Updated Rider News masthead

"July 2025"

Bus System Redesign: Phase 2

Bus in front of Capitol Building

Beginning on Sunday, Sept. 7, Phase 2 of our Bus System Redesign will start. This next phase is an important step in preparing for a major overhaul of our fixed-route bus network, which is scheduled to launch in May 2026.

In this phase, Route 620 will be replaced by two new commuter routes, offering more options for customers travelling to Lakewood. These updates are designed to make it easier for people to make connections and travel more efficiently across the region.

*Why is Intercity Transit redesigning the bus system?*

In 2016, Intercity Transit began a two year public engagement effort that informed the agency about the community’s expectations and priorities for public transportation in Thurston County. The comprehensive effort provided over 10,000 ideas about what transit should look like moving forward and prioritized those into common themes, which were used to develop scenarios for the future that included:


* *Service Reductions:* Allow public transportation service levels to shrink in the face of increasing growth and congestion which increase operating costs.
* *Status Quo System:* Increase revenues enough to maintain levels of public transportation to keep up with growth and congestion.
* *Transformational System:* Increase revenue enough to keep up with growth and reduce congestion, serve new areas, add frequency and ensure those who need it have it.

Riders can look forward to better connections to local high schools, South Puget Sound Community College (SPSCC), and other key destinations in the area. The new routes will also offer improved access to the Capitol Campus, service to new areas, and cross-town connections. With faster travel times, the new system is designed to be more efficient, reliable, and responsive to the needs of our growing community.

Look for an article from* Thurston Talk [ [link removed] ]* soon that details our upcoming plans on the Bus System Redesign.

More information on the Bus System Redesign can be found at *intercitytransit.com/bus-system-redesign [ [link removed] ]*.



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See us in Parades and at Community Events this Summer

Bubble Bus at a community event

Look for our festive bubble bus at the following parades and events this summer:


* *South Sound BBQ Festival: *Saturday, July 12 in Lacey’s Huntamer Park.
* *Lakefair 50+ in the Park: *Friday, July 18 in downtown Olympia at Heritage Park.
* *Lakefair Parade: *Saturday, July 19 in downtown Olympia along Capitol Way South.
* *Nisqually Valley BBQ Rally: *Saturday, July 26 in Yelm at Yelm City Park.


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NaviLens Aims to Improve Accessibility at Transit Centers

NaviLens QR Code on bay sign at OTC

Have you noticed the new brightly colored signs at the Olympia and Lacey Transit Centers? These are part of a six-month pilot program that uses NaviLens technology to provide information to riders who are blind or have low-vision to help them navigate to a bus bay, receive real-time next bus departure information, and get directions to their bus using their smart phone (Android or iOS) and the NaviLens app.

NaviLens uses high-contrast, color-coded QR style codes that can be scanned from up to 60 feet away. Unlike traditional QR codes, NaviLens codes don’t need precise alignment or focus, allowing users to receive audio guidance about their surroundings, transit schedules, and other service information. The technology provides information in 34 languages, so it can also help non-English speakers.

There are two free apps available on the App store or Google Play to help our customers:


* The NaviLens app helps blind and visually impaired users by allowing them to scan codes without needing to know their exact location. It provides the same information as traditional signage through audio and haptic feedback, helping guide users to their destinations.
* The NaviLens GO app provides sighted users trip planning information, departures and service status information to help navigate the transit centers and the system. More information is available on our website at* intercitytransit.com/how-to-ride/navilens [ [link removed] ]*.


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Monthly Bike Maintenance Classes

Volunteer helping fix a bicycle

Our Walk N Roll program is excited to introduce a new rotating series of bike maintenance classes! The lineup includes ABC Quick Check, Shifting Gears (gear maintenance), Brake Maintenance, and Fix-a-Flat classes. In these beginner level classes, participants will learn bike maintenance skills to help care for their bikes.

Classes are free and are held on the second Tuesday of the month from 5 to 7 or 8 p.m. at the Walk N Roll Educational Bike Shop. No registration is required, and you are welcome to attend one or all the classes in the series. Classes are all ages, however, youth under 13 need to be accompanied by an adult. The next class will cover brake maintenance from 5 to 7 p.m. on Tuesday, July 8. For more information and the class schedule, please check out the *Walk N Roll Event Calendar [ [link removed] ]*.



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Duncan's Retirement Ride: Coasting Into the Next Adventure

Duncan on his bicycle

We are celebrating Duncan’s retirement after 16 years of coordinating the Bicycle Community Challenge (BCC)! Duncan has grown the BCC from about 30 riders to over 700 riders in May’s BCC.

Come celebrate Duncan’s legacy on July 12! The celebration will begin with a bike ride leaving from Heritage Park Fountain at 1 p.m. We will ride to Squaxin Park to continue the celebration at shelter 3. Participants can join the bike ride or meet at the park around 1:30 p.m. Congratulations to Duncan on his retirement. We wish him nothing but happiness in the years ahead!



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Rider Tip: Ride, Rack and Roll!

Combining biking with bus travel is a great way to reduce your carbon footprint while staying active and healthy! All Intercity Transit buses are equipped with bike racks that can hold up to two bicycles. Our experienced operators are happy to assist you with loading and unloading your bike safely. Just let them know when you're ready to get your bike at your stop. It's an easy, eco-friendly way to get where you need to go!






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