Title
Intercity Transit Bus System Briefing
Recommended Action
Receive a briefing on Intercity Transit’s planned bus system redesign.
Report
Issue:
Whether to receive a briefing on Intercity Transit’s planned bus system redesign.
Staff Contact:
Casey Schaufler, Associate Planner, 360.753.8254
Presenter(s):
Spencer Zeman, Bus Stop Program Coordinator
Background and Analysis:
Beginning in May 2026, Intercity Transit plans to add approximately 18,000 service hours per year to its fixed-route bus service. When combined with service increases implemented in January and May 2025, this represents a total increase of 40,000 annual service hours compared to 2024 levels.
This service expansion is consistent with Intercity Transit’s 2018 Long Range Plan and the voter-approved Proposition 1 sales tax measure passed in November 2018.
The system redesign would:
• Retain four existing routes (Routes 13, 21, 600, and 610).
• Introduce 25 new routes.
• Increase the system from 20 routes (as of September 7, 2025) to 29 routes.
• Establish a high-frequency corridor with features similar to bus rapid transit (BRT) connecting west Olympia and east Lacey.
• Expand service to new and growing areas.
The redesign centers around frequent corridor service, a model used in many medium and large cities. Many of the new routes are designed to provide direct, one-seat rides to high schools, shopping centers, employment areas, and connections to the frequent corridor.
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 achieving the City’s goal of net-zero greenhouse gas emissions by 2040.
Equity Analysis:
Improved frequency and coverage can reduce barriers to opportunity, particularly for low-income youth and students from historically underserved communities.
Neighborhood/Community Interests (if known):
The proposed transit system redesign is of broad interest to the Olympia-area community because public transportation plays a critical role in daily life. Residents rely on transit to access jobs, schools, medical services, shopping, and community activities. Changes to routes, frequency, and service areas can directly affect commute times, convenience, and mobility options.
For families, improved transit can expand access to educational and extracurricular opportunities for students. For employers and local businesses, reliable and frequent service supports workforce access and customer connectivity. For seniors and individuals with disabilities, transit provides independence and essential access to services.
The redesign also relates to larger community priorities, including traffic congestion, affordability, climate action, and equitable access to opportunity. As the region grows, how transit services are structured will influence land use patterns, transportation choices, and overall quality of life.
Options:
1. Receive a briefing on Intercity Transit’s planned system redesign.
2. Do not receive a briefing.
Financial Impact:
Intercity Transit is independently funded through voter-approved sales tax and other transit revenue sources. The City of Olympia does not provide direct operating funding.
Attachments:
None.