New director appointed to lead Everett Transit

Mike Schmieder has been appointed as the new director of Everett Transit, succeeding Tom Hingson, who retired after 25 years of dedicated service. Schmieder's extensive experience with Everett Transit, starting as a fixed route operator in 2008, positions him well to lead the transit system through significant changes. With Everett anticipating population and job growth, the agency is committed to sustainability, having logged over a million miles with zero-emission electric buses. In 2024, Everett Transit introduced inductive charging technology, the first of its kind in Western Washington, allowing buses to charge wirelessly while on the route. As part of its fleet modernization, the agency will retire its remaining Orion V buses, which have been in service since the early 2000s.

A new mission statement, "Connecting People to Life," was unveiled to emphasize the agency's commitment to community service. These initiatives reflect a broader goal of enhancing public transportation options and reducing environmental impact in the region. With the delivery of 14 more electric buses expected in 2025, Everett Transit is poised for a significant leap towards a fully zero-emissions fleet.