Everett Transit will become part of Community Transit following approval by the Everett City Council and Community Transit Board of Directors, creating a unified transit network serving Snohomish County, Washington.

The consolidation, approved through an interlocal agreement (ILA), will bring Everett into Community Transit’s service area, with the agency assuming responsibility for transit operations in the city on April 1, 2027.

Under the agreement, transit service in Everett is expected to increase by 50% by 2031, with more frequent buses, expanded early morning and evening service, and fewer transfers between routes.

“Everett residents deserve the same higher level of transit service as residents of so many other Snohomish County cities,” said Everett Mayor Cassie Franklin. “One seamless system will help our residents reach destinations both inside and outside of Everett more quickly and easily.”

Community Transit CEO Ric Ilgenfritz said the integration will also help the agency prepare for the future arrival of Sound Transit’s Link light rail service in Everett.

“We are excited to welcome Everett into the Community Transit network and especially pleased to welcome Everett Transit employees as we work to deliver more bus service to Everett,” he said.

Service Expansion, Workforce Transition

The agreement outlines several service and operational changes, including:

• Increasing transit service in Everett by 50% by 2031, including more frequent buses and expanded service hours.
• Introducing an on-demand Zip Shuttle rideshare zone in Everett by spring 2028.
• Maintaining existing paratransit eligibility and service areas for current Everett paratransit customers.
• Offering Everett Transit employees positions with Community Transit or the City of Everett while honoring existing collective bargaining agreements.

Community Transit will begin gathering public input in January 2027 to help develop the integrated network. Service expansions are scheduled to begin in 2028.

Existing Everett bus routes and schedules are expected to remain largely unchanged during the initial transition.

Community Transit Board Chair and Mukilteo Mayor Joe Marine said the consolidation reflects travel patterns that extend beyond individual city boundaries.

“This consolidation of transit service recognizes the fact that people from throughout Snohomish County travel into and out of Everett every day,” Marine said.

Funding the Expanded Network

The consolidation will also change how Everett funds transit service.

Beginning April 1, 2027, Community Transit’s 1.2% transit sales tax will replace Everett’s existing 0.6% transit sales tax, bringing the city in line with the transit tax rate applied in other Snohomish County communities.

The change adds six cents in sales tax on a $10 taxable purchase.

The additional revenue will support planned service increases, expanded operating hours, and improved regional transit connections, officials said.