Local

Buses to be allowed on I-5 shoulder lane to save time for transit riders

LYNNWOOD, Wash. — If you are caught driving on the shoulder of a freeway, that will usually land you a big ticket.

But starting next week some bus drivers will get a pass to do just that to help save transit riders time during the morning commute.

Signs are already posted alerting drivers of the change along I-5.

Buses for both Sound Transit and Community Transit will be able use the shoulder on southbound I-5 Monday through Friday from 6 a.m. to 9 a.m. between the transit centers in Lynnwood and Mountlake Terrace.

“On busy traffic days, we want to give buses options to drive on the shoulder and save four, five or even six minutes,” said Martin Munguia, spokesperson for Community Transit.

The only other stretch where buses are currently allowed on the shoulder is along southbound 405 in Bothell.

We checked and the number of drivers who use the stretch of freeway between Lynwood and Mountlake Terrace can top around 400,000 each weekday.

One bus rider told us this change may help but easing traffic in the long run takes more commuters doing their part.

“I think more people taking buses and carpool lanes would make a bigger difference,” said Kristine Shoemaker. “We didn’t plan for the amount of people that we have in Washington 25 to 30 years ago and we are paying for it now.”

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