Seattle voters will be able to decide this November whether to approve a proposal that would double the city’s transit sales tax to fund expanded bus service and other transportation improvements. The measure, unanimously approved by the Seattle City Council, would increase the current transit sales tax from 0.15% to 0.30% and generate an estimated $138 million annually over the next decade if approved by voters.
City leaders say the additional funding would significantly expand transit service, increasing annual bus trips from about 180,000 to 280,000, while also investing in subsidized transit passes for thousands of low-income residents, accessibility improvements, transit safety initiatives and electric transit service in South Seattle and the Duwamish Valley. Officials argue the measure is needed to maintain and improve public transportation as demand continues to grow.
Supporters say the proposal would provide more reliable transit, reduce traffic congestion and improve mobility across the city. However, critics argue that another sales tax increase would place a greater financial burden on consumers during a period of rising living costs and have questioned whether the city should seek alternative funding sources instead.
If approved, the new transit measure would replace the current levy, which expires next year, and fund Seattle’s transit investments for the next 10 years. The proposal will appear on the November ballot, giving residents the final say on whether to move forward with the tax increase.
