• As is the case for most transit agencies, the cost to provide service (wages, benefits, vehicles, insurance, fuel, utilities, etc.) has been steadily rising.
• WTA’s primary source of revenue, local sales tax, is not keeping pace.
• The 2026 fare increase is necessary to prevent WTA from having to reduce bus service in the future.

• WTA last increased its cash fare in 2008.

• Fixed Route (bus): $2 per ride
  • Reduced Fare: $1
• Paratransit: $3 per ride
• Daily Fare Cap: $6
• Monthly Fare Cap: $60
• Reduced Fare Monthly Fare Cap: $30

• Youth 18 and under
• Personal Care Assistants (accompanying riders with disabilities)

• 65+
• Paratransit eligible
• Veterans
• Those who meet disability or income-based eligibility
• Students

• Day and monthly passes will be replaced with fare capping.
  • Pay per ride, but never more than the daily or monthly fare cap with your Umo pass or bank card.
  • Fare capping applies across all services.
• More Ways to Pay: Use a Umo pass or tap your own bank card at the farebox.
• Gold Cards would give half-price rides on Fixed Route for riders 65+, people with disabilities, veterans, paratransit-eligible riders, and others who qualify for reduced fare.

Most transit agencies in Washington and its surrounding regions charge between $2 and $3 for a standard adult fare. WTA’s proposed $2 fare would keep us in line with neighboring systems.

In Washington State, typical monthly Fixed Route and Paratransit fare caps are $60 to $90.