In Everett, Washington, you will find a diverse population, which reflects the town's diverse history. It has a rich Italian and Irish heritage, but also residents from Central and South America, such as Mexico, Brazil, El Salvador, and Haiti. The area also offers frequent public transportation, but riders must cross over railroad tracks and tricky streets to get where they want to go.
There are about 42,000 people in the city, making it one of the most densely-populated areas in Massachusetts. The city has a population density of 19.2 people per acre, making it denser than several communities with subway access. In fact, the city has a much higher proportion of seniors, foreign-born residents, and the disabled than many other nearby communities. Nonetheless, despite its large size, many residents do not live in high-rise or condo buildings.
A recent study showed that public transportation in Everett is a better option than driving. The city's bus system is reliable, and there are a number of stations that service Everett's job centers. A new stop on Cambridge Street would facilitate new through routes that connect residents with more places. In addition, the new stop would offer more amenities to passengers, including restrooms and food.
Bus routes in Everett have increased rider demand and increased on-street activity. Because of the increased traffic, transit service reliability and average speeds will likely suffer. As a result, the MBTA introduced a program called the Key Bus Route Improvement Program in 2006. The initiative utilized transit priority strategies such as improved bus stop amenities and bus stop relocation to improve bus routes. Key Bus Routes are now located on official MBTA subway maps and feature similar peak-hour service.