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 commu...
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