Title
Intercity Transit Bus Routes Briefing
Recommended Action
Committee Recommendation:
Not referred to a committee.
City Manager Recommendation:
Receive a briefing on Intercity Transit’s planned system redesign.
Report
Issue:
Whether to receive a briefing on Intercity Transit’s planned system redesign.
Staff Contact:
Sophie Stimson, Director, Public Works Transportation, 360.753.8497
Presenter(s):
Nick Demerice, Chief Communications Officer, Intercity Transit
Rob LaFontaine, Deputy Director, Planning, Intercity Transit
Emily Bergkamp, General Manager, Intercity Transit
Background and Analysis:
Starting in May 2026, Intercity Transit plans to add 18,000 service hours per year to its fixed route bus service. When factoring in changes implemented in January and May of 2025, this will add a total of 40,000 annual service hours when compared to 2024.
This growth in service is consistent with Intercity Transit’s 2018 Long Range Plan and the associated sales tax measure, Proposition 1, which was approved by voters in November 2018.
Among other things, the system redesign will deliver:
• High-frequency corridor service incorporating features of bus rapid transit (BRT) between west Olympia and east Lacey.
• Service expansion to new areas.
Olympia’s updated Comprehensive Plan supports Intercity Transit’s Long Range Plan and has many policies and goals that support and complement improved transit service.
The proposed May 2026 service change represents a near-complete redesign of the fixed-route network. It would:
• Retain four existing routes (Routes 13, 21, 600, and 610).
• Introduce 25 new routes, increasing the system from 20 routes (as of Sept. 7, 2025) to 29 routes.
The redesign centers around the frequent corridor service that includes elements of BRT, which is common in many medium and large cities. Many of the remaining proposed routes will provide convenient one-seat rides to nearby high schools, shopping centers, employment centers, and connections to frequent corridor service.
Final approval of the system redesign will be considered by the Intercity Transit Authority Board later in December 2025. The Authority Board is also considering an equity analysis of this action.
Climate Analysis:
Expanded and more frequent transit service is a key strategy for reducing vehicle miles traveled by 25% from 2021 levels by 2040 and for meeting the City’s goal of achieving net-zero emissions by 2040.
Equity Analysis:
Many community members cannot afford to drive or rely exclusively on transit for mobility. Improved transit service expands access to education, employment, services, and other essential destinations.
Neighborhood/Community Interests (if known):
Intercity Transit is currently conducting public outreach. To date, common concerns include potential increases in transfers, longer travel times, and perceptions that some areas may lose service.
Financial Impact:
Intercity Transit is independently funded and does not receive City funding.
Options:
Receive a briefing on Intercity Transit’s planned system redesign.
Do not receive a briefing on Intercity Transit’s planned system redesign.
Receive a briefing on Intercity Transit’s planned system redesign at another time.
Attachments:
Presentation