off your dinner, North Creek Park is just around the corner.
The magical boardwalk at North Creek Park // Christopher Bragg
Riding this route was wonderful because you see large businesses, dense housing and amazing shopping and dining everywhere you look. It's easy to see how residents up and down the Green Line will be able to enjoy this zippy new transportation option.
Christopher Bragg works from home in Everett and loves walking, swimming, and cats. You can find him all over town, but only if you keep weird hours and avoid crowds like he does.
