Title
Intercity Transit Bus System Briefing
Recommended Action
Receive a briefing on Intercity Transit’s planned bus system redesign. Following the presentation and discussion, begin work on the Youth Council’s Public Service Announcement (PSA) regarding transit.
Report
Issue:
Whether to receive a briefing on Intercity Transit’s planned bus system redesign and share input on how changes may impact youth and students, and then use that information to support development of the Council’s transit-focused PSA.
Staff Contact:
Susan Grisham, Youth Council Liaison, 360.753.8441
Presenter(s):
Nick Demerice, Chief Communications Officer, Intercity Transit
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.
For youth riders, potential impacts include:
• Improved access to high schools, South Puget Sound Community College, and after-school activities.
• Increased frequency along major corridors, reducing wait times.
• Possible increases in transfers for some trips.
• Changes in travel time depending on route restructuring.
In addition to receiving the briefing, the Youth Council will use this time to begin discussions regarding the development of a Public Service Announcement (PSA) focused on transit.
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.
For young people, increased transit access supports:
• Reduced reliance on personal vehicles.
• Safer, more sustainable travel options.
• Long-term climate action consistent with community values.
Equity Analysis:
Many youth, including students and young workers, do not drive or do not have consistent access to a vehicle. Transit provides critical access to:
• Education
• Employment
• Healthcare
• Recreation
• Social services
Improved frequency and coverage can reduce barriers to opportunity, particularly for low-income youth and students from historically underserved communities.
The proposed PSA also provides an opportunity for youth voices to elevate equitable access to transportation and ensure messaging resonates with young riders.
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.
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.
Development of the Youth Council PSA is anticipated to utilize existing City communication resources.
Options:
1. Receive a briefing on Intercity Transit’s planned system redesign and begin discussion of a Youth Council transit PSA.
2. Do not receive a briefing.
3. Receive the briefing and discuss the PSA at a later Youth Council meeting.
Attachments:
None