Bellingham Station is a vibrant transit hub that connects people and communities. It’s also home to a wide variety of trip-worthy destinations.
This is a great opportunity to shape a future that reflects the needs and aspirations of our community. We’re looking for ideas that will help us reach our goals and improve the experience for everyone who uses it.
Whatcom Transit Authority
The company provides fixed-route transportation services in Whatcom County, Washington. It offers 30+ routes, a downtown Bellingham transit station, the Cordata transfer center, Park and Ride stations located in Lynden and Ferndale, 15 pass-sales outlets, 978 bus stops/schedules displays, and a RIDELINE information number during service hours.
The timeline also notes that WTA bus ridership has declined in recent years, despite a strong economic environment and population growth. It’s a problem faced by many North American transit agencies.
To help reverse this trend, the agency is experimenting with new ways to give local residents convenient, on-demand rides around town. Its first microtransit pilot was launched in 2020. The on-demand vans were integrated into the existing Trapeze ADA paratransit system, allowing for quick deployment and operational efficiencies.
Vision
Located in the heart of historic Fairhaven Village, Bellingham Station is within walking distance to a variety of trip-worthy destinations. It is served by bus, e-bikes, and foot traffic and offers easy access to local businesses.
In 2021, the Port and Whatcom Mountain Bike Coalition added new advanced lines in the downtown waterfront bike park along with a jump zone. The Portal container village saw its first two containers open with Kulshan Trackside brewery and Selkie Scoop ice cream.
The 2020s are the decade of opportunity to reduce municipal (city government) and community greenhouse gas emissions. We can do this by insulating buildings and switching to efficient heating/cooling. We can also support a community energy system with the goal of providing low-carbon, affordable energy.
Community Engagement
Our city’s transportation network is complex and transforming it from single-occupant vehicles to one that serves all modes of travel takes time and ongoing investment. The non-motorized improvements seen across the City are guided by City Council approved Pedestrian and Bicycle Master Plans that were developed through dynamic community engagement processes.
Currently, Bellingham Station is at its capacity and cannot support any more buses. This project is an opportunity to reimagine what this transit hub could become. As the heart of our downtown, we can shape the Bellingham Station to be a place that connects people and businesses, and energizes our city’s character. We need your help to make this happen! Learn more about how you can get involved.
Design
The station is a vibrant transit hub but is reaching its capacity to accommodate bus routes. We’re imagining how the station can grow to support community and commercial activities that shape and enrich downtown Bellingham.
In 1927 the Great Northern Railroad built a single story brick passenger station designed by local architect F. Stanley Piper, whose buildings have national historic significance. The Spanish tile roof was decorated with raised tendrils and Corinthian capitals. The street side entrance had three semicircular arches and the waiting room featured wrought iron chandeliers.
A new facility to help people experiencing homelessness in the region is under construction adjacent to the station. The Way Station will provide hygiene services and clinical care on a walk-in basis for those without homes.
Construction
The Port is working to turn 237 acres of a historic pulp and paper mill into a vibrant, mixed use district. But it won’t happen overnight.
The reopening of the Amtrak Cascades train line after a two-year pandemic hiatus brought people back to Railroad Avenue. To celebrate the return, a fire department brigade was asked to create an arch of water over the train as it pulled into Bellingham Station.
RAM was contracted to perform the excavation, shoring and installation of a concrete girder bridge for this project on busy SR 11 in downtown Bellingham. This work was performed in the summer while students were out of school to minimize impacts on the community. The finished product improved traffic operations, safety and street conditions.
