Washington State’s Pierce Transit is moving forward with plans to expand its fleet following voter approval of Proposition 1, with its board unanimously authorizing the purchase or refurbishment of up to 60 buses, contingent upon certification of the election results.

The authorization, which allows up to $75 million in spending, will let the agency pursue a mix of new, used, and refurbished buses to support expanded service while managing costs and maximizing available funding.

Ballot Measure Funding Expected

Proposition 1, approved by voters in the November 3 election according to preliminary results, increases Pierce Transit's local sales tax from 0.6% to 0.9%, providing funding for a 47% increase in transit service.

The additional funding will support new bus routes, more frequent service, shorter wait times, extended evening hours, expanded paratransit service, and improved regional connections. The sales tax increase takes effect April 1, 2027, with service improvements phased in through 2032.

“Our community sent a clear message that they want a more connected, reliable transit system,” said Pierce Transit CEO Mike Griffus. “With nationwide supply chains heavily backlogged, securing our manufacturing slots immediately is critical. This proactive step ensures we have the fleet capacity ready to launch new routes and reduce wait times without unnecessary delays.”

The agency said accelerating bus procurement will help avoid manufacturing backlogs that could delay the rollout of additional service. New buses can take two to three years to arrive after being ordered.

Once Proposition 1 election results are certified, Pierce Transit plans to begin executing vendor contracts to bring additional vehicles into service as quickly as possible.

Transit Ballot Measures See Widespread Success

Pierce Transit's ballot measure was among dozens of public transportation funding initiatives voters approved nationwide in 2026.

According to the American Public Transportation Association (APTA) and its Center for Transportation Excellence, voters approved 56 of 66 transit-related ballot measures nationwide in 2026, representing an approximately 85% approval rate.

The successful measures included 22 of 27 initiatives on the November 3 ballot. Together, transit measures approved throughout 2026 are expected to generate more than $31 billion in long-term funding for public transportation services and improvements.

Other notable measures included voter approval of new transit funding in California's San Francisco Bay Area, support for passenger rail expansion along Colorado's Front Range, and renewed transit funding in Spokane County, Washington, as reported by METRO.

“Local measures are the truest gauge of public priorities, and this year’s ballot results send a clear message. Voters across the country are choosing public transit,” said APTA President/CEO Paul P. Skoutelas.

For Pierce Transit, the additional funding will allow the agency to begin implementing service improvements developed through years of community input, ridership analysis, and long-range planning.

The agency will continue planning fleet acquisitions, recruiting and training operators, and preparing infrastructure to support the expanded service.