News / Published on Oct 19, 2018

Proposed 2019 Budget Adds Swift Green Line, More Transit Police

 

Public hearing on proposed budget Nov. 1

Snohomish County, Wash. – Community Transit is expanding service to build a high capacity transit network to meet the demand for reliable public transportation in Snohomish County. In spring 2019, the agency will launch its second bus rapid transit route, the Swift Green Line, creating a network of 10-minute bus service throughout south Snohomish County.

Community Transit’s Proposed 2019 Budget projects an 7.9 percent increase in sales tax revenue over 2018 while expenditures will increase 13.5 percent. The budget proposal assumes operating expenses of $161 million and capital expenses of $33.5 million for new projects.

Funding will go towards:

  • Service Expansion: The Proposed 2019 Budget funds new and expanded service, more buses and 49 new full-time employees to drive, maintain and support those buses. The agency’s workforce will grow to approximately 800 employees, while total hours of service will increase 10 percent.
  • New and Replacement Buses: The agency will purchase 58 new buses; 53 to replace older buses and five to expand the fleet, including two new Double Talls.
  • Swift Green Line: Construction of the Swift stations and road improvements will be completed, and service will begin in the spring.
  • Swift Orange Line: Project development will begin on the agency’s third bus rapid transit line that will connect Mill Creek and Edmonds to the Link light rail station in Lynnwood in 2024.
  • Safety: The proposed budget includes the final phase in of seven additional deputies to the Transit Police Unit.
  • Innovation and Technology: The agency will continue development of a new Voice over Internet Protocol (VOIP) wireless communications system upgrade. Also, launch of additional technology tools for alerting riders to real-time bus delays and reroutes to make travel easier for customers.

The Community Transit Proposed 2019 Budget is available online at www.communitytransit.org/budget.

The timeline for public comment is:

  • Oct. 19 – Nov. 9 Community Transit will take public comment
  • Nov. 1 – Public hearing
  • Dec. 6 – Board scheduled to act on final budget proposal    

The public hearing before the agency’s Board of Directors will take place at 3 p.m. Thursday, Nov 1. At Community Transit’s Merrill Creek Operating Base, 7100 Hardeson Road in Everett.

Comments can be sent to:

Community Transit is responsible for providing bus and paratransit service, vanpool and alternative commute options in Snohomish County. The agency is building a network of Swift bus rapid transit lines with Swift Blue Line along Highway 99 and the Swift Green Line between Canyon Park/Bothell and Boeing/Paine Field coming in 2019.

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Written by Community Transit
Published on Oct 19, 2018