City of Bellingham Transportation Commission
The Transportation Commission tackled two major agenda items requiring formal action: endorsing WTA's enhanced go-line approach for rapid transit and permanently approving the successful Eldridge Avenue bike lane pilot project. Both items passed unanimously with strong commission support. WTA's Hayden Richardson presented their preliminary locally preferred alternative, recommending enhanced go-lines over full bus rapid transit. This approach would provide 10-minute or better frequency across multiple corridors through incremental improvements rather than one major corridor receiving dedicated bus lanes. The enhanced approach allows WTA to begin implementing improvements immediately rather than waiting 8-10 years for federal Small Starts program funding that may never materialize. The Eldridge Avenue pilot project demonstrated remarkable success after one year of data collection. The project showed 31% increases in bicycle usage and 57% increases in pedestrian traffic year-over-year, with no increase in vehicle speeds despite community concerns. Only one block along the entire corridor showed parking over-capacity, while the project received widespread positive feedback from users. The commission also approved the 2026-2031 Transportation Improvement Program, which reflects reduced street fund allocations replaced by real estate excise tax funding. The TIP includes new projects like a downtown transportation plan ($500,000) and several federally-funded improvements totaling millions in grants.
**WTA Rapid Transit Study - Enhanced Go Lines Approach** - Vote: Information only, no formal action required - Commission expressed unanimous support for enhanced go-lines over full BRT - Staff recommendation accepted to pursue 10-minute frequency through incremental improvements - Approach allows multiple corridor improvements rather than single-corridor focus **Eldridge Avenue Pilot Project - Permanent Bike Lanes** - Vote: Unanimous approval with amendment - Original resolution: Permanently remove parking and establish bi…
**WTA Rapid Transit**: Public Works and Natural Resources Committee presentation May 19th, WTA Board presentation June 19th. MOU development workshops with stakeholders throughout summer 2025. Final locally preferred alternative adoption targeted for late fall/early winter 2025. **Eldridge Avenue**: Resolution proceeds to City Council with community outreach planned including Engage Bellingham page and postcards to adjacent property owners. Future corridor improvements may address pavement condition in bike lanes and crossing connectivity to Bay Street. **Transportation Improvement Program**: Public hearing schedule…