Community Transit

Annexation

In November 2008, Community Transit placed a measure on the General Election ballot to annex the Cathcart/Clearview/Maltby area into the transit agency’s district. This would have allowed for the expansion of bus services in these communities.

The vote on the measure was 6,812 votes (44.41%) yes to 8,527 (55.59%) no.

Community Transit is still evaluating the vote results and determining next steps.

Meanwhile, Community Transit is embarking on a 20-Year planning effort. This effort builds on our current 6-Year Transit Development Plan and represents a unique opportunity to envisage the transportation future we want for Snohomish County, rather than simply reacting to changes thrust upon us.

The 20-Year planning effort will help us identify where new, expanded or different types of service or facilities are needed and the level of resources needed to serve the member communities and cities within the Community Transit service area.

Annexation FAQ

Q. Why annexation ?
A.

• For an area to have Community Transit bus service, it needs to be part of the agency’s transit district, formally known as the Public Transportation Benefit Area, or PTBA.
• The Community Transit board can place a measure on the ballot for residents of an area to vote on a proposed annexation.
• To be added to Community Transit's PTBA, voters must pass a ballot measure by majority vote.
• Community Transit provides regular bus service within its transit district, or to areas outside the district with extremely high demand for service, such as Everett, downtown Seattle and the University of Washington.
• Areas within Community Transit’s service district are also considered for DART paratransit service and park & ride facilities.

Q. What will it cost me if my area joins the PTBA?
A.

• Areas within Community Transit’s PTBA are taxed 0.9 percent (nine-tenths of one percent) sales tax, or nine cents for every $10 purchase, to support transit service.
• About 70 percent of Community Transit funding comes from this sales tax. Other revenues come from fares, advertising, and state and local grants. Community Transit does not collect any property tax.
• Residents who live outside Community Transit’s service district but who shop within the agency’s PTBA, which is most of Snohomish County, may already be paying the Community Transit tax.

A.

• In order for an area to receive Dial-A-Ride Transportation (DART) paratransit service, there needs to be a local bus route. People within three-fourths of a mile of a local bus route who qualify for DART can request paratransit service.
• DART provides transportation for people whose disability or condition prevents them from using Community Transit regular route buses. DART paratransit service can take a qualified customer to locations within three-fourths of a mile of a Community Transit local, non-commuter bus route, during the hours that the bus route runs in that area.