About the Transit Access Fund
Through our Transit Access Fund (TAF), WTA provides grant funding to local and tribal governments for multimodal or non-motorized infrastructure projects located within a quarter mile of a WTA bus stop. Eligible projects may include sidewalks, intersection improvements, mid-block crossings, curb cuts, sidewalk ramps, shared-use paths, pedestrian crossing signals, bicycle parking, pedestrian lighting, and other improvements that make it safer and easier to reach transit.
The purpose of the Transit Access Fund is to expand the countywide multimodal transportation network by improving access to bus stops throughout Whatcom County. Many WTA stops lack safe and accessible pathways to nearby homes, businesses, medical facilities, social services, and recreational sites. By helping our partners close these gaps, WTA is making it easier for everyone to reach transit.
2026 Call for Transit Access Fund Projects
The current application window opened Monday, September 22, 2025, and closes Monday, November 17, 2025.
Government organizations serving Whatcom County including local, state, and tribal governments are eligible to apply.
2026 Transit Access Fund Application
Transit Access Fund Projects in Construction
WTA and the City of Lynden entered into an agreement for partial funding of a 10' wide shared use path on the south side of Bradley Road. This shared use path creates a more accessible connection between a WTA bus stop and Lynden High School as well as the surrounding residential area. WTA's Board authorized funding the Bradley Road project up to $350,000 upon project completion.
WTA and the City of Bellingham entered into an agreement for partial funding of multimodal intersection improvements at Texas Street and Woburn Street. The project includes marked pedestrian crossings with Rectangular Rapid Flashing Beacons (RRFB), bicycle crossing buttons, and stands to enhance safety and accessibility to nearby WTA bus stops. WTA’s Board authorized funding the Texas at Woburn project up to $84,867 upon project completion.
WTA and the City of Ferndale entered into an agreement for partial funding of a comprehensive wayfinding system in the downtown corridor. The project installs approximately eight pedestrian directional signs and an interactive kiosk to help users locate WTA Route 27 bus stops and other key destinations. WTA’s Board authorized funding the Ferndale Wayfinding project up to $25,785 upon project completion.
WTA and Whatcom County entered into an agreement for partial funding of renovations at the Van Zandt Community Hall. The project constructs a new northwest entrance to provide an ADA-compliant connection between WTA Stop 7241 and the community hall, improving ingress, egress, and overall accessibility. WTA’s Board authorized funding the Van Zandt Community Hall project up to $30,100 upon project completion.
WTA and the Port of Bellingham entered into an agreement for partial funding of secure bicycle lockers at two public locations: near the Bellingham Airport terminal (Stop ID 1010) and at Fairhaven Station (Stop ID 9393). These lockers improve multimodal connectivity with regional transportation options and encourage bike-to-transit trips. WTA’s Board authorized funding the Secure Bike Locker project up to $9,248 upon project completion.
Contact Us
Here’s how to reach us with questions about the Transit Access Fund:
| Name | Hayden Richardson |
|---|---|
| Phone | (360) 788-9309 |
| HaydenR@ridewta.com |
