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More Snohomish County bus rapid transit and microtransit service on the horizon

Community Transit board approves six-year Transit Development Plan

Headshot of Monica Spain, Media Relations Specialist
Monica Spain, Public Information Officer August 6, 2026

 

More bus service and new Zip Shuttle zones are coming to Snohomish County in the next six years. Today, the Community Transit Board of Directors approved the 2026-2031 Transit Development Plan (TDP), which lays out plans for the expanded service and other initiatives.

The plan also includes resuming work with the City of Everett towards potential annexation of Everett Transit into the Community Transit service area. Talks of annexation are in response to population growth and transportation demand and could affect future TDP updates. The final decision on annexation is subject to Everett City Council and Community Transit Board approval. 

Key initiatives outlined in the 2026-2031 draft TDP include: 

  • Adding service, including expansion of the Swift Bus Rapid Transit network with the future Swift Gold Line, which will serve Everett, Marysville and Arlington, and the extension of the Swift Green Line in Bothell.
  • Three Zip Shuttle pilots in Arlington, Darrington and Lake Stevens will continue operating as the agency begins an evaluation process for new zones in 2026.  Community Transit will continue to explore ways of improving the level of service for travelers within Snohomish County through innovative mobility options customized to a community’s needs. 
  • Enhanced customer experience with an emphasis on safety, security, and accessibility. Community Transit will grow its team of Transit Security Officers and Security Operations Center dispatchers to a total of 48 by the end of 2026.
  • Progress toward the transition to a zero emissions fleet. Community Transit’s goal for a zero-emission conversion of its heavy-duty bus fleet by 2044 aligns with Snohomish County targets.

The TDP forecasts the agency’s finances and outlines the services being planned for Snohomish County. The six-year plan is updated annually and serves as the agency’s roadmap for the next six years. Community Transit is required by the Washington State Department of Transportation (WSDOT) to adopt a six-year Transit Development Plan and update it annually. The TDP can be viewed at ctgo.org/tdp.