The majority of transit measure funding would pay for extra bus trips. This would increase funding for bus service by about 50% and pay for 280,000 bus trips a year (100,000 more than are funded by the current Seattle Transit Measure).  

Bus service investments will be focused on the people and neighborhoods which depend on transit most. This includes east-west transit service, connections to light rail stations, and neighborhoods planned for housing and employment growth.  

A key priority will be to create frequent transit service throughout the entire day including nights, weekends, and mid-days. Data shows that ridership during these off-peak times has grown faster compared to traditional peak commute times in recent years. Frequent all-day transit service makes living without a car a more realistic option more Seattle residents.  

The funding is also used to pay for targeted construction projects to reduce transit delays at pinch points and build other improvements around bus stops.   

Expanding affordable access to transit:  

The measure would also more than double the number of free ORCA cards given to people who need them most. This will add 12,000 more free ORCA cards for people who are Housing Choice Voucher participants, adding to the 10,000 free ORCA cards currently given to Seattle Promise Scholars, low-income Seattle Preschool families, and Seattle Housing Authority residents.   

Free transit passes make it more affordable for people to reach jobs, school, services, and other daily needs. This reduces transportation costs and makes it more affordable to live in Seattle without owning a car.  

Summary of all Transit Investments:  

• 280,000 bus trips each year (100,000 more trips than today).  

• Better bus service at all times of day, including more mid-day, overnight, and weekend trips.  

• 22,000 free ORCA cards for low-income people, students, older adults, and families with young children (12,000 more than today). 

• Seattle Streetcar operations, providing access to local destinations, jobs, schools, and the regional light rail network. 

• Construction projects to fix pinch-points where buses get delayed, make bus stops more accessible and comfortable, and improve transit reliability.  

• Support the design and delivery of Sound Transit’s West Seattle Link Extension,  Ballard Link Extension, and Graham Street Station. 

The proposal was developed through community input on programs and services including surveys, community events, and ongoing discussions with the Transit Advisory Board and Transportation Equity Workgroup. The measure also builds on the in-depth public engagement and planning that led to the 20-year Seattle Transportation Plan.  

Seattle City Council will now review the proposal. Council is expected to hear public comments, deliberate on the measure, and finalize the Seattle Transit Measure Renewal Proposal for potential referral to voters.    

What people are saying:   

Greg Woodfill, ATU 587 President/Business Representative:  

“ATU Local 587 fully supports this STM Renewal Proposal and would like to thank Mayor Wilson for her leadership and bold vision in proposing to double the current funding rate to meet the public's demand for more transit service and transit safety. And thank the residents of Seattle and the Seattle City Council for their long, unwavering, and passionate support of Public Transit.” 

Rod Brandon, Seattle Housing Authority Executive Director:  

“Access to reliable, affordable transit is essential for the residents we serve. Through our partnership with SDOT, the Transit Pass Program has opened doors for thousands of SHA households supporting working adults, people living with disabilities and families managing tight budgets. Last year alone, more than 6,600 residents took more than 1.3 million rides through the program, a clear sign of the demand for dependable and affordable transportation. The Transit Pass Program is a powerful investment in our communities, helping people move through the city with greater ease, opportunity and stability.” 

Katy Ricchiuto, Transportation Choices Coalition Policy Director: 

“Every time Seattle voters have been asked whether they want to invest in more and better transit, they have said ‘YES.’ That says something about this city and who it wants to take care of. With more frequent service, better connections to light rail, and expanded fare subsidies for tens of thousands of low-income riders, this measure will help Seattle residents get to the doctor, the grocery store, to school, recreation, and jobs. Transportation Choices Coalition is excited about this proposal from Mayor Wilson. Seattle keeps choosing transit. We helped get the last measure passed, and we intend to help get this one passed, too.” 

Zach Burton, Seattle Transit Advisory Board Co-Chair: 

"The Transit Advisory Board is thrilled with the Mayor’s Seattle Transit Measure renewal proposal. We wholeheartedly endorse this proposal, which focuses on improving transit service by meeting Frequent Transit Network goals and removing financial barriers through Transit Access Programs. Improving transit frequency and accessibility will make immediate, visible, and meaningful improvements to the lives of Seattleites city-wide."