Inside Man

“And then on the street we have since inception undertaken area transit plans. We split the region into sub-regions and again worked with public stakeholders and member municipalities around identifying those transit services that are required to support smart growth in their communities.”

Jarvis says it’s not about having direct authority over anyone when it comes to transit decisions so much as it’s influencing through collaboration and partnerships.

“It’s a value that’s held close to the heart here in our residents and stakeholders,” Jarvis says.

“That being the case we’ve been successful and others tell us we’re successful in developing a transportation system and developing in terms of land-use development in a fairly effective way.”

Integrated Lessons

I asked Jarvis what lessons could other agencies take away from TransLink and he said to look at the system and see how it’s integrated.

“That was something folks long before I was around made it. We benefit that we have an integrated transportation system,” Jarvis says.

“We have one of the largest service regions of any transit agency and it’s integrated. Our West Coast Express commuter rail or SeaBus or bus, there’s no transfers. It’s one system with respect to the way that the customer looks at it. So out on the street that would be the key lesson.

“And two is that we all work for a higher cause. And that’s about serving the residents and constituents in our service region and both creating a great place to live and work and play. That’s the higher cause. That’s what keeps me grounded.”