Keep Ellensburg’s Transit Going Strong!

Your YES on Prop. 1 vote will provide a reliable budget for Ellensburg Central Transit to:

  • Keep All Services Running — fixed-route, ADA paratransit, and 24/7 Cabulance services at today’s levels

  • Protect Fare-free Transit for thousands of residents

  • Connect Students, Workers, and Seniors to jobs, shopping, and medical services, and keep our community thriving and affordable

  • Deliver Planned Service Upgrades — such as 30-minute frequencies and expanded routes

  • Allow for Regular Vehicle Replacement to ensure the fleet remains reliable

  • Invest in Community Benefits — adding transit shelters, transit signal priority, downtown hub, ADA landings, and zero-emission infrastructure 

  • Support Ridership Growth — ensuring service keeps pace with increasing demand

  • Expand Service to new housing and business developments in the city over time

  • Maintain Consistent Local Funding at a time when state and federal funding is more uncertain

  • Multiply Local Dollars to secure millions in state and federal grants

FAQ

You’ve got questions,
we’ve got answers

  • Proposition 1 authorizes the continuation of a sales and use tax at a rate of up to 0.2% (2/10th of 1%) on all taxable retail sales within the City of Ellensburg. 

    This is not a new tax but replaces the existing tax set to expire, for the purpose of paying for the maintenance, operation, and improvement of public transportation. The renewal removes a sunset clause, securing long-term funding and the ability to match state and federal grants.

    On November 4, 2025, voters in the City of Ellensburg will vote on this ballot measure.

    • The 0.2% local sales and use tax provides about $1.5M annually, covering most of Ellensburg Central Transit’s operating costs and securing matching funds for state and federal grants.

    • Without this renewal, Ellensburg risks losing matching funds, leading to reduced service and delayed capital improvements.

  • The expiring voter-approved local funding passed in 2016 has enabled transformational growth for Central Transit:

    • Service grew from 2 to 5 routes since 2017, offering fare-free coverage seven days a week.

    • Added ADA Paratransit and Cabulance services; completed 31 ADA projects in 2024 (new bus stops, curb ramps) improving access for riders with disabilities.

    • Secured federal relief funds during COVID to maintain service.

    • Despite major ridership losses during COVID, ridership rebounded faster than many Washington peers.

    • Fixed-route ridership grew by 50% in 2022 post-pandemic, and recorded system highs in 2023 and 2024, demonstrating a strong demand for robust, reliable transit. 

    • In the last 8 years, there has been a 32% growth in fixed route ridership.

    • Ongoing investments in shelters, hub modernizations, and a Zero-Emission Transition Plan are preparing the system for its future needs.

    • Ellensburg has transformed into a regional mobility hub, offering residents improved access through its connections to intercity buses, airport shuttles, Amtrak, and the Travel Washington Apple Line.

    • Guaranteed local control & continuity of fare-free service would be at risk

    • Service could revert to prior arrangements with WSDOT/contractors with less local say 

    • Many planned capital projects would be delayed or canceled

    • It could potentially reduce service levels and lead to less reliable service

    • The operating stability built over the last decade would be at risk

    • Would lead to increased reliance on uncertain state competitive grant awards

    • Fixed-Route Transit: Five fare-free routes operating seven days a week

    • Specialized & Demand-Response Services:

      • ADA Paratransit service for individuals with disabilities

      • 24/7 non-emergency medical transportation service called Cabulance

      • Countywide Dial-a-Ride demand-response service

    • Regional & Intercity Connections:

      • Kittitas County Connector to surrounding communities

      • Yakima - Ellensburg Commuter Support for regional commuter routes

      • Connections to statewide intercity buses (Travel Washington Apple line, Greyhound, FlixBus, Bellair Airporter Shuttle (SeaTac & Amtrak).

      • Connections to active transportation network, including the Palouse to Cascades State Park Trail

  • Yes!

    • Ellensburg Central Transit saw record ridership in 2024: 117,871 fixed-route rides in one year — the highest in system history

    • Ridership recovered strongly from pandemic dips to over 117,000 in 2023 and 2024

  • Users don't pay fares because the cost of collecting the fares would be more than a reasonable fare would bring in. Fareboxes and collecting cash costs money. Like all taxpayers, users pay for the service through sales tax.

Vote YES on Prop. 1 and Keep Ellensburg Moving!