I recently had a chance to talk with Tacoma’s Pierce County Councilmen and Pierce Transit Board member Tim Farrell about Piece Transit. Similar many regional boards, Pierce Transit's board is made up of appointed local elected officials. I love that Tim rides transit. Often times elected officials tout transit but never ride personally choose it. One of best way policy makers can learn where our system works and needs improvement is my riding it just like a normal citizen. Also, his position on a Tacoma Streetcar partnership and the need to revamp blighted 10th and Commerce are right on. Thank you Councilmember Farrell for your leadership on transit issues.

Andrew: How did you get appointed to the Pierce Transit Board? How long have you served on the board?
Tim Farrell: This is my first year on the board having replaced Calvin Goings who stepped down after 4 years. The vacancy came available and since I am a transit user, I wanted to participate in the discussion.

AA: What do you think the most successful initiative or service expansion has been since you've been on the board?
TF: Well, I am new here, so there has not been any implementation of the ideas that I personally been involved in at this time. However, over the next 10 years, Pierce County will be hosting major public events such as Tall Ships and the US Amateur and US Open. Lucky for us, we have the benefit of having several key administrators who have experience with large events - the most notable of which is Lynne Griffith who played a key role in helping Atlanta prepare for the 1996 Summer Olympics. Transportation will be a huge factor in insuring all three events are a success and its our good fortune to have professionals on board who can make that success happen.

AA: In your view, what will be Pierce Transit's biggest challenge in the next
3-5 years?
TF: As the price of gasoline continues to skyrocket, we will continue to see more and more people opting for transit services. Engaging in public and private partnerships to provide mass transit opportunities will be the hallmark of the next decade. In 2009, it is generally recognized that the state will be having major discussions on the future of transportation planning and funding. We, as a local transit authority, need to be prepared to meet these changes and work with legislators like Dennis Flannigan who will be in a pivotal role in deciding our future.
In addition, our 10th and Commerce Bus Terminal is outdated for our needs. The potential of the reconstruction of Parking Structure North by the City of Tacoma can lead the way for a new facility either at that site or another location nearby. Any improvement needs to be user friendly and an active place with multiple uses to provide a safe environment for transit riders and people who do business in downtown.

AA: What are some of the most exciting things on the horizon in that same time frame?
TF: The renovation of the downtown terminal, the potential of a streetcar for Tacoma, public private partnerships that can result in shuttle service directly from downtown to the Tacoma Narrows Airport and the SeaTac Airport, and Bus Rapid Transit Corridor Development are just a few of the items we will be looking at in the next 5 years.
The Pierce Transit Board has been involved in strategically positioning the agency to be meet future transit needs in our community. We are currently updating our strategic plan so that we can be relevant and responsive to the changing transportation needs of our citizens. The possibility of bus rapid transit, a partnership with the city of Tacoma in bringing back the streetcar, and our partnership with Sound Transit are all important strategies that ensure viable transit options are available to the citizens of Pierce County.

AA: Do you think Pierce Transit could be a viable partner for a streetcar network in Tacoma?
TF: Yes, of course!

AA: Lastly, do you every ride the bus? If so, what is your favorite route and why?
TF: Yes, I have my transit pass around my neck on the lanyard as I am typing this. My favorite ride is "The One" as I work downtown, and my district runs the length of 6th Avenue. Having that option can take me from the western most portion of my district near the Narrows to the southern most portion on 56th. The rest, I walk!