March 1 Deadline for Sumner Transit Survey Approaching

What do the citizens of Sumner want in a transportation program now that the city is no longer a part of the Pierce Transit?

It's a question city leaders hope as many residents as possible can help answer through a transit survey that has been distributed and will remain open until March 1 when results will be tabulated.

Residents were mailed copies of the survey with their utility bills, and hard copies are also available at City Hall, the Sumner Library, Senior Center and the Puyallup/Sumner Chamber of Commerce, said city spokesperson Carmen Palmer.

An electronic version is also available on the city website. (Up on the Plateau, the city of Bonney Lake has also distributed its own survey to collect similar feedback.)

The survey is the most recent way city leaders are hoping to garner feedback from residents. Mayor Dave Enslow began asking for input in May 2012 after the city was officially removed from the Pierce Transit service district.

Meanwhile, leaders continue to explore options to serve local citizens. The agenda packet for the Jan. 14 study session shows that Councilmembers Nancy Dumas and Randy Hynek brought forth a proposal for a pilot transportation system that would through an initial six-month phase operate at a zero cost to the city - thanks to grants - and would be able to provide transportation for local seniors to and from medical appointments and shopping errands, connect riders to Bonney Lake, and more. (See page 3 of the study session packet PDF attached with this item). The program, based in Pierce County, was revisited during the study session this past Monday, according to the meeting agenda. Editor's Note: Patch is continuing to work on learning more about the proposed program; stay tuned for more information.