Editor,

I live in a neighborhood a short ride by car, but a long walk to an Island Transit bus stop. This neighborhood, Hilltop Terrace in Clinton, is a kind of suburban residential village with dozens of homes. A few hardy souls make the early morning walk to the bus stop, at the intersection of Deer Lake and Holst Road, going to work.

I have poor eyesight — Glaucoma. It would be neither wise nor safe for me to walk on busy Holst Road to the bus stop. Many residents here are senior citizens who could use regular bus service for shopping, medical appointments, etc. Without bus service, most of us must travel by car or taxi. Too often I take a cab to Ken’s Korner or beyond for groceries. Langley is a $40 round trip. I am grateful for the volunteer drivers of Island Senior Services but they are limited to medical trips, due to scarce resources.

I have spoken with the new Island Transit director, Mike Nortier. As a retired Navy Base commander he was chosen for his leadership skills. I’m a veteran; I applaud the choice. I have invited him to come look at Hilltop Terrace. I have pointed out that revising the #58 route by just a few minutes would bring us service. He was noncommittal. Of course. He is faced with a list of problems: financing, aging buses and route revisions.

I have encouraged Nortier to consider charging fares to help expand bus service. After all, 50 cents or $1 dollar a ride would be far better than taxi fares. It’s even too expensive to take a cab to the Red Apple or Cozy’s.

And consider this: Better bus service could be a boost for the Whidbey Island economy.

RUSS NICHOLS

Clinton