Intercity Transit shares winter preparedness and holiday service reminders

Intercity Transit (IT) is encouraging commuters to prepare for winter weather by familiarizing themselves with snow detours public transit will implement this season should inclement weather arise.

IT offered some reminders to the public to ensure a smooth winter travel experience:

1. Realtime updates: To stay informed about route detours or delays, sign up for real-time information via text message or email
2. Weather alerts: In the event of winter weather, Intercity Transit will provide updates on its website, on Facebook, Twitter, and local radio stations.
3. myStop app: Download the free myStop app (available for iOS and Android) to track buses in real time.

Additinally, the season's short, wet days make pedestrians and bicyclists less visible to drivers. IT urges passengers to help transit drivers by ensuring they are visible at stops by standing in clear view of arriving buses.Intercity Transit also has a free, self-paced travel training program that offers advice for safe and prepared bus travel.

Commuters are urged to check the weather and gear up accordingly when planning their trips.

As daylight hours shorten, transit authorities recommend that riders apply the “Be Safe. Be Seen.” principle by enhancing their visibility with bright-colored or reflective clothing or by using lighting.

This is especially crucial during early morning and evening hours. Commuters can visit IT’s safety page for more information.

Holiday service changes include the following: Intercity Transit will not operate on Monday, Christmas Day or on Monday, New Year's Day.

Service will end early on Christmas Eve (Sunday, December 24), but regular schedules will operate on New Year's Eve (Sunday, December 31).

Lastly, Intercity Transit's festively decorated Jingle Buses and Dial-A-Lift van are again bringing holiday cheer to the community.

These zero-fare buses operate on different routes daily through Sunday, December 31, taking riders to popular shopping destinations and small businesses.

• Capital Mall: Routes 45, 47, or 48 from Olympia Transit Center.
• South Sound Center: Routes 64, 66, or 68 from Olympia Transit Center.
• Downtown Olympia: Routes 62A, 62B, 64, 66, or 620 from Lacey Transit Center.

Use the online Trip Planner for step-by-step instructions.

Intercity Transit's Jingle Buses, a tradition since the 1980s, serve as a festive thank-you to riders during the holiday season.

Contact Customer Service at 360-786-1881 or visit IT’s website for questions or assistance.