How did people get around the Puget Sound before highways, buses, and light rail?

In this episode of That Transit Show, host Monica Spain talks with Jennifer Ott, Executive Director of HistoryLink, about the region’s transportation history. From Indigenous canoe travel and the Mosquito Fleet to the Interurban railway, Interstate 5, and the creation of Community Transit, they explore how transportation has shaped Snohomish County and the Puget Sound.

Jennifer also shares the story behind Bluebell, the restored 1959 vintage bus that became a traveling museum for Community Transit’s 50th anniversary.

In this episode:

• The Puget Sound’s first transportation network
• The rise and fall of the Interurban railway
• How highways changed regional travel
• The creation of Community Transit
• Why transportation history still matters today

Subscribe to That Transit Show for more stories about the people, places, and history behind public transportation in Snohomish County.

That Transit Show theme by Bryan Bradley

The world's biggest soccer tournament is headed to the Pacific Northwest, and Everett is ready to welcome fans from around the world.

Host Monica Spain talks with Tyler Chism, Economic Development Manager for the City of Everett, about Everett's role as an official fan zone. Learn about waterfront watch parties, family-friendly activities, local celebrations, and how transit can help visitors and residents get where they need to go.

If you're planning to take part in the excitement this summer, this episode offers a helpful guide to what to expect and how to get there.

What if getting to work was one less thing your employees had to worry about?

In this episode of That Transit Show, we talk about Community Transit’s Small Business Partnerships Program. Host Monica Spain sits down with Alessandra Gonzalez to explain how small businesses can offer transit benefits to employees at no cost.

From unlimited ORCA passes to real-world outreach, this episode covers how the program works and why it matters for both employers and workers across Snohomish County.

If you’re a small business owner or someone looking for an easier commute, this is worth a listen.