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News from King County Department of Transportation
Release date:
March 10, 2008
Metro and Senior
Services expand Hyde Shuttle
Service targeted to seniors, people with disabilities in south
and east Seattle
Transportation services are expanding for seniors and people with
disabilities in a broader area of low and middle-income Seattle
neighborhoods thanks to King County, Senior Services, and the legacy of
one woman who wanted to make a difference for her neighbors.
In 2003, King County Metro Transit and Senior Services began the Hyde
Shuttle for people living in Beacon Hill and Southeast Seattle.
Originally a single-van service, it was partially funded with a bequest
from the estate of Lillian Hyde – a longtime local resident who wanted
to give back to Metro's accessible services program.
The shuttle provides free door-to-door service within the specific
service area. Most of the current Hyde Shuttle passengers use the
service to travel to medical appointments, shopping, and activities at
local senior and community centers.
Starting March 17, the Hyde Shuttle will be expanded to three vans and
extended to all Seattle neighborhoods east of Interstate 5 and south of
State Route 520.
"We want to build on Lillian Hyde's legacy by removing transportation
barriers for seniors and people with disabilities living in these
communities," said King County Executive Ron Sims. "The shuttle service
will help them live healthier and fuller lives by increasing their
access to the services and opportunities that keep them physically and
mentally active."
The Hyde Shuttle is a part of King County’s Community Access
Transportation (CAT) Program, which forms partnerships with agencies to
serve seniors and people with disabilities. Metro provides vehicles and
operating funds to assist the community agencies in setting up their own
transportation program.
King County established the Community Access Transportation Program to
provide services beyond the accessible regular bus service and
paratransit service required by the federal Americans with Disabilities
Act of 1990 (ADA). It is intended to provide service that is more
flexible and responsive to unique transportation needs. Currently, there
are about 55 CAT vans in operation.
Funding for the expansion of the Hyde Shuttle is coming from grants
provided by Senior Services and Metro’s Transit Now expansion plan
approved by voters in 2006. By the end of 2008, Metro hopes to have a
fourth van operating on the shuttle.
Anyone interested in using the Hyde Shuttle should call (206) 727-6262
for information. All trips are reserved on a first-come, first-served
basis, and can be booked up to 30 days in advance. All the vans are lift
equipped to accommodate wheelchairs, scooters and other mobility aids.
The shuttle operates Monday through Friday, 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. |
