CT Sales Tax Increase on the November Ballot
Funding for Swift II operations is on the line with the November ballot measure
The signing of the statewide transportation package yesterday by Governor Jay Inslee granted permission to Community Transit to exceed the maximum 0.9% sales tax rate set for public transportation benefit areas (as allowed for in Section 312 of Senate Bill 5987, specifically for counties with a population of at least 700,000 that contains a city of at least 75,000 with its own transit system). The CT Board voted unanimously today to place a measure on the November 3, 2015 ballot that would increase sales taxes by 0.3% (3 cents on $10 taxable purchases) and generate an estimated $25 million in additional annual revenue for the agency.
In their press release, Community Transit outlined where the new revenue would be spent, beginning as early as March 2016:
- Swift II, whose capital costs are already covered by state and federal grants, will use $7 to 8 million per year in op. It is scheduled to open as early as 2018. (See my open house report from last month for more details)
- Improved frequency on local routes with more trips added throughout the day and expanded service spans.
- Additional commuter runs to downtown Seattle and the University of Washington.
- Increased east-west connections within the county.
- More service to job, housing and educational centers throughout the county, including communities such as Arlington, Monroe and Stanwood.
- New routes, including service on State Route 9 from Marysville to McCollum Park via Lake Stevens, Snohomish and Silver Firs, last proposed during the failed annexation of Cathcart, Clearview and Maltby in 2008.
- Reconfigured local bus service to connect with Sound Transit Link Light Rail when it reaches Mountlake Terrace and Lynnwood in 2023, and eventually to Everett.
- More vanpools and expanded DART paratransit service.