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Snotrac History

The State Legislature created the Agency Council on Coordinated Transportation (ACCT) in response to a statewide mandate in the 1998 legislative session. Its goal was to create a structure providing communication across organizational boundaries and to facilitate coordinated special needs transportation systems through collaborative state and community processes. The Snohomish County Department of Human Services received the first grant from the ACCT to provide funding for improving coordinated transportation throughout Snohomish County. The committee consisted of 4-6 members.

 

The acronym SNOTRAC (Snohomish County Transportation Coalition) was adopted in 1999. In 2001, a consultant was hired to find ways to spend accumulated grant funds (over $35K) and to facilitate ongoing planning for the fledgling coalition. The first organizational plan (2003-5) identified needs for a website and referral line, hiring of a mobility manager and several other small projects. The committee grew to over 20 members.

 

In 2005, grant monies were allocated to launch the Information and Referral Line (prototype of the 211 Network) staffed by Volunteers of America. In addition, VOA hired the first mobility manager and was able to grow the 211 network.

 

By 2009, three new projects were launched and a new fiscal manager, Homage Sr. Services (nee-Sr. Services of Snohomish County), managed grant funds. Pay Your Pal, a volunteer driver program allowing reimbursement for mileage travelled was created to fill the gap when para transit was unavailable; Ride Around the Sound, providing a travel-training program providing trip planning and monthly excursions for seniors and others via transit. Its goal was to familiarize riders with the major transit providers and encouraging greater mobility and accessibility. In addition, the Transportation Assistance (TAP) program began. Using additional federal funding, the program purchased accessible buses that provide door-to-door service outside of the ¾-mile para transit boundary, filling the gap for those needing non-emergency medical transportation.

 

Today, SNOTRAC includes four grant sponsors (Everett Transit, Community Transit, The Stillaguamish Tribe of Indians, and Homage Senior Services) who support the Coalition with the 20% matching funds required by the Federal Transit Administration for Section 5310 grant funds.

 

It also encompasses a growing group of over 25 partner agencies and organizations who serve vulnerable populations as well as underserved areas in Snohomish County and including business, education and elected officials.

 

Many of our partner organizations have managed the Fiscal Agency for SNOTRAC:

 

  • 1999:  Snohomish County Public Works

  • 1999-2005:  Snohomish County Human Services

  • 2005:  Stillaguamish Tribe of Indians

  • 2005-2009:  Volunteers of America

  • 2009-2017:  Homage Senior Services

  • 2017-2019:  Everett Transit

  • 2019-Present:  Workforce Snohomish

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