Transit Funding

Proposition 1 Passes 

The Kittitas County Canvassing Board certified the official results for the November General Election on November 25, 2025. Proposition 1 passed with 65.33% of voters approving the ballot measure for transit.

Proposition 1 Information 

  • Continues funding for Ellensburg Central Transit with no net sales tax increase
  • If approved, would result in repeal of the current 0.2% Transit Benefit District Sales & Use Tax (expiring in 2026), per Ellensburg Transportation Benefit District Resolution No. 2025-15, and replace it with a 0.2% Transit Tax that does not expire
  • Maintains current transit funding levels for the City of Ellensburg

Ellensburg Central Transit bus

About Ellensburg Central Transit

Ellensburg Central Transit is a rural public transit system serving the general public within the City limits of Ellensburg. Operations include a free accessible fixed route system for the general public, a complimentary door-to-door ADA paratransit service for riders who are unable to access the fixed route bus system due to a disability, and a 24-7 non-emergency medical cabulance service for individuals who need an accessible vehicle to travel to and from specific medical facilities as initiated by contracted facilities. 

Two people walk off the Ellensburg Central Transit busSince voters approved the initial 0.2% sales tax in 2016, we’ve come a long way in making transit more modern, safe, and accessible. Riders can get real-time updates through SMS text messages, interactive voice response, and an online trip-planning website—making it easy to stay on schedule. On the ground, we’ve added bus shelters with bench seating, improved lighting for safety, and installed ADA landing pads at stops to ensure access for all riders. Local investments in Ellensburg Central Transit have created a stronger, more connected transit system for our community. Current funding from sales tax (60%), state and federal grants (32%), fees from the Associated Students of Central Washington University (2%), and other sources (6%).

CONNECTING PEOPLE TO SERVICES & EMPLOYMENT

  • Ridership up 64% from 2017
  • 117,870 rides provided last year on fixed-route service
  • Access to medical care, jobs, education, grocery shopping, food banks, recreation, the library, voting & more
  • Service available 358 days a year

CONNECTING NEIGHBORS OF ALL ABILITIES

  • ADA Paratransit offers door-to-door service for riders with disabilities
  • Ensures all neighbors can access work, healthcare & community life
  • Paratransit ridership tripled in one year

CONNECTING RESIDENTS TO A REGIONAL TRANSIT NETWORK

  • Links to Yakima-Ellensburg Commuter, Apple Line, Kittitas County Commuter, Bellair Airporter, FlixBus & Greyhound
  • Improves access to jobs, schools, healthcare & essential services across the region
  • Expands opportunities for residents and businesses by connecting beyond city limits

CITY OF ELLENSBURG, EXPLANATORY STATEMENT PROPOSITION 1 SALES AND USE TAX FOR PUBLIC TRANSPORTATION (TRANSIT) SYSTEMS*

The City of Ellenburg provides public transit systems through the Ellensburg Central Transit program. The City Council determined it is in the best interest of the City to request voter approval to maintain current funding for Ellensburg Central Transit. Approval would not increase the current local sales tax rate. 

If approved by the voters, this proposition would authorize City Council to collect a retail sales and use tax of up to 0.2% on all taxable retail sales within the City, as authorized by RCW 82.14.045, upon which the existing 0.2% sales and use tax imposed by the City transportation benefit district will be repealed. 

Revenue generated from the tax is restricted and will only be used to provide the personnel, equipment, infrastructure, capital needs, planning, marketing, and public engagement efforts needed to maintain, operate, and improve the City’s public transit program, as outlined in the City’s adopted transit development plan.

*This statement was submitted to the Kittitas County Auditor for the November 4, 2025 Voter Pamphlet.