Three Cents on $10: The Transit Tax Proposal on Your November Ballot

Pierce Transit is asking voters to approve a sales tax increase to maintain and expand local transit service. Proposition 1 appears on the November 3 ballot for voters within the transit district, which includes Tacoma. With ballots beginning to mail October 13, it’s a decision residents can start weighing now.

The measure would raise Pierce Transit’s portion of the sales tax from 0.6% to 0.9%, an increase of 0.3 percentage points. That means an additional 3 cents on a $10 taxable purchase, 30 cents on $100, or $3 on $1,000. Those percentages describe the transit agency’s share of sales tax; the total tax collected on a purchase includes other state and local taxes.

Pierce Transit says the funding would support a 47% increase in service within its existing district. Plans include four new routes, with proposed service reaching Northeast Tacoma, Central Tacoma, the Port and East Tacoma, along with improvements elsewhere in the service area. More frequent weekday buses, later evening trips and expanded weekend service are also part of the proposal.

Another change would make bus rides free for seniors ages 65 and older. Seniors who qualify for SHUTTLE paratransit would also ride that service without fares, while free rides for youth ages 18 and younger would continue. The plan includes expanded paratransit and seasonal transportation to waterfront destinations and community events.

The official voters’ pamphlet presents competing arguments about paying for those changes. Supporters emphasize access to jobs, medical appointments and everyday destinations, particularly for people who cannot drive. The opposing statement argues that sales taxes are already too high, place a heavier burden on lower-income households and should be replaced with another funding approach.

If approved, the additional tax would begin April 1, 2027. Pierce Transit says improvements would start phasing in during 2027, with completion expected by 2032. Before voting, readers can review the proposed routes and timing on Pierce Transit’s information page and compare the arguments on page 32 of the official local voters’ pamphlet.