More transit service, increased security planned for 2026-27

Snohomish County, Wash. – Community Transit proposes an 18 percent increase in overall transit service over the next two years with more frequent bus service and expanded Zip Shuttle service planned. 

The agency will also celebrate its 50th anniversary in 2026 with a public celebration and other remembrances of its 50 years of service to Snohomish County.

The proposed 2026-27 budget is available for review at communitytransit.org/budget and the public is invited to comment through Nov. 14.

“As we mark 50 years of serving Snohomish County residents, we look forward to adding more bus service, more transit security officers, and more ways for people to get around safely and quickly,” said Community Transit CEO Ric Ilgenfritz.

Community Transit proposes balanced budgets with fully funded reserves and operating revenues ($282.1 million in 2026 and $290.3 million in 2027) exceeding operating expenditures ($277.2 million in 2026 and $282.9 million in 2027) both years.

The 2026-27 budget carries out the first two years of Community Transit’s six-year Transit Development Plan, which itself is a short-term roadmap for the agency’s 30-year Journey 2050 long-range transit plan.

Security improvements

Customer and employee safety are strong features in the 2026-27 budget. Community Transit will continue to expand its transit security staffing by adding 14 new Transit Security Officers (TSO’s) to its staff of 34 TSO’s, allowing for 24/7 staffing of the agency’s Security Operations Center. The two-year budget also includes funding for installation of driver barrier doors in all Community Transit coaches, which will begin later this year.

The agency will launch an initiative to improve bus stop design and amenities throughout the service area, providing better safety and convenience for customers. Other safety projects include an upgraded CAD-RMS system for dispatching security personnel, as well as improved scaffolding and fall protection systems and replacement of bus lifts in the maintenance shop. This budget also funds amenities for coach operators at park and rides.

Public comment

Learn more and share your input on the proposed budget by November 14:

• Visit the website: ctgo.org/budget
• Email: budget@commtrans.org
• Social: Facebook @communitytransit, Instagram @communitytransit and LinkedIn @Community Transit
• Mail: Community Transit, Administrative Office, 2312 W Casino Rd, Everett, WA 98204
• Call: 425-353-7433 (RIDE)
• Public hearing: Community Transit Board Meeting, 3 p.m., November 6 (sign up at communitytransit.org/how-to-attend-a-meeting). The meeting will be in a hybrid format, with in-person attendance and an online option available. Visit our Board of Directors page and click on Upcoming Meetings for meeting materials and information on how to participate or listen.)

Community Transit provides bus and paratransit service, vanpool, and innovative transit options in Snohomish County. The agency continues to expand its Swift bus rapid transit network to connect people to light rail and provide fast, frequent service throughout the county.