The city is partnering with King County Metro on a new program called “In Motion” to encourage Island residents to explore the range of travel options available to them.

The city is looking for a focus group of drivers who commute off-Island to work in a single occupant vehicle (SOV) and who may consider alternative modes such as buses, vanpools, carpools or bicycles for part or all of their journey.

If you’d like to give input on your commute, alternate services, incentives and effective communication channels, attend a meeting at City Hall from 6:30-7:30 p.m. Possible dates include Aug. 10, 11, or 13.

Free pizza and soda will be provided.

To sign up, contact consultant and Island resident Nancy Lee at nancyrlee@msn.com.

This effort follows up on the success of Mercer Island’s new bus route 630, which launched on June 8.

The commuter oriented, weekday shuttle service replaced the terminated 202/205 routes.  It operates five trips to downtown Seattle during the morning rush hour, and five trips back home again in the evening.

Early usage data indicate that average daily ridership has risen 35 percent and peaked at 123 riders in a single day.

Update: On Aug. 5, the city announced that it is assembling a second focus group, this time for parents who drive their students to school most days, and who may consider alternative modes such as buses, vanpools, carpools, bicycles, for part or all of their student’s journey. Contact Lee to sign up: nancyrlee@msn.com.