Ballots for the November election have been sent to voters in King County. One item on the ballot for voters in Seattle is Proposition 1: Seattle Transit Measure. This renews and expands the Seattle Transit Measure that is set to expire in early 2027. The 0.3% sales tax is expected to generate $138 million per year that will fund 280,000 bus trips in Seattle each year for 10 years, 100,000 more bus trips than currently funded. It would also fund 22,000 free ORCA cards for low-income, elderly, and families with young children, maintain support for Seattle’s streetcar lines, fund spot improvements to keep buses moving, and help expedite permits and inspections for Link expansion projects in Seattle. Vote Yes to help fund transit in Seattle.
Since 2014, the Seattle Transit Measure has funded millions of bus trips in Seattle. Many of these trips are on weekends when most routes have less frequent service compared to weekdays. Route 36 is one such route that has received additional weekend trips. Between 2022 and 2026, the STM funded 22 additional trips on Saturdays and 42 additional trips on Sunday. In response, more people use Route 36 every weekend. Compared to 2022, Route 36 ridership on Saturday and Sunday has increased by 41% and 58%, respectively. Weekday ridership has increased 32%. This increased ridership represents more car-free trips and improved access to get to work, shops, and fun for people in Beacon Hill, Othello, and the International District.
The Route 36 success story is not an isolated one. Passengers on routes around Seatttle have benefited from additional service funded by the Seattle Transit Measure. Vote Yes to continue and expand the additional bus trips. Fill out your ballot soon and drop it off at one of the many ballot drop boxes in King County.
