Voters will decide in November whether to fund expanded local bus and transit service through a change in the local sales tax.

On July 13, 2026, the Pierce Transit Board of Commissioners voted to place a measure to maintain and expand transit on the November 3, 2026, general election ballot. With the adoption of Resolution 2026-006, the measure moves to the Pierce County Auditor, giving voters in the Pierce Transit service area the decision on whether to fund an expansion of local transit service within Pierce Transit’s service area.

The proposed measure reflects years of community input, ridership data, and long-range service planning. If approved by local voters, it would fund a package of service improvements that includes:

  • new bus routes and special event service
  • more frequent service and shorter wait times
  • later evening and weekend service
  • easier transfers and more direct trips
  • fare-free bus and paratransit service for seniors
  • expanded paratransit service for people with disabilities

Pierce Transit Board Chair and Tacoma City Councilmember Kristina Walker shared “Reliable transit creates opportunity. It gets people to work, school, medical appointments, and helps riders connect with the people and places that matter most. For years, we’ve heard from riders and communities across Pierce County about the need for a transit system that reflects our county’s growth and evolving needs. Working with the public, staff have put together a comprehensive package that touches every area of the Pierce Transit’s service area, and I couldn’t be happier with the results. By placing this measure on the ballot, the Board is giving voters the opportunity to decide whether they want to make that investment in the future of local transit.”

“Pierce Transit is at a critical moment. Due largely to inflation, our expenses are expected to outpace revenue as early as 2027. Without additional funding, we would continue providing today’s level of service for as long as possible, but rising costs would eventually require service reductions. This proposal is the result of extensive community input and thoughtful planning to not only preserve today’s service but provide more transit, to more people and places, more often. If approved by voters, the measure would fund a 47% increase in transit service across our service area.” said Pierce Transit CEO Mike Griffus.

If approved by voters, the measure would change Pierce Transit’s local sales tax from 0.6% to 0.9% — an increase of 0.3%, or 3 cents on every $10 spent on qualifying purchases in the Pierce Transit service area.

Pierce Transit Board Vice Chair Rosie Ayala, who also serves on the Pierce County Council, added “The last time Pierce Transit received a sales tax increase was in 2002. To put that into perspective, YouTube and Google Maps didn’t exist. Since then, Pierce County has grown 30% and the need for reliable transit has continued to expand. Providing seniors, young people, and those who rely on transit every day with an affordable and more convenient option to more places more often is at the hands of voters.”

This proposition will be on the November 3 General Election ballot. Pierce Transit is seeking to appoint up to three individuals per side to write the “For” and “Against” statements for the voters’ pamphlet. Pierce Transit has the duty to appoint the individuals to “For” and “Against” committees but will not participate in writing the statements.

Individuals who are in interested in participating on either committee should register at PierceTransit.org/2026-ballot-prop-committee by 1:00 p.m. on Tues., July 21.

For information about the measure, including the proposed service plan, route details, cost examples and more, please visit PierceTransit.org/more-transit.

 

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