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.

Without this levy funding there will be no transit system in Ellensburg as we currently know it.  The sales tax levy is the primary source of funding.  

The historic state and federal grants that have provided supplemental funds would be insufficient to fund our system. In addition, it is unlikely that those grants would still remain if we lack local matching funding. 

• 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.

• 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

• 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.

Our 2/10 of one percent is the lowest transit tax rate in Washington State.  (We are tied with Grant County and Asotin County for the lowest rate.)

Chelan and Douglas County have a combined transit system with a voter approved tax rate of 6/10 of one percent (three times higher than Ellensburg).

Selah, Union Gap, and Yakima all have a 3/10th rate. 

Transit tax rates in western Washington range as high as 1.1% (more than 5 times Ellensburg’s rate).