There is such thing as a free ride and Everett Transit wants servicemembers to take full advantage of it.

For the uninitiated, servicemembers and their family can ride any Everett Transit bus for free. 

Let’s allow that to sink in.

From Naval Station Everett to Everett Mall: free. From Everett Bus Station to Silver Lake: free. From Everett Community College to the Mukilteo Ferry: free.

“This has been going on for quite some time,” said Kem Espiet, NAVSTA Everett’s employee transportation coordinator. “Active duty servicemembers and their family members get to ride Everett transit free of charge as long as they show their military identification cards.”

The free ride program is quickly becoming the best friend of the single sailor. With 10 separate bus routes to choose from, virtually all of Everett is accessible to military ID card holders.

It isn’t coincidence that Espiet’s reminder about this valuable program coincides with NAVSTA Everett’s and Washington State’s annual Wheel Option weeks.

The week is designed to encourage commuters to choose alternative transportation options instead of driving solo.

Besides the bus, alternatives include carpooling, bicycling, and walking. 

From Oct. 11 to Oct. 22, station personnel who travel to work, at least twice, using one or more of the aforementioned alternative forms of transportation, are eligible for some great prizes.

Prizes include a five-day trip for two to Mazatlan, Mexico, airline tickets, a trip for two on the Spirit of Washington dinner train, $100 Home Depot Gift Cards, and more.

“The program is designed to encourage commuters who drive, to choose alternatives that are better for the environment, resources and quality of life,” said Espiet. “We’re really trying to get people to choose alternate forms of transportation to reduce single-occupancy vehicles.”

“But, of course,” said Espiet. “We’d also like to see one of our Sailors take a trip to Mexico as well.”

To get in on the fun, contact your local employee transportation coordinator or sign up online at http://www.WheelOptions.org{{PERIOD}}