Community Transit says it will be adding “a modest amount” of new service starting March 27, including 15 new trips, six extended trips and earlier/later travel times. A further expansion of service is planned for September, and the agency said it will be hiring more drivers and mechanics to accommodate those plans.

The changes were announced last fall just after Snohomish County voters approved a ballot measure to increase local sales tax for more transit service. The extra 0.3 percent sales tax will be collected starting April 1, but the agency wanted to get new service out as soon as possible.

“We promised to take immediate steps to increase service, and these small additions are the first step toward delivering on that promise,” said Community Transit CEO Emmett Heath.

According to the agency, the March additions fall into three categories: more commuter service to Seattle, extended span of service and improved midday service.

Among the changes are a new 4:40 a.m. trip in both directions on the Swift bus rapid transit line between Everett and Shoreline. Also, Route 112 between Mountlake Terrace and Ash Way Park & Ride will have seven midday trips added to provide 30-minute all-day service. And more trips have been added on several of the agency’s 400-series commuter routes between South Snohomish County and Seattle.

Detailed trip times are listed online at www.communitytransit.org/March2016Changes.

In early March, Community Transit will announce a proposal for significantly expanded service starting in September 2016. Visit  www.communitytransit.org/jobs to learn more about employment opportunities related to this expansion.

Community Transit is responsible for providing transportation options for Snohomish County residents, including bus and paratransit service, vanpool and ridesharing options. Call Community Transit at 425-353-RIDE or 800-562-1375 for bus information, or 888-814-1300 for carpool or vanpool information — or go to www.communitytransit.org.