WTA’s Bellingham Station is currently operating at full capacity. Expanding the station is a necessary first step toward improving future service and introducing rapid transit. Back in 2023, WTA conducted a Community Visioning Study. Stakeholders envisioned the following for an expanded Bellingham Station:

  • A vibrant transit hub designed to be welcoming for pedestrians and cyclists
  • An opportunity to significantly increase downtown’s housing supply and to integrate housing with transit in a Transit Oriented Development
  • A gateway connecting residents, businesses, and visitors
  • A community asset to anchor the north end of downtown and drive economic activity

This community vision was more than WTA’s existing Railroad Avenue footprint could accommodate. For that reason, in 2025, WTA’s Board of Directors authorized WTA to purchase the former Public Market building on Cornwall Avenue.

The Washington State Legislature has committed $5 million for the development of this project. Collaborating partners include City of Bellingham, Whatcom County, Port of Bellingham, and Downtown Bellingham Partnership. WTA looks forward to additional community engagement when it’s time to develop the project scope and design.

Public Market Property