EVERETT, Wash. — The City of Everett is considering a proposal for Community Transit to take over Everett Transit in a consolidation deal. City officials estimate the agreement would net Everett $54.5 million, while increasing bus service within the city by 50%.
The consolidation proposal includes provisions to expand service, retain existing paratransit eligibility and service areas, and maintain employment for current Everett Transit staff.
However, the merger would double Everett’s transit sales tax rate from 0.6% to 1.2% and raise bus fares for riders. Community members, transit employees, and local officials presented opposing views on the deal during a public hearing Wednesday.
Mayor Cassie Franklin is pushing for the takeover, noting that Everett is the only municipality in the county operating its own independent bus service. Franklin said the city cannot match the service levels of neighboring areas, because it collects less transit sales tax than Community Transit.
“We are the only agency, the only city in the county, that has its own transit system,” Franklin said. “We do not get the same level of service as all the surrounding communities, because we don’t collect as much transit sales tax Community Transit does. They can provide 50% more service than we can, more quickly to prepare us for light rail.”
Supporters at Wednesday’s public hearing argued that consolidating the systems would improve long-term regional mobility.
One local transit rider spoke in favor of the proposal during the meeting.
“I speak highly in favor of this consolidation,” the rider said. “It provides Everett the ability to step into the future.”
Opponents voiced concerns about local control and public input. State legislation passed in 2025 removed the requirement for a public referendum on transit consolidation in Everett.
Everett resident Shanine Chapman criticized the lack of a ballot vote during public comments.
“In 2025, legislation removed the requirement for Everett residents to vote on this consolidation,” Chapman said. “Just because the law allows you to make this decision without our vote, doesn’t mean you should.”
Steve Oss, union president representing Everett Transit drivers, also opposes the consolidation and believes the decision should belong to voters.
Oss noted that passenger fares would jump from $2 on Everett Transit to $3 on Community Transit.
“We charge $2, they charge $3, so that’s a 50% increase, and for a lot of the passengers out here, you know, that’s a major increase,” Oss said.
Oss also cautioned that local route coverage inside city neighborhoods could decline under a regional agency.
“There isn’t a city that Community Transit serves that actually services neighborhoods,” Oss said. “We do. We’re a local service. We do neighborhood service.”
The proposed merger will likely go to an Everett City Council vote next week. If approved by the council, the deal is set to take effect at the beginning of April next year.