[Transit] TRU and Port of Seattle

[Saunatina Sanchez]

Thanks to everyone who was able to meet about how the Port of Seattle can collaborate with community groups like Transit Riders Union more effectively.
I’ve included my notes below. If anyone has additions or corrections to this, let me know and I’ll make sure my notes are updated.
Looking forward to more conversations and working to get more transit access for airport workers at all hours of the night and day.

Thanks,
Saunatina Sanchez
Bus And Transit Service Workgroup
Transit Riders Union
	Katie gave an overview of TRU and Port.

	Adrian gave an overview of his position at Port and the current makeup of airport employees, including the challenge of dealing with multiple employers.

	Jo asked about the specific time frame of 1am-4am, where employees come from and how many need service at that time.

	Adrian said the 4am start time is the busiest one for the airport and the current bus that provides service from Tacoma, 574, where the majority of airport employees are coming from, is being cut when the Federal Way Link Line opens in 2024 for “redundant service”.

	This gave us a chance to point out how the service isn’t redundant because Link doesn’t run during the time that people who need it for getting to the 4am start time at the airport.

	Adrian told us his team’s goal is to increase sustainable transportation at the airport. There’s a contract out for a consultant to do community engagement around this issue. Link for Ground Transportation Emission Reduction Strategy.

	No effort has been made to do recruitment for this position. Reasons given included not having resources, which brought up why our group is there – Who is prioritized when it’s time to divvy up the resources?

	Adrian mentioned a “Change Team” currently working on equity issues at the Port.

	Miles asked why bring on a consultant instead of hire someone directly?

	Adrian says it’s easier for Port to bring on contractors due to negotiations with airport stakeholders, which means Port leadership is hesitant to bring on permanent staff.

	This brought us to one of our main goals for the meeting – How does a community group like TRU get at the table, in the room, where the decisions are made early on about what is prioritized.

	Adrian also brought up an accessibility issue around the Skyway walking path between International Blvd and Light Rail station closing when the line ends at night. This might be an “easy” win for our group to be able to get access for bus riders from Int’l Blvd.

	Jo asked for the PowerPoint presentation Adrian showed us and he said he’ll send it over.
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