The Transition Snoqualmie Valley group and former Carnation Mayor, Bob Patterson, along with Kristy Trione of Hopelink, have formed a transportation partnership.

The group is sending out a Lower Valley Transit Solutions Survey. This month, copies will be mailed with utility bills in Carnation and will also be available at the public libraries in Carnation and in Duvall.

According to Patterson, some of the entities interested in feedback from valley residents include King County Metro, Hopelink, the Snoqualmie Tribe, the Riverview School District and the Sno-Valley Senior Center, among others.

Patterson was aware of a state law that would allow school buses to be used for public transportation. He saw the potential to supplement existing modes of public transportation with a partnership with the School District.

Kristy Trione of Hopelink, is invovled with Transition Snoqualmie Valley and the survey. She is excited about seeing the results of the survey in order to help the Lower Valley determine its transportation needs and to help focus resources to better assist residents.

Trione got involved with the group after visiting Ecuador where she “met people affected by our consumption habits in the States.”

“The [Ecuadorians] had been living sustainable lives for thousands of years in the jungle,” she explained. “They wanted the North to change its dream - to be more sustainable and socially just.”

Both Patterson and Trione feel that transportation “helps set up the framework for communities building sustainability.”

Surveys need to be returned by September 30.