Everett transit merger faces council vote

The Everett City Council will vote on a merger between Everett Transit and Community Transit on Nov. 4. The proposal requires the city council and the Community Transit board of directors to approve an interlocal agreement. The Community Transit board is scheduled to vote on Nov. 5. If approved, Everett Transit will cease operations and Community Transit will take over service within Everett city limits.

The consolidation plan involves specific financial and operational changes. The transit sales tax in Everett would rise from 0.6% to 1.2%. Officials state this funding will increase bus service by 50% within the city by 2031. The agreement aims to improve connections across Everett’s borders and fill gaps in areas with limited transit access. Paratransit eligibility for riders over 65 would change, with automatic qualification ending for those who turn 65 after the merger takes effect.

Supporters argue the merger addresses growing population needs and infrastructure gaps. Brock Howell, executive director of the Snohomish County Transportation Coalition, said the city needs to prepare for 64,000 new residents. Bob Leonard, an executive director at the city of Everett, linked the merger to the $11.6 billion Sound Transit light rail extension. He stated that a consolidated network would help prepare for the light rail arrival expected within 11 years. Erik Ashlie-Vinke of Sound Transit called the merger a unique opportunity for a more efficient transportation network.

Residents also weighed in during public hearings held Wednesday and Thursday. Sylvia Mendoza of south Everett cited her daughter’s two and a half hour daily commute as a reason to support direct routes. Patrick White, a transit advocate from Seattle, urged Community Transit to bring its DART paratransit service in-house and improve bus frequency quickly. He argued that residents should see service improvements soon rather than waiting years.

Opponents raised concerns about the tax increase and employee protections. Steve Oss, president of Amalgamated Transit Union 883, argued that Everett Transit’s small size allows it to remain responsive to local needs. Daryle Sullivan, an Everett Transit driver, called the tax increase unnecessary given the current quality of service. Emma Calvert told the council that voting on the measure with many unknowns would be irresponsible. Some residents requested a public vote, though a 2025 state law allows governing bodies to approve mergers via interlocal agreement.

Employee seniority remains a point of contention. Tom Gibbons, a retired Everett Transit scheduler, noted low morale among staff regarding seniority protection. Kandy Bartlett, Everett’s director of labor and administrative services, stated that current union members will retain seniority until they bargain with Community Transit’s union, ATU 1576. The two unions must then agree on how seniority will be implemented, potentially through arbitration if needed.

The council is expected to vote on the consolidation agreement at 6:30 p.m. on Nov. 4. The Community Transit board is expected to vote at 3 p.m. on Nov. 5.