Transit officials warn of $200 million funding crisis

During a recent government meeting, officials discussed the potential impacts of legislative changes on community transit operations. Concerns were raised regarding the financial implications of the proposed changes, particularly in relation to the Move Ahead Washington initiative, which is currently authorized for a 16-year period with approximately 13 to 14 years remaining.

The chief financial officer provided an analysis indicating that if the proposed legislation passes, community transit could face cumulative losses of around $200 million across all programs. A significant portion of this loss is attributed to transit support grants, which are designed to incentivize the implementation of a free youth fare policy.

Additionally, the meeting highlighted earmarks in the capital budget for various transit projects, including $10 million each for the Swift Gold and Swift Green lines, as well as future plans for the Silver line. Officials expressed optimism about competing for zero-emission bus and bus facilities grants, indicating a commitment to continue expanding transit services despite the financial challenges posed by the potential legislative changes.