Transit Support Grant

This grant is supported by state funding from Washington’s Climate Commitment Act (CCA) (100 percent). The CCA supports Washington’s climate action efforts by putting cap-and-invest dollars to work reducing climate pollution, creating jobs, and improving public health. Information about the CCA is available at www.climate.wa.gov.

Available funding

The Legislature provided $188,900,000 in state funds during the 2023 session to support this program.

Match requirements

No match required.

Eligible applicants

Eligible transit agencies include:

• City transit systems under RCW 35.58.2721 or Chapter 35.95A RCW.
• County public transportation authorities under Chapter 36.57 RCW.
• Metropolitan municipal corporation transit systems under Chapter 36.56 RCW.
• Public transportation benefit areas under Chapter 36.57A RCW.
• Unincorporated transportation benefit areas under RCW 36.57.100.
• Any special purpose districts formed to operate a public transportation system.

Eligibility requirements

To be eligible for transit support funds, transit agencies must:

• Adopt and implement a zero-fare policy for all modes provided by the agency, including paratransit, for people 18 and under by Oct. 1, 2022. Agencies that adopt and implemented a zero-fare policy after Oct. 1, 2022 will not receive 2023-2025 funds and will be eligible for funds beginning in the 2025-2027 biennium.
• Maintain or increase their local sales tax authority on or after Jan. 1, 2022, and may not delay or suspend the collection of voter-approved sales taxes approved on or before Jan. 1, 2022.
• Certify annually that the agency has maintained its local sales tax authority for transit at or above Jan. 1, 2022 levels.
• To the extent practicable, align implementation of youth zero-fare policies with equity and environmental justice principles consistent with recommendations from the environmental justice council, and ensure low-barrier accessibility of the program to all youth.

Additionally, no agency may receive more than 35 percent of the total grant funding available.

Frequently asked questions

Get answers to frequently asked questions (PDF 385KB) about the Transit Support grant program.

Awards

The 2023-2025 Transit Support grants table below shows 30 projects awarded $188.9 million.

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