If elected, would you be willing to work with Arcata to fill in the gaps in our public transit system?   

We need a bus route between our cities on Sundays if we truly want to promote a denser, parking free future.   

If you agree, what could and would you do to make it happen?

— Dan Shahin

Response

Anil Dwivedi

Yes. I would absolutely be willing to work with Arcata and the Humboldt Transit Authority to improve transportation between our two cities, including Sunday service. Eureka and Arcata are only a few miles apart, but our communities are deeply connected. People travel between the two cities for work, school, shopping, medical appointments, restaurants, entertainment and everyday life. A regional transportation system should reflect that reality.

Sunday service is not a new concern. It has already been identified locally as an unmet transit need, and Eureka’s own planning documents call for supporting expanded transit service, including Sunday service and improved express connections between Eureka and Arcata.

As mayor, I would strongly advocate for it and bring the right people to the table. I would work with Arcata, HTA, Humboldt County to determine the actual demand, operating cost, available state and federal transportation funding, and what level of Sunday service is financially sustainable.

I would start practically. We don’t necessarily need full weekday level service on day one. If the numbers support it, we could explore a Sunday pilot program between Eureka and Arcata, establish useful service hours, measure ridership and cost, and expand it if the results justify doing so.

I also think we need to look beyond simply adding buses. Better connections between transit, bicycles, pedestrians and future microtransit can make it easier for people to get around without requiring a car for every trip.

Regional problems require regional cooperation. I would be willing to sit down with Arcata’s leadership and our regional transportation agencies and work toward a solution that is convenient for riders and financially responsible for taxpayers.

If we want people to have the option of driving less, we first have to give them a transportation system that actually works when they need it.

Anil Dwivedi

 

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