Wahkiakum on the Move adjusts routes, schedule

Wahkiakum on the Move, the local bus service, has seen a sharp decrease in ridership with the covid19 pandemic, but they plan to keep moving for the people who need them, as well as providing additional delivery service for the Lions Club Helping Hands and the Wahkiakum Food Bank.

Managers are asking people to use the service for essential rides only.

As a response to the health crisis, they have decided to cut some of their routes for the time being. Usually they make four trips to Longview every day, but now they are down to two. On Monday morning, they found out that Pacific County is cutting their Naselle route, so WOTM will be doing the same.

However, Transportation Coordinator Camille Goldsmith noted, if anyone on the Westend needs a ride, they should call 360-795-3101 between 7:30 and 4 p.m., and she will try to get something set up.

The route changes have been posted on their Facebook page and on the county website. Check wahkiakumcovid19.com for updates as well.

WOTM normally has eight drivers, but due to health concerns, a drop in ridership, and loss of routes, they are down to five.

Some of the drivers have taken to wearing face masks, though it's not mandatory, Goldsmith said.

"We've been cleaning the buses after every route with wipes and Lysol, and using a bleach solution every day," Goldsmith said. "It's more cleaning than usual."