WTA’s current contract with WWU is in effect until September 2026. The cost to ride for WWU students, faculty, and staff will remain unchanged until next fall.
WTA and WWU are currently meeting to discuss a new contract.
Background
- Under the current contract, WWU pays WTA $600,000 per year to provide unlimited rides to WWU students, faculty, and staff.
- WTA receives 40 cents per ride from WWU riders.
- A member of the general public pays $1 per ride.
- An average ride on a WTA fixed route bus (systemwide) costs WTA more than $9 to operate.
- WTA spends $4.7 million per year operating routes on WWU’s campus.
WTA is increasing fares for the general public in September 2026
- Like many public agencies, WTA is facing increasing costs for essentials such as labor, benefits, vehicles, utilities, fuel, and more.
- Increasing fares—from $1 to $2 per ride—is one of several ways WTA is working to bring our operating expenses and revenues into balance.
- Our ability to provide service into the future depends on balancing our operating expenses and revenues.
