After last year's hugely successful inaugural effort, Trailhead Direct, a shuttle service that connects Metro riders to hiking spots nearby, will return for a second year.
The service will increase the number of pickup locations it serves in Seattle, and will bring people to more trailheads than before. The program is designed to increase access to the trails, as well as reducing congestion at the trailheads. The shuttle came in under budget last year, and won rave reviews from riders.
The shuttle starts from South Seattle's Mount Baker Transit Station and carries hikers to trailheads at East Sunset Way, the High School Trail, Chirico Trail-Poo Poo Point, and Margaret's Way. It will also stop at the Issaquah Transit Center and Eastgate Freeway Station.
The service starts April 21, and operates every half-hour on holidays and weekends. Other starting dates depend on where the shuttle goes. The shuttle between the light-rail station at Capitol Hill and Mount Teneriffe and Mount Si begins May 19, and a route to Mailbox Peak from North Bend will start early in the summer.
Shuttles can hold between 19 and 27 passengers, as well as two bicycles each trip. The fare is $2.50 until July, when it goes up to $2.75.
Services such as this are useful to many, so operators might consider working with a brochure printing company on a booklet that describes the service and provides schedules.
