Link Transit expands service, adds new Chelan Valley route

WENATCHEE — Several Link Transit routes will see schedule and service changes beginning July 6, including increased frequency on key local routes, expanded transfer access and the introduction of a new route connecting Wenatchee and Manson.

According to Link Transit, the changes are intended to improve service frequency, strengthen transfer connections and expand travel options throughout Chelan and Douglas counties.

One of the most significant changes affects Route 1 and Route 2. Route 1, which currently operates between Columbia Station and Walmart, will be discontinued. Route 2, serving East Wenatchee and Walmart, will absorb those stops while increasing service to every 15 minutes on weekdays from 6:30 a.m. to 6 p.m. Weekend service will run every 30 minutes.

Route 5 will be extended to Olds Station, giving riders improved access to transfers for Routes 21 and 22 serving Chelan and Leavenworth. Route 6 will operate on revised departure times and move to a 30-minute frequency on weekends.

Link Transit is also launching Route 20, a new weekday service connecting Wenatchee and Manson by way of Orondo and Chelan Falls. The route will include departures from Columbia Station at 5:10 a.m. and 2:10 p.m., along with morning and afternoon return trips from Chelan and Manson. An on-call stop will be available in Sun Cove.

Meanwhile, Route 21 serving Entiat, Chelan and Manson will transition to hourly weekday departures between 5:30 a.m. and 7:30 p.m., replacing several existing early morning and afternoon trips. Two departures will continue to operate on the hour at 7 a.m. and 3 p.m.

New printed schedule books will be available beginning July 1 at Link Transit guest services locations, aboard buses and at various locations throughout the transit district. Updated schedules will also be posted online, and you can view maps of the new routes at https://linktransit.com/servicechange/.

Andrew Simpson: 509-433-7626 or andrew@ward.media