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Washington's Community Transit Sets Six-Year Roadmap for Growth, Expansion

Approved TDP targets more bus service, new mobility options, Swift BRT expansion, and a potential Everett Transit annexation.

A Community Transit Swift Green Line bus

Community Transit provides bus and paratransit service, vanpool, and innovative transit options in Snohomish County.

2 min to read


  • Washington's Community Transit plans to increase bus service over the next six years.
  • The transit development program includes an expansion of the Swift Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) system.
  • A potential annexation of Everett Transit is under consideration to enhance regional connectivity.

*Summarized by AI

Washington’s Community Transit board approved the agency’s 2026-2031 Transit Development Plan (TDP), which outlines plans for more bus service and new Zip Shuttle zones in Snohomish County over the next six years, along with other service and system initiatives.

The plan also includes resuming work with the City of Everett toward potential annexation of Everett Transit into the Community Transit service area.

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Talks of annexation are in response to population growth and transportation demand and could affect future TDP updates. The final decision on annexation is subject to Everett City Council and Community Transit board approval.

Keys to TDP

Key initiatives outlined in the 2026-2031 draft TDP include:

  • Adding service, including expansion of the Swift Bus Rapid Transit network with the future Swift Gold Line, which will serve Everett, Marysville and Arlington, and the extension of the Swift Green Line in Bothell.
  • Three Zip Shuttle pilots in Arlington, Darrington and Lake Stevens will continue operating as the agency begins an evaluation process for new zones in 2026.  Community Transit will continue to explore ways of improving the level of service for travelers within Snohomish County through innovative mobility options customized to a community’s needs.
  • Enhanced customer experience with an emphasis on safety, security, and accessibility. Community Transit will grow its team of Transit Security Officers and Security Operations Center dispatchers to a total of 48 by the end of 2026.
  • Progress toward the transition to a zero-emissions fleet. Community Transit’s goal for a zero-emission conversion of its heavy-duty bus fleet by 2044 aligns with Snohomish County targets.

About Community Transit’s TDP

The TDP forecasts the agency’s finances and outlines the services being planned for Snohomish County.

The six-year plan is updated annually and serves as the agency’s roadmap for the next six years. Community Transit is required by the Washington State Department of Transportation (WSDOT) to adopt a six-year Transit Development Plan and update it annually.

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

Quick Answers

The roadmap aims to increase bus services, introduce new mobility options, expand the Swift BRT, and explore the potential annexation of Everett Transit.

*Summarized by AI

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