As an over four decade Mercer Island resident, I still remember the days when you could get most anywhere in the metropolitan area very quickly as there was little traffic. I have been resisting taking public transportation, but I am finally seeing that for certain trips it is more efficient to take the bus.

However, there is a problem as oftentimes the Mercer Island Park and Ride is completely full. How can we take the bus if we can’t get to the Mercer Island Transit Center and park our car there?

What if there was a van or small bus that ran up and down Island Crest Way or along the Mercer Ways continuously? A while back I wrote a letter to the city suggesting the same and they said it was not feasible.

However, I think it could be feasible and other citizens might be very interested in this service. If funding couldn’t come from government sources, then possibly it could come from Mercer Islanders who would subsidize it.

Or perhaps a private entrepreneur could drive the route and riders could pay the driver directly. Having a hassle-free way to get the bus at the transit center would make taking the bus much more attractive.

Jean Klein

Mercer Island