(Update from Friday, February 27, 2004) Everyone will be happy know that Metro did today approve the integration of the Highway 17 Express and the Amtrak bus. The Highway 17 Express will be extended from Scotts Valley to Downtown Santa Cruz (Metro Center), and will start operating 7 days a week. The new fare will be $4 and the new monthly pass price, $90. The changes will happen at the end of April. The Santa Clara Valley Transportation Authority (VTA) will vote on the agreement next week. Caltrans also has to give final approval. No further action is required here in Santa Cruz County, but I would encourage everyone to visit the Metro Riders Union Web site and get involved with other transit issues.