Everett Transit merges with Community Transit, raising local sales tax

The transit sales tax in Everett will double to 1.2% on April 1, 2027, when Community Transit takes over operations from Everett Transit. This tax rate matches what Community Transit collects across Snohomish County today, up from the current 0.6% rate in Everett.

The Community Transit board of directors voted unanimously on Thursday to finalize the consolidation. This decision follows the Everett City Council's approval of an interlocal agreement on Wednesday. Under the new terms, Everett Transit will cease operations in one year. Most transit agencies in Washington state operate at the county level, but Everett has been one of the few cities to maintain its own municipal system since 1969.

The agreement promises a 50% increase in transit service within Everett by 2031. A new on-demand microtransit service called Zip will launch in the city by spring 2028. Ric Ilgenfritz, the CEO of Community Transit, told the board that the two organizations have worked side by side for many years. He said the merger allows them to join forces and elevate the experience for the county.

Kirk Hovenkotter, head of the Transportation Choices Coalition, called the vote a landmark day for the city and county. He stated that the move represents a transformational investment in bus service. Hovenkotter added that it will make it easier for residents to live without a car.

Supporters of the merger argued it would quickly boost service and improve connections to nearby cities. The city had previously warned that Everett Transit might face financial trouble, forcing it to cut service or raise its own tax rates in the future.

Opponents argued that the tax increase happens without a public vote. Employees at Everett Transit also raised concerns about their seniority levels. Union representatives will negotiate seniority rules after existing labor contracts expire at the end of 2027. Shanine Champman, an Everett Transit bus driver, said her members are asking for their years of service to carry the same weight as those at Community Transit. She stated that drivers should not sacrifice decades of earned seniority simply because they are in the smaller group.

Paratransit eligibility will also change. Currently, Everett Transit provides service to anyone 65 and older. After the merger, people who turn 65 will only qualify if they meet Americans with Disabilities Act requirements. Existing riders as of March 31, 2027, will continue to receive service. City Council member Paula Rhyne urged the board to honor employee work history and review the paratransit model for improvements. She told the board, “We put a lot of trust in you to take care of Everett and take care of our drivers.”

Joe Marine, Mukilteo Mayor and chair of the Community Transit board, said the board will look deeply at the contracts regarding employee seniority. David Parshall, a board member, said the agency is accepting the Everett Transit staff into its family. He promised to treat them right and noted that people will remember this day as a victory for transit in Snohomish County.