Tacoma riders: Pierce Transit 3¢/$10 sales-tax measure on Nov. 3 ballot
Tacoma riders face a Nov. 3 ballot: Pierce Transit voted July 13 to raise its transit sales tax from 0.6% to 0.9%—3 cents per $10. Free cooling rides run July 19–21.
Tacoma riders face a Nov. 3 ballot: Pierce Transit’s Board of Commissioners voted July 13, 2026 to place a local transit sales-tax measure on the general election ballot. If voters approve it, Pierce Transit says the agency would fund a package of service improvements—and this weekend’s heat-season timing comes with immediate rider help, too.
What Tacoma-area voters are deciding on Nov. 3
Pierce Transit says the measure moves forward under Resolution 2026-006, with the decision now going to Pierce County Auditor for placement on the November 3 ballot for voters in the Pierce Transit service area.
The change would raise Pierce Transit’s local transit sales tax from 0.6% to 0.9%—an increase of 0.3%, or 3 cents on every $10 spent on qualifying purchases in the service area.
Northwest Public Broadcasting also reported that the proposal would increase the sales tax from six cents to nine cents per $10 on qualifying purchases, and that items like groceries and gasoline are excluded from the tax.
What the added revenue would fund (if voters approve)
If approved, Pierce Transit says the funding would support a package that includes:
- new bus routes and special event service
- more frequent service and shorter wait times
- later evening and weekend service
- easier transfers and more direct trips
- fare-free bus and paratransit service for seniors
- expanded paratransit service for people with disabilities
The News Tribune reported that the “fare-free” benefit is described as free rides for people 65 and up if the measure passes.
Northwest Public Broadcasting reported that the improvements would include new routes for downtown, Northeast Tacoma, and East Tacoma, plus a seasonal route serving Ruston.
What to watch next: timing and what happens without new funding
These service improvements are contingent on voter approval. Northwest Public Broadcasting reported that Pierce Transit would begin implementing changes in 2027, with the changes fully operational by 2032.
Without additional funding, Northwest Public Broadcasting reported that Pierce Transit would keep running the current level of service for as long as possible, but rising costs would eventually require cutting back service.
Heat-season help starting this weekend: free cooling-center rides July 19–21
For anyone trying to get to shelter during hot weather this week, Pierce Transit is offering free rides to cooling centers and shelters on its services starting Sunday, July 19 through the end of service on Tuesday, July 21.
Pierce Transit says the free round trips are available throughout the day and evening on those dates for passengers who tell the driver they are traveling to or from a cooling center or shelter. The free rides are available on bus, Runner, and SHUTTLE paratransit for registered SHUTTLE customers.
The agency lists cooling shelters open in Pierce County locations including Tacoma, Lakewood, Puyallup, Parkland, and Gig Harbor, and directs riders to PierceCountyWA.gov’s shelter availability page for more information.
Where to look before voting
Pierce Transit says riders can start with its “Expanding Local Transit” proposal page for the plan’s overview and rider-facing details—especially if you rely on later-day or weekend service, mobility assistance, or paratransit.
Sources
- Pierce Transit board release (Resolution 2026-006) — measure placed on Nov. 3 ballot
- KNKX/NWPB report — measure details and local service coverage context
- The News Tribune — coverage of Pierce Transit’s proposed sales-tax hike
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