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The public is getting a chance to tell Skagit Transit where to go – in a polite way, of course.

The area's public transportation system, which last year celebrated its 30th anniversary, is hosting a series of open houses through April 10 designed to gather input for SKAT's long-range service plans.

Skagit Transit Marketing and Public Affairs Liaison Cheryl Willis said a key component of the current open house series is to determine if there is demand for a micro-transit option on Fidalgo Island and the area north of Highway 20 and west of Interstate 5. The micro-transit model would provide a demand-response service in its designated zones.

There will be another public forum at 5 p.m. today (Wednesday) at Fidalgo Elementary School Library on Gibralter Road in Anacortes; 5-6:30 p.m. April 4 at the Anacortes Public Library; 1-2:30 p.m. April 6 at Skagit Station in Mount Vernon; 5-6:30 p.m. April 9 at the Edison Elementary School Library; and 5:30-7 p.m. April 10 at the Burlington Public Library.

La Conner Middle School was the site of a 90-minute open house on March 27. Willis delivered a presentation and spoke with attendees, including Town Administrator Scott Thomas, Mayor Marna Hanneman and planning commissioner John Leaver.

"We're doing a comprehensive analysis and are asking the public for feedback on what we're doing and see where adjustments can be made," Willis said.

Once input from the open houses is compiled through surveys and one-on-one discussions, she said, Skagit Transit officials will share the information with the public.

"It will all be based on these open houses, the surveys and what people say," she said.

The public feedback will help Skagit Transit develop operational plans for the next five to 10 years.

Willis and Skagit Transit staffer Rogelio Conejo presented statistics showing that Route 615, which includes the La Conner area, enjoyed a ridership of nearly 9,000 in 2023. Route 615 was added eight years ago and has stops at Town Hall, the post office, Pioneer Market, Swinomish Casino & Lodge and the tribal medical and dental clinics.

Skagit Transit also has service on the northern edge of the La Conner School District, with Route 513 running on Highway 20 from March Point to Burlington.

Willis said Skagit Transit ridership has increased since the COVID-19 pandemic. She added that younger people are increasingly turning to Skagit Transit for transportation instead of car ownership.

Persons ages 18 and under ride Skagit Transit free of charge, she said.

Skagit Transit, which operates 19 fixed-schedule bus routes, also offers paratransit and vanpool services across the county.

"Paratransit is in place for those situations – like making doctor's appointments – where it's difficult to ride a fixed route," Willis said. "And paratransit is well used."

The agency, which launched in 1993, is funded by a 0.4% local sales tax.