Lakewood, Washington’s Pierce Transit board voted to place a measure to maintain and expand transit on the November 3, 2026, general election ballot.

With the adoption of Resolution 2026-006, the measure moves to the Pierce County Auditor, giving voters in the Pierce Transit service area the decision on whether to fund an expansion of local transit service within the agency’s service area.

Pierce Transit’s Proposal

The proposed measure reflects years of community input, ridership data, and long-range service planning.

If approved by local voters, it would fund a package of service improvements that includes:

• New bus routes and special event service.
• More frequent service and shorter wait times.
• Later evening and weekend service.
• Easier transfers and more direct trips.
• Fare-free bus and paratransit service for seniors.
• Expanded paratransit service for people with disabilities.

"Pierce Transit is at a critical moment. Due largely to inflation, our expenses are expected to outpace revenue as early as 2027. Without additional funding, we would continue providing today's level of service for as long as possible, but rising costs would eventually require service reductions,” said Pierce Transit CEO Mike Griffus. “This proposal is the result of extensive community input and thoughtful planning to not only preserve today's service but provide more transit, to more people and places, more often. If approved by voters, the measure would fund a 47% increase in transit service across our service area.”

More About the Measure

If approved by voters, the measure would change Pierce Transit’s local sales tax from 0.6% to 0.9% — an increase of 0.3%, or 3 cents on every $10 spent on qualifying purchases in the Pierce Transit service area.

"The last time Pierce Transit received a sales tax increase was in 2002,” said Pierce Transit Board Vice Chair Rosie Ayala. “To put that into perspective, YouTube and Google Maps didn't exist. Since then, Pierce County has grown 30%, and the need for reliable transit has continued to expand. Providing seniors, young people, and those who rely on transit every day with an affordable and more convenient option to more places more often is at the hands of voters.”