(light music) - Hey, I'm Rick Steves, and I love to travel.

Whether enjoying the wonders of Europe or the local sites right here in my hometown of Edmonds, Washington, getting out and exploring brings me so much joy.

And you'd be surprised how many cool places and activities are right here in our own neighborhood and how easily you can get around these days using public transportation.

Where I live, Community Transit, the local transit provider, is better than ever at getting riders where they wanna go throughout Snohomish County and beyond.

Whether you're traveling for work, school, shopping, dining, or just exploring, it's efficient, affordable, and a great way to experience our community.

I've partnered with Community Transit for a special series about the joy of travel right here in our own backyard.

Together, we'll explore our region and see how, when you take public transit, the journey can be part of the fun.

Thanks for joining us for this "Community Transit Destinations" series.

(light music continues) (upbeat music) Today, I'm excited to take you around my hometown, the idyllic city of Edmonds, Washington.

Catch a Community Transit bus to Downtown Edmonds.

Its walkable corridor is best experienced without a car.

You'll be charmed by colorful murals created by local artists, eclectic storefront displays, and seasonal outdoor markets that feature local arts and crafts.

The heart of Edmonds is Washington's first certified Creative District and a must-see destination for anyone who loves the arts, culture, and creativity.

(upbeat music continues) Check out performances, concerts, and cultural events at the Edmonds Center for the Arts.

Catch a movie or an exclusive screening at the centuries-old Edmonds Theater.

And dine al fresco at one of the many waterfront restaurants featuring the best in Pacific Northwest cuisine.

The waterfront makes for a very picturesque transit hub.

The Edmonds waterfront features bus stops, a ferry terminal, and a Sounder train station, along with breathtaking views of the Puget Sound.

Some of the most dynamic and diverse habitats in Edmonds are found within the intertidal zone and waterfront parks, which include a marine sanctuary and an underwater park popular with scuba divers.

And Edmonds offers a vibrant social scene for all ages.

The Waterfront Center hosts a senior center, along with programs and events for all the community members.

Many people, especially the older adults in Edmonds and people on a fixed income, depend on the local transit options to get around.

(upbeat music) An ORCA card is the easiest way to pay for trips, and it offers riders ages 65 and older discounted fares on buses, light rails, ferries, and more.

ORCA can also provide reduced fare for riders from low-income households and riders with disabilities.

You can use ORCA to pay your fare on local buses, the Sounder train, and on Washington ferries.

And you don't have to figure out how to take transit alone.

Community Transit can help you get started with their Travel Training Program.

It's available to anyone who wants a little extra support while learning how to ride.

A travel trainer actually rides with you, showing you the ropes until you feel safe and confident taking transit solo.

Best of all, it's totally free.

Whether you're a transit pro or just getting started, there is no shortage of great options for travelers across our region.

(bus whooshing) (light music) Thanks for joining me as we explore the different ways to take advantage of public transportation here in our region.

And if you haven't taken a ride on Community Transit, now's the perfect time to give it a whirl.

To learn more, head on over to ctgo.org/ridenow.

Until next time, I'm Rick Steves.

Thanks for watching and keep on traveling.

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