Community Transit seeks input on proposed 2024 budget
Community Transit’s proposed 2024 budget, is available for comment through Nov. 2. The budget maps out historic improvements to transit services that are planned for 2024.
The year will be a transformative one as Community Transit opens the Swift Orange Line bus rapid transit (BRT) project and prepares to leverage Sound Transit’s fall 2024 opening of congestion-free light rail to Lynnwood by reallocating its longtime investments in bus routes serving King County to fund more travel options within Snohomish County. People will have more access to fast and frequent service, and connections to other transportation services including Link light rail in Lynnwood, Mountlake Terrace, and Shoreline. The improvements are outlined out in the “Transit Changes in 2024 & Beyond” plan that the Community Transit Board of Directors adopted earlier this year.
In keeping with past practice, Community Transit has proposed a balanced 2024 budget. Operating revenues exceed operating expenditures, and all reserves are fully funded. Total 2024 budgeted operating revenues equal $273.3 million. Total 2024 budgeted operating expenditures equal $231.6 million.
Projects and programs funded in the proposed 2024 budget include:
Swift Bus Rapid Transit Expansion
Community Transit’s third bus rapid transit (BRT) line, Swift Orange Line launches next spring. The Swift Orange Line will connect to the Swift Blue and Swift Green lines to provide a network of fast, frequent transit service in south Snohomish County, and a direct connection to light rail in Lynnwood.
Light Rail and Local Network Improvements
There will be local improvements to Community Transit’s bus network that are made possible by the Link light rail extension into Snohomish County. These changes include new express bus connections to Link from most parts of the county, higher frequency in local service, and a longer span of frequent service throughout the day and evenings.
Zero Emission Program
The year will see a big step forward on our Zero Emission journey as we begin serving riders with battery electric and fuel cell buses. Our primary activity in 2024 will be studying how a 40-foot battery electric bus and a 40-foot hydrogen fuel cell bus perform in service. Lessons learned from this pilot will inform future zero-emission bus purchases.
Innovative Services
The Innovative Services program reflects Community Transit’s commitment to exploring new ways to bridge the “first-mile, last-mile” challenge and address community transportation gaps to make it easier for people to choose transit. In 2024, Zip Alderwood Shuttle, a microtransit pilot, begins its first full year as a regular service offering. The budget funds the creation of new innovative service pilot projects in three new communities -- Arlington, Darrington, and Lake Stevens – and planning for three more communities.
Safety & Security Focus
The budget supports increased safety and security, including the first full year of funding for the new Transit Security Officer (TSO) program deployed in 2023. TSOs enforce the agency’s Rules of Conduct. The agency will also continue to contract with the Snohomish County Sherriff’s Office to employ a social worker.
Service Delivery
The proposed budget supports growing and maintaining a top-notch workforce of coach operators and mechanics to support long-term service growth. Community Transit is committed to strengthening the employee experience and places a strong emphasis on developing and maintaining a culture of diversity, equity, and inclusion.
The proposed 2024 budget is available for review at communitytransit.org/budget. Members of the public can comment in a variety of ways through Nov. 2:
- Email: budget@commtrans.org
- Social media: Facebook (/communitytransit), Twitter (@MyCommTrans)
- Mail: Community Transit Administrative Office, 2312 W Casino Rd, Everett, WA 98204
- Call: 425-353-RIDE (7433)
- Public hearing: Community Transit Board Meeting: 3 p.m., Nov. 2 (sign up at communitytransit.org/how-to-attend-a-meeting).
