Seattle’s mayor is proposing a transit tax increase that would add bus trips, continue streetcar service, and expand access to free ORCA cards for eligible riders.
SEATTLE — Seattle Mayor Katie Wilson is proposing to double a voter-approved sales tax that helps fund transit service across the city, arguing the investment is needed as Seattle grows and more residents rely on alternatives to driving.
Wilson announced Tuesday she is sending legislation to the Seattle City Council that would renew and expand the Seattle Transit Measure, a voter-approved transit funding program financed through a 0.15% sales tax approved in 2020.
“For many people in this city, transit is not a backup plan,” Wilson said. “It is how they get to work, how they get to school, to childcare, to medical appointments, to the grocery store and back home again.”
Under the proposal, the sales tax would increase to 0.3% and remain in place for 10 years. City officials say the measure would generate an average of $138 million annually and fund 280,000 bus trips each year — 100,000 more than today.
The proposal would also more than double the number of free ORCA transit passes available through city-funded programs, increasing from 10,000 to 22,000 cards.
The current Seattle Transit Measure helps fund additional King County Metro service, Seattle Streetcar operations, free ORCA cards and transit improvement projects. It is scheduled to expire in 2027.
For many Seattle residents, transit is already part of everyday life. Erica Sweet and her daughter rode the First Hill Streetcar while exploring the city.
“It was a nice day, and we usually take the light and the bus,” Sweet said. “And we already took the monorail. This is a good way to get down to Pioneer Square.”
Sweet said traffic congestion makes transit an attractive option.
“Traffic’s getting worse,” she said. “And it’s just an easier way to get around and not clog the streets.”
Acting Seattle Department of Transportation director Angela Brady said the proposal is designed to support travel beyond traditional commuting hours. City officials say the additional funding would support more midday, evening, overnight and weekend transit service.
“Seattle is not a 9-to-5 city,” Brady said. “People are traveling to jobs, schools, medical appointments, childcare, grocery stores, community events and family responsibilities during all times of the day.”
For Carson Banner, the streetcar serves a more practical purpose. Banner uses the First Hill Streetcar as part of his commute to work and said it helps him avoid the cost of driving and parking.
“Parking out here is expensive,” Banner said.
Banner acknowledged the proposal comes at a time when many residents are feeling pressure from rising living costs.
“I feel like that tax wouldn’t be the best thing for a lot of people in Seattle,” Banner said.
Wilson acknowledged concerns about affordability during Tuesday’s announcement, noting that transportation is one of the largest household expenses and arguing that reliable transit can help residents reduce transportation costs.
The proposal now heads to the Seattle City Council. Councilmembers will review the legislation and decide whether to place the measure on the November ballot. If approved by council, Seattle voters would have the final say on the tax increase.
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