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.
*...
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