FAQ
How do I use this website? This website is for planning purposes only. The following is a suggestion:
Top of page How come there is no schedule information? This is a proof-of-concept website that has been developed by the Whatcom Council of Governments to test a multi-county, multi-modal trip planner for those traveling in the region without a personal vehicle. Budget constraints and a lack of transit agency and private agency participation limit the abilities to add dynamic time schedule information for every route included. It is hoped that future upgrades will add up-to-date scheduling information. Top of page I'm not seeing the route I expect. What should I do? This system is designed to show a variety of route choices between major start and end points, but it is not all-inclusive. Many longer routes or routes requiring numerous transfers have been filtered out of the results. However, if you have a specific route in mind that does not show up and that you think should be included, please fill out the comment form on the contact us page and tell us all the details you know about the route so we can consider adding it. Thank you! Top of page My start or end point is not on the drop-down list. Why not? This tool illustrates connections from popular origin and destination locations, and locations where transportation connections between modes or routes can be made. Not all transit points or stops in the North Puget Sound region are included. If you believe another location should be included on the list, please let us know by using the comment form on the contact us page. Top of page How are results organized? Routes are listed in the order specified in the "Enter trip info" box. If you sort by number of transfers, the first route shown will have the least number of transfers between services. The next route on the results list will have the second fewest transfers, etc. If you sort by distance, the first route shown will be the shortest distance, calculated directly between transfer points. Note that distance is based on a map, NOT on actual travel routes, and are therefore estimates only. If you sort by price, the first route shown will have the least estimated cost. A summary of price ranges is listed in the key at the bottom of the page. Please note that these are estimates only and all actual ticketing prices should be confirmed with the service agencies themselves. Top of page How do you use the optional preferences? These options exclude results based on your preference. For example, if you do not want to travel by ferry for any part of your trip, you can de-select the public ferry and private ferry options from the optional preferences list. Top of page What does the border crossing preference mean? Some of the routes include crossing the border between British Columbia and Washington State. These routes require that travelers carry identification for international travel (i.e. passport, birth certificate and drivers license, or other approved identification). If you plan on traveling without these documents, un-check the border crossing preference so that all routes generated will serve one country only. More information about documentation for entering Canada http://www.consular.canada.usembassy.gov/enter_canada.asp More information about documentation for entering the United States http://www.cbp.gov/xp/cgov/travel/vacation/ready_set_go/land_travel/ Top of page What does off-peak season mean? Some services are only available during peak travel seasons, which are generally between June and September (summer) of each year. Some companies operate between May and September; others run for fewer months. It is important to check with each service provider listed in your results and confirm that the service operates when you are planning to travel. By checking the "exclude peak season only routes" option you are requesting to see only the routes that operate year-round (i.e. this will exclude summer-only ferry services). Top of page What if I'm travelling on a weekend? Because many transit agencies provide alternate schedules or less service on weekends it is important to check with every service provider listed in your results and confirm that the service you need is available on weekends. Top of page How do I report a broken link? Please click the contact us link and fill out the comment form, reporting to us which link is broken. We will fix it as soon as possible. Top of page I think a route should be added. What should I do? Contact us using the comment form on the contact us page and we will consider any suggested routes in improvements made to the site. Top of page I would like my agency's service to be included on the map. How can it be added? Contact us using the comment form on the contact us page and provide a name, phone number, and detailed information about your service route and what modes it connects with. We will contact you about including your service. Top of page Can I have a print-out of all this information? A PDF map of all the agencies serving this region is available here. This map can be printed and includes the names, phone numbers, websites, and route connections of all listed agencies. Top of page Who built this website? This website was conceptualized, funded, and managed by the Whatcom Council of Governments to assist regional travelers in finding information on transportation connections through the five-county region of the North Puget Sound. It is a proof-of-concept project developed to evaluate interest and benefits to the region. This project is part of the North Sound Connecting Communities Project, a coalition of regional transportation planners and agencies in Whatcom, Skagit, Island, San Juan, and Snohomish counties, and the Lower Mainland of British Columbia. More information about the North Sound Connecting Communities Project. To contact the Whatcom Council of Governments, click on the contact us page and fill out the comment form. The website was designed and developed by Wren Schultz, a system user and regional website developer. Top of page I have a question that isn't answered here. Who can I talk to? Please fill out the comment form on the contact us page and let us know your question. We will contact you directly as well as post any questions we receive more than once here on the FAQs page. Top of page |