Proposed 2023 budget now available for comment; public hearing Nov. 3

Budget supports priorities of delivering excellent service, building the future of mobility for people in Snohomish County

Snohomish County, Wash. – In 2023, Community Transit is prioritizing delivering excellent service as well as making investments that build the future of mobility for people in Snohomish County. Through the 2023 proposed budget, the agency has assigned resources and developed the blueprint to deliver new services, build facilities to accommodate growth, and create connections to light rail in Lynnwood.

“Our strategic priorities are delivering excellent service every day, and building a brighter future for customers,” said Community Transit CEO Ric Ilgenfritz. “We will do this by ensuring our service is safe and reliable today, while making smart, innovative investments to expand and improve future public transportation services in Snohomish County.”

To help fulfill the promise of delivering excellent service, the agency will:

• Establish a new transit security unit, add service ambassadors, and upgrade stations to include better lighting.
• Expand facilities to support future service growth, continue expanding the Swift bus rapid transit (BRT) network, and strengthen local connections within the county, including to new light rail stations.
• Improve reliability for riders with flexible and responsive service delivery and update digital tools to give riders more accurate scheduling information.
• Engage with communities to ensure the services we provide are equitable and meaningful to the people who use them.
• Begin testing zero-emission transit vehicles.
• Continue to aggressively recruit and retain a qualified workforce.

The proposed operating budget of $200.1 million enables the agency to meet service goals. The capital budget grows to $227.4 million in 2023 for investment in fleet and facilities, including preparing to transition to a zero-emission fleet. In terms of expansion, $90.3 million is dedicated to adding more Swift BRT service in the county and improving current BRT stations. The proposed budget addresses the risks of cost growth, balances with revenues, and provides healthy reserves for now and the future.

Looking ahead to 2024, Community Transit will have unique opportunities to build the future by connecting with other transit modes in the region. This includes planning and redesigning the local bus network so that people can make light rail connections at Lynnwood, Mountlake Terrace and Shoreline in 2024. Other services added, from a new BRT line, Swift Orange Line (opening in 2024), to innovative services, like Zip Shuttle, will transform the way people travel throughout Snohomish County.

The proposed 2023 budget is available for review at www.communitytransit.org/budget. A Board Workshop will be held on Oct. 27 and a public hearing will be held at the Community Transit Board of Directors meeting at 3 p.m. on Nov. 3. Comments are also accepted through Nov. 3 by calling (425) 353-RIDE (7433) or send to:

• Email: budget@commtrans.org
• U.S. mail: Community Transit Administrative Office, 2312 W Casino Road, Everett, WA 98204
• Facebook: Community Transit’s Facebook page
• Twitter: @MyCommTrans

Visit www.communitytransit.org/meetings for details on how to participate in the board meeting, held both remotely on Zoom and in-person. For more information or to inquire about special needs arrangements, call 425-348-7100 (TTY Relay 711). The board is scheduled to act on a final budget proposal on Dec. 1.