Editor,

I am a regular patron of Island Transit’s route 411W. This route allows me to connect with the Skagit Transit’s route 410 into Anacortes.

I am incredibly thankful that there is a transit option for my commute from Oak Harbor to Anacortes.

I cannot believe this route was discontinued. I am quite worried about the detrimental effects this could have on many lives. And to think, there’s only a month and a half left to figure out the multitude of adjustments needed to accommodate the loss.

Personally, I have a nice, reliable vehicle. I suffer anxiety while driving, though. The ability to get to and from my job is possible because of the connection of the Island Transit to the Skagit Transit.

While I have faith that I will figure out how to get to and from my gainful employment, even if I end up hitchhiking, I am concerned not only for my own well being but for that of many others.

While riding the bus, I’ve been witness to a socio-economically diverse group of fellow commuters. My previous misconception was that the transit was primarily used by “low-lifes” and rowdy kids. I have since learned first-hand that this isn’t a valid representation of the majority of the transit riding population.

One man I’ve spoken with was a small-business owner who had gotten an injury that inhibits his ability to continue working for himself. He got a slightly less laborious job and sold his vehicle to make ends meet. He now loathes the idea of having to deal with the hassle of vehicular maintenance or payments.

There are several classy looking ladies that take the same route that continue on in the Mount Vernon/Burlington direction.

There’s a middle aged, professional man who brings his bike on a daily basis. I see many young men and women get on early in the morning heading off to classes at Skagit Valley College in Mount Vernon.

On my way home, I see a lot of families with children utilizing the transit from Anacortes and Mount Vernon connecting to Island Transit as well as some of my fellow morning commuters. I also noticed that this is a source of freedom for the physically and mentally handicapped.

There are plenty of “rowdy” kids too, but it amazes me that every single person offers some statement of gratitude when they’re deposited at their chosen destination.

Whidbey Island may not seem remote, but it may as well be in the middle of nowhere if you are not fortunate enough to be able to drive for one reason or another. Access to the mainland is important in every person’s life.

I met one couple that is more grateful than anyone I can imagine. They were recovering heroin addicts and had previously lost custody of their children. Because the connection from Whidbey Island to Mount Vernon, they were able to get to the nearest appropriate clinics, repair their lives and get their children back.

Transit patrons are in need of this connection between Whidbey Island and Skagit County.

I am optimistic that you will push for a solution on the matter of the County Connector service provided by Island Transit, Whatcom Transit and Skagit Transit.

Do I think that Island Transits funds were grossly mismanaged? Absolutely.

Do I think that it’s appropriate to punish the patrons? Absolutely not.

I understand that there are many facets to the budgets of public transportation, but even the state auditors failed to catch issues within Island Transit. I also understand that not everything is black and white and have faith that there has to be a solution of compromise moral responsibility out there.

Carolyn D. Howe

Oak Harbor