Snohomish County, Wash. – Community Transit’s proposed budget would increase service 5% in 2020 as the agency continues its expansion of bus service for Snohomish County residents. The agency is seeking comment on its proposed budget through Nov. 8.
The service increase equates to about 18,000 hours of news service, a more moderate expansion than occurred in 2019 when the agency added more than 40,000 service hours to launch its Swift Green Line.
In 2020, project development will continue for Swift Orange Line, the agency’s third bus rapid transit line which will connect with the Swift Blue and Green Lines and serve the Lynnwood Link light rail station when it opens in 2024.
The Proposed 2020 Budget reflects an emphasis on service and the agency’s mission. This year, Community Transit refined its organizational Mission and Vision to reflect the evolution of the service the agency provides.
New Vision: Travel made easy for all.
New Mission: We help people get from where they are to where they want to be.
Budget Funding and Projections
Community Transit’s Proposed 2020 Budget projects a 5.4% increase in sales tax revenue over the 2019 amended budget, while operating expenditures will increase 4.9%. The budget proposal assumes
operating expenses of $169.5 million. Capital expense investments will total $75.4 million for new projects.
Funding will go towards:
The Community Transit Proposed 2020 Budget is available online.
The public can submit comment through Nov. 8.
Comments can be sent to:
A public hearing before the agency’s Board of Directors will take place at 3 p.m. Thursday, Nov. 7 at Community Transit’s Merrill Creek Operating Base, 7100 Hardeson Road in Everett. The board is scheduled to act on final budget proposal on Dec. 5.
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, the Swift Green Line between Canyon Park/Bothell and Boeing/Paine Field, and the new Swift Orange Line coming to Mill Creek and Lynnwood in 2024.