SNOHOMISH COUNTY—Community Transit has released its proposed biennial budget for fiscal years 2026 and 2027, marking the agency’s first shift to a two-year planning cycle. The plan, presented by Chief Executive Officer Ric Ilgenfritz, focuses on continued service improvements, infrastructure investments, and a transition to in-house operations amid economic uncertainties. The budget aligns with the agency’s Transit Development Plan and aims to support long-term goals through 2050, including zero-emission initiatives and enhanced safety measures.
“As we mark 50 years of serving Snohomish County residents, we look forward to adding more bus service, more transit security officers, and more ways for people to get around safely and quickly,” said Community Transit CEO Ric Ilgenfritz.
Community Transit proposes balanced budgets with fully funded reserves and operating revenues ($282.1 million in 2026 and $290.3 million in 2027) exceeding operating expenditures ($277.2 million in 2026 and $282.9 million in 2027) both years.
Learn more and share your input on the proposed budget by November 14:
- Visit the website: ctgo.org/budget
- Email: budget@commtrans.org
- Social: Facebook @communitytransit, Instagram @communitytransit and LinkedIn @Community Transit
- Mail: Community Transit, Administrative Office, 2312 W Casino Rd, Everett, WA 98204
- Call: 425-353-7433 (RIDE)
- Public hearing: Community Transit Board Meeting, 3 p.m., November 6 (sign up at communitytransit.org/how-to-attend-a-meeting). The meeting will be in a hybrid format, with in-person attendance and an online option available. Visit our Board of Directors page and click on Upcoming Meetings for meeting materials and information on how to participate or listen.)
Key Accomplishments from 2025
The proposal builds on a year of notable progress in 2025, as outlined in Ilgenfritz’s budget message. Among the highlights:
- Implementation of service changes from the “2024 and Beyond” plan, which included network adjustments following the arrival of Link light rail in Snohomish County.
- Upgrades to Swift bus rapid transit (BRT) stations, introduction of onboard signage and driver barrier doors on Swift buses, and advancements in planning for Swift Green Line extensions and the new Swift Gold Line.
- Monitoring and refinements to Zip Shuttle microtransit pilots launched in late 2024 in Arlington, Darrington, and Lake Stevens.
- Positioning bus and Zip services as key connectors to regional light rail, especially during the Washington State Department of Transportation’s Revive I-5 construction.
- Successful operation of bus bridges to support Link light rail during disruptions.
- Progress toward zero-emission goals, including a side-by-side test of battery electric and hydrogen fuel cell buses, preparations for expanding the battery electric fleet, and facility designs for charging infrastructure.
- Expansion of the Vanpool program with a pilot integrating electric vehicles.
- Development of a bus stop improvement plan focusing on accessibility and replacements.
- Community outreach efforts, such as how-to-ride events for seniors and youth in partnership with organizations like the YMCA and Sno-Isle Libraries.
- Launch of new Lost-&-Found software and construction of comfort stations for drivers.
- Transition of contracted bus services to direct operations at the Kasch Park Operating Base.
- Completion of annual financial audits and the Federal Transit Administration’s triennial audit with no findings.
- Expansion of customer research through regular surveys on safety, schedules, and service quality.
These efforts contributed to increased ridership and operational efficiency, setting the stage for further growth in the coming years.
2026-27 Budget Summary
The 2026-2027 budget is balanced, with operating revenues projected to exceed expenditures in both years, ensuring fully funded reserves and alignment with the six-year Transit Development Plan. For 2026, operating revenues are budgeted at $282.1 million, with operating expenditures at $277.2 million. The 2027 figures show operating revenues of $290.3 million and expenditures of $282.9 million.
Capital investments, which cover major projects like fleet expansions and facility upgrades, total $167.5 million in 2026 and $110.9 million in 2027. Interfund transfers from the general fund—$76.8 million in 2026 and $45.4 million in 2027—will support capital projects, reserves, workers’ compensation, and debt service.
Overall, the biennial plan allocates resources for an 8% service increase in 2026 and a 3% increase in 2027 across all modes (excluding Sound Transit Express Bus service). This includes adding over 130,000 service hours, expanding innovative services like Zip Shuttles and a DART paratransit pilot, and advancing Swift BRT network projects. Other priorities include hiring 14 new Transit Security Officers for 24/7 coverage, installing driver barrier doors on all coaches, and progressing zero-emission initiatives with an order for 10 battery electric buses.
The budget also funds the completion of the shift to in-house bus operations, adding 138 full-time equivalent positions, and supports facilities improvements under the agency’s master plan. Communications and marketing efforts will promote new services, Swift expansions, and regional events like the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
In 2026, Community Transit will celebrate its 50th anniversary, with planned community partnerships reflected in the budget to mark the milestone.
Comparison to Previous Budget
Compared to the 2025 adopted budget, the proposed 2026 figures show growth in operating expenditures, rising from $248.6 million in 2025 to $277.2 million—an increase of approximately 11.5% ($28.6 million). This uptick supports service expansions and the in-house operations transition. Operating revenues also edge up slightly, from $278.1 million in 2025 to $282.1 million in 2026.
Capital spending, however, decreases from $205.6 million in 2025 to $167.5 million in 2026, a drop of about 18.5% ($38.1 million), reflecting a shift in project phasing. The 2027 capital budget further declines to $110.9 million.
Security improvements
Customer and employee safety are strong features in the 2026-27 budget. Community Transit will continue to expand its transit security staffing by adding 14 new Transit Security Officers (TSO’s) to its staff of 34 TSO’s, allowing for 24/7 staffing of the agency’s Security Operations Center. The two-year budget also includes funding for installation of driver barrier doors in all Community Transit coaches, which will begin later this year.
The agency will launch in initiative to improve bus stop design and amenities throughout the service area, providing better safety and convenience for customers. Other safety projects include an upgraded CAD-RMS system for dispatching security personnel, as well as improved scaffolding and fall protection systems and replacement of bus lifts in the maintenance shop. This budget also funds amenities for coach operators at park and rides.
Public comment
Community Transit provides bus and paratransit service, vanpool, and innovative transit options in Snohomish County. The agency continues to expand its Swift bus rapid transit network to connect people to light rail and provide fast, frequent service throughout the county.
Author: Mario Lotmore
