EVERETT, FEB. 4: The draft Everett Transit Long Range Plan, Connecting Everett in 2045, is now available for public review and comment.
The City of Everett is preparing for transformative growth, with daily ridership across services anticipated to triple by 2044.
To meet this challenge, Everett Transit is considering multiple changes in the years ahead, including asking residents to approve a sales tax rate increase of 0.3% in 2030. The plan also suggests offering on-demand service zones, transporting customers to and from major transit hubs.
Over the past three years, Everett Transit has experienced more than 30% year-over-year ridership growth.
At the core of the draft Long Range Plan is a proposed Growth Network which addresses frequent service, longer service hours, improved safety and better regional connections. The draft plan proposes a 25% increase in service hours by 2045.
This will allow Everett Transit to increase frequency on key corridors and improve access to major transfer points, including the proposed light rail stations, the draft said.
In doing so, almost 30% more households will be near 30-minute or better service than in 2025, the draft said.
The Growth Network plan would increase frequency and coverage on routes 3, 8, 12, and 29. Regional access to the South Everett Freeway Station and McCollum Park & Ride will be expanded.
The proposed On-demand Service Zones are intended to service parts of Everett where fixed-route service is no longer feasible, the draft said. Service areas include a portion of West Mukilteo Boulevard and the Valley View neighborhood.
The two zones are estimated to provide 5,000 trips a year and would add approximately 3,500 hours of service. This service model has been implemented in King County. Service could begin as soon as 2032.
However, growth isn’t possible with current funding, the draft claims. The agency currently relies on a 0.6% local transit sales tax, unchanged since 2004.
“While current funding is sufficient to maintain existing service, it won’t support the level of growth the community has asked for,” the draft said.
Everett Transit plans to propose a transit sales tax increase to 0.9% in 2030, which will be subject to council and voter approval.
Everett Transit will update the plan to include a 50% battery electric and 50% hybrid fleet mix. This deviates from the initial plan to be fully electric by 2028. This is due to manufacturer challenges and resiliency concerns, according to the draft, and a full electric fleet is not feasible at this time.
Everett Transit is still committed to a 100% zero-emission future beyond the 20-year horizon of the current long-range plan.
Additional safety initiatives were included in the plan, including a greater security personnel presence, upgrades to lighting, shelters, signage at bus stops and facilities.
Everett Transit completed two phases of outreach to inform the Long Range Plan update. Phase 1 focused on identifying community needs and priorities, while Phase 2 shared draft service concepts and gathered input on proposed directions for service expansion and investment.
Across both phases of outreach, community input consistently emphasized support for a safe, local transit system that runs frequently and helps connect riders to other systems throughout the Puget Sound.
The public can comment on the draft Long Range Plan until March 2. Everett Transit will also host two open house events where community members can ask questions and submit comments. The draft will be presented at three public meetings.
Open House Events
- Thursday, Feb. 12, 5-7 p.m.
Everett Station, Dan Snow Room, 4th Floor, 3201 Smith Ave.
- Wednesday, Feb. 18, 5-7 p.m.
Everett Station, Dan Snow Room, 4th Floor, 3201 Smith Ave.
Presentations
- Tuesday, Feb. 17, 6:30 p.m.
Planning Commission, 3002 Wetmore Ave.
- Thursday, Feb. 19, 8 a.m.
Transportation Advisory Committee, 3200 Cedar St.
- Wednesday, Feb. 25, 12:30 p.m.
Everett City Council, 3002 Wetmore Ave.
