Valley’s mass transit options expanding

A pair of Valley companies are taking residents for a ride, and we think you ought to know about it.

Matanuska-Susitna Community Transit (MASCOT) and Valley Mover are collaborating for a unique partnership in local public transportation. Starting July 5, MASCOT will discontinue its service to and from Anchorage to focus on what it does best — get people from Point A to Point B within the Valley.

Fledgling Valley Mover, which has enjoyed huge ridership increases since its inception 14 months ago, will take over as the main vehicle for moving people between the Valley and Anchorage.

We recall reporting on Valley Mover when local businessman Mokie Tew announced his idea (along with his distinctive pink and white buses) and wondering if the Valley could support two mass transportation agencies. With MASCOT in the process of digging out of a financial hole, the future of this type of service locally seemed in jeopardy.

That’s why it’s so gratifying to see that not only has MASCOT rebounded to be better than ever, but the two bus services have found a way to augment their operations that — ultimately — is good news for local residents.

For decades, the Valley has set the benchmark for growth in Alaska, and especially the Southcentral region. That trend continued in the new millennium, where we swelled by 50 percent to nearly 90,000 residents.

And we all have places to go. That’s where this new partnership will be not only a convenience for commuters and those looking to travel between Palmer and Wasilla, but could have significant economic benefits for the Valley as well. Making it easier to commute to Anchorage could be the deciding factor for some who work there to move their families to the Valley. More comprehensive mass transportation also is a draw for the real estate market.

In the end, however, when these changes take effect next month, this partnership also is a great example of how erstwhile competitors can come together to strengthen both their hands. For MASCOT, this has the potential to greatly boost its local service as those who may not have used it before will to connect with Valley Mover. For Valley Mover, picking up those MASCOT riders to and from Anchorage will also be a boost.

We commend both for considering their clients — Valley residents — first and encourage all to use our local public transportation whenever possible. And for MASCOT and Valley Mover, please continue taking us for a ride.