From Pacific Avenue to 22nd Avenue, 208th Street is closed. From 8th Avenue East to SR507, 208th Street is closed. And now, the brand spanking new Transit Center at 208th and Pacific Avenue is also closed.

Yet, last night, at the Pierce Transit Board meeting, there was a vote and a press release:

Transit Ballot Measure Would Bring Better Bus Service to Pierce County

New Ballot Measure Would Finally Deliver the Bus Service Pierce County Deserves

LAKEWOOD, WASHINGTON — Today, July 13th, the Pierce Transit board voted unanimously to send a proposed ballot measure to voters to increase the sales and use tax that funds Pierce Transit from 0.6% to 0.9%. If approved by voters, this measure would dramatically expand transit service in Pierce County, helping residents save money and spend less time stuck in traffic. It would double the frequency of many routes, add new routes, run existing routes later, and allow seniors to ride the bus for free.

A coalition representing business, labor, and transit riders held a press conference before the vote. They voiced their support for the ballot measure and their readiness to lead the campaign to ensure it passes this November.

“Transit is a lifeline for so many in Pierce County,” said Laura Svancarek, Executive Director of Tacoma On the Go. “Pierce County residents deserve transit that is frequent, reliable, and connects them to opportunities, resources, and community. This package will make that a reality and is essential for the future of Pierce County. It’s time to invest in our community through excellent public transit, and we look forward to sharing the importance and impact of this package.”

“There is always room to better public transportation for people with disabilities. Whether it be more routes, bus stops, etc.,” said Krystal Monteros, a disability rights advocate. “We need to start looking at the entire picture of equity versus equality. This package will increase transportation equity for people with disabilities across Pierce County.”

“Two and half years ago I decided not to replace my car and to try out riding the bus,” said Eileen Cahill, a senior who lives in Tacoma’s North End. “I can get to most of the places I need to — medical, shopping, recreation, and volunteering — but the drawback for me has been access to the waterfront and the ferry to Vashon. Increased frequencies and later hours will allow me to use the bus to get to the things I enjoy and make it easier to transfer to the Runner. I appreciate the current reduced fares for Seniors, but free is even better, especially while living on a fixed income as the cost of everything keeps going up.”

“Reliable public transit is essential infrastructure for working people,” said Nathe Lawver, Secretary-Treasurer of Pierce County Central Labor Council, AFL-CIO. “When transportation is one of the biggest expenses families face, investing in more frequent, dependable service helps workers reach their jobs, apprenticeships, childcare, and healthcare while supporting the union workforce that keeps Pierce County moving. The Pierce County Central Labor Council endorses this ballot measure by a unanimous vote of its delegate body. Let’s invest in the people who make our community work every day.”

“Frequent, late-night bus service would get our staff home affordably and give our guests a real option after dark, one they can actually count on,” said Brian Hibbard, the owner of Field Bar & Bottle Shop in Tacoma. “That’s a worthy investment. A city where getting home safely doesn’t depend on owning a car or affording an Uber is a better city for everyone, small businesses included.”

“You shouldn’t have to work twice as hard in Pierce County to get around without a car,” said Kirk Hovenkotter, Executive Director of Transportation Choices Coalition. “This ballot measure will fix that. The last time voters increased funding for Pierce Transit was back in 2002. We all know how much Tacoma, Puyallup, Parkland, and Gig Harbor have changed since then. This county is growing and will continue to grow. If we are going to make it an affordable place to live that isn’t clogged with traffic, we need great buses. We are going to make sure every voter in Pierce County knows what’s at stake.”

The last time a measure like this was on the ballot in 2012, it lost by just 700 votes. Since then, transit service in Pierce County has lagged behind what residents of nearby counties enjoy. Only two buses run every 15 minutes most of the day. The rest of the routes run infrequently and stop running early in the evening. At 0.6%, Pierce Transit has the lowest local sales tax rate among peer agencies. In contrast, Snohomish County’s sales tax rate for transit is 1.2%, which has allowed Community Transit to invest in new Bus Rapid Transit lines and more frequent bus service.

If voters approve the proposed ballot measure this November, Pierce Transit could expand service by 40%. Residents of Pierce County would enjoy four completely new routes, and buses would run more often on weekdays and weekends, and later into the evenings. This would make it possible for more people to use transit to get to school, work, healthcare, businesses, and recreation. In the face of sky-high gas prices, it would help residents save money on transportation costs while still getting where they need to go.

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Tacoma On the Go is Tacoma’s resource, convener, and advocate for safe mobility for all. They provide services, resources, and programs for commuters, businesses, and residents in the greater Tacoma community, while advocating for policies that make it easier and more equitable for everyone to get around.

Transportation Choices Coalition is a policy and advocacy nonprofit bringing people together to fight for safe, equitable, and sustainable transportation across Washington State. Since 1993, they have been leading the way to build a transportation system that connects people to jobs, education, housing, health care, communities, and each other. They led the successful “Sound Transit” ballot measures in 1996, 2008, and 2016 to build and expand light rail across the Puget Sound region, and they have supported ballot measure campaigns to fund public transit in cities and counties across the state.