West Seattle residents concerned about the future of transit in and out of West Seattle are joining forces to create a unified voice and to get answers from elected officials on where they stand when it comes to congestion, public transportation, construction, and the like.

The coalition was formally announced by the Westwood/Roxhill/Arbor Heights Community Council (WWRHAH) on Sept. 12. The group’s first meeting is scheduled for Sept. 24, 6:30 p.m., at the High Point Neighborhood House (6400 Sylvan Way S.W.).

According to WWRHAH, the coalition will focus on at least three main concerns:

1. The looming reduction of mass transit services region wide with the King County Metro funding crisis coming out of Olympia. All services will face up to a 17% cut in volume.
2. This is only compounded for us in West Seattle, with the equally looming end of the SR-99 Viaduct and the construction headaches that will cause for all of us soon.
3. Third, the population because of increasing density (whether you’re a fan or not) in West Seattle is increasing, further straining transit — transit which may soon reduce, straining it even further.

“Regardless of what side you’re on about any of these issues, altogether they equal out to everyone coming out of West Seattle having a pretty awful commute very soon,” the group wrote.

The Transit Coalition is inviting West Seattle neighborhood groups and individuals to join. Part of the coalition’s work will include reaching out to city council members/candidates, mayoral candidates and county officials to press for their stance on specific transit issues.

The group will also send letters to elected officials with a unified stance and make endorsements for upcoming elections, according to WWRHAH.