2019 Budget Continues Service Expansion

New Swift Green Line, more transit police, base expansion on tap

Snohomish County, Wash. – The Community Transit Board of Directors yesterday approved a $161 million operating budget for 2019 that continues the agency’s service expansion for a seventh year.

In March 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. In addition to new service, Community Transit will boost its workforce numbers, purchase more buses and increase its transit police program.

The 2019 Budget projects a 7.9 percent increase in sales tax revenue over 2018, supporting a $33.5 million capital program for new projects, including a base expansion.

Funding will go towards:

• Service Expansion: The 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 between Bothell and Boeing/Paine Field will be completed, and service will begin on March 24.
• Swift Orange Line: Project development will begin on the agency’s third bus rapid transit line that will connect Mill Creek and Edmonds Community College to the planned Link light rail station in Lynnwood.
• Safety: The budget funds the final phase-in of seven additional deputies to the Transit Police Unit.
• Base expansion: In 2019, design work will begin on a base expansion project to accommodate more employees and more buses to support ongoing transit expansion.
• Innovation and Technology: The agency will continue development of a new Voice over Internet Protocol (VOIP) wireless communications system upgrade. Also, it will launch new real-time bus information and rider alert technology tools to make travel easier for customers.

View the 2019 Budget online at www.communitytransit.org/budget.

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 March 2019.