Olympia/Thurston County – Intercity Transit is accepting applications for a pilot Discounted Bus Pass program aimed at supporting local non-profit and human service agencies. In accordance with Board Resolution 13-2010, adopted by the Intercity Transit Authority earlier this month, up to $200,000 worth of monthly bus passes are available to local organizations to enhance their clients’ access to transportation services provided by Intercity Transit.

The continuing economic downturn has increased the number of people seeking assistance from local human service agencies while reducing the level of resources available to meet these needs.  A particularly hard-hit area is the availability of transportation to and from agency programs.  A number of agencies have approached Intercity Transit seeking assistance in meeting the needs of clients. In response to these requests, the Intercity Transit Authority authorized a one-year pilot program that makes monthly bus passes available to local agencies at a reduced cost and based on application review.  Program offers qualified agencies the ability to purchase passes at 50 percent of the normal cost.  Agencies must demonstrate the availability of matching funds for the passes.

“This is another way Intercity Transit is working with our community partners to help meet the unmet transportation needs of our community,” states Mike Harbour, Intercity Transit General Manager.

Qualifying agencies must serve clients within the cities of Olympia, Lacey, Tumwater or Yelm or within their urban growth areas.  Applicants requesting discounted transit passes must identify how the monthly passes will benefit their constituency and the community as a whole.  Awards will be based on an application review process and judged on demonstrated community benefit, the agency’s history of providing transportation support to clients, the organizational and financial stability of the applying organization, and the importance of transportation to the agency’s provision of services.

 “There are many worthy agencies in our community doing important work.  To support the work of these agencies, particularly during such difficult times, is a win-win – for the agencies, Intercity Transit and, most importantly, the individuals for which low cost, reliable and safe transportation is crucial,” states Mike Harbour, Intercity Transit General Manager. 

Application packets and instructions are available on this Web site or by contacting our business office, 360-786-8585. Applications are due by 4 p.m., December 22, 2010. Awards will b emade in January and the program will begin February 1, 2011.

The Discounted Bus Pass program will be evaluated in mid-2011. The evaluation will assess the program's success and the state of the economy to deterin whether or the we will offer the program ins 2012. 

 are available on this Web site or by contacting our business office, 360-786-8585. Applications are due by 4 p.m., December 22, 2010. Awards will b emade in January and the program will begin February 1, 2011.The Discounted Bus Pass program will be evaluated in mid-2011. The evaluation will assess the program's success and the state of the economy to deterin whether or the we will offer the program ins 2012.