Wilson Makes Case for Expanded Bus Measure as Council Debate Ramps Up

The Seattle City Council is starting to consider amendments to the proposed renewal of the Seattle Transit Measure (STM) before it's sent to voters. Ahead of a Council hearing Thursday, Mayor Katie Wilson appeared at a rally on the steps of city hall to advocate for her proposal.

The 0.15% sales tax bump Wilson put forward would double the existing 0.15% STM that has been in place since 2020, with the primary goal of boosting direct City subsidies to King County Metro for local bus service. Under the proposal, 176,000 annual service hours enabled by City funding today would be ramped up to approximately 280,000 – a 60% increase – allowing bus frequency increases on 10-15 routes citywide.

Officials from the City and Metro have articulated a focus on reducing waits on nights and weekends, when most routes see infrequent service.

The renewal would also fund a significant expansion of an existing low-income ORCA card benefit program, the continued operation of Seattle's two streetcar lines, and dollars intended to support the Sound Transit 3 expansion plan, including a potential city contribution to the construction of Graham Street station.

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