The Community Transit Board of Directors adopted the agency's first-ever two-year budget yesterday, covering 2026 and 2027. It focuses particularly on safety investments and setting the stage for future service improvements.

The agency will also celebrate its 50th anniversary in 2026 with a public celebration and other remembrances of its 50 years of service to Snohomish County.

The 2026-27 budget focuses on customer and employee safety, with Community Transit expanding its transit security staffing by adding 14 new transit security officers to its current staff of 34, allowing for 24/7 staffing of the agency’s Security Operations Center.

The two-year budget also includes funding for installing driver barrier doors in all Community Transit coaches, which will begin soon, according to an agency release.  

“We are committed to providing outstanding service to our growing base of customers from across Snohomish County,” said Community Transit CEO Ric Ilgenfritz. “Following the major network expansions Community Transit implemented in 2024 and 2025, it’s never been easier for people to safely and securely move around our thriving communities and throughout the region, with easy connections to and from congestion-free light rail trains.”

The budget approves funding for future service expansion, but the timing of additional service will depend on staffing. Community Transit, like other agencies nationwide, is experiencing a shortage of mechanics, which impacts the ability to put even more buses into service. Community Transit says it will be focused on intensive recruitment efforts.

Budget Supports Zip Expansion and Continued Service Growth

The budget sets the stage for further board conversations about the growth of Community Transit’s popular Zip service, which currently operates in the Alderwood area of Lynnwood and in pilots in Arlington, Darrington, and Lake Stevens.

Subject to future board direction, the budget provides funding for two additional Zip zones and an on-demand DART paratransit pilot.

Community Transit continues its practice of drafting balanced budgets with fully funded reserves and operating revenues ($282.1 million in 2026 and $290.3 million in 2027) exceeding operating expenditures ($277.2 million in 2026 and $282.9 million in 2027) in both years.

Community Transit provides bus and paratransit service, vanpool, and innovative transit options in Snohomish County. The agency continues to expand its Swift bus rapid transit network to connect people to light rail and provide fast, frequent service throughout the county.