Seattle Voters to Consider Transit Sales Tax Increase

A proposed ballot measure seeks to raise the city transit tax to 0.3% to secure funding for King County Metro bus services.

Updated on Oct. 28, 2026 in Civic Engagement

Seattle Voters to Consider Transit Sales Tax Increase

Live Poll

Would you support a higher sales tax to expand local bus and transit services?

Seattle voters will decide on a ballot measure to increase the city transit sales tax from 0.15% to 0.3% on November 3, 2026. If approved, the measure would generate an estimated $138 million annually to preserve existing bus service and expand night and weekend routes.

Why it matters

The measure is designed to bridge a funding gap ahead of the current transit tax expiration in March 2027. It serves as a critical mechanism for the city to maintain its purchase of roughly 275,000 annual bus trips from King County Metro.

The proposed measure would increase the city transit sales tax to 0.3% for up to 10 years, costing the median two-person Seattle household $58 annually. The funding supports 275,000 annual bus trips and expands free ORCA passes from 10,000 to 22,000.

The players

King County Metro

This public transportation agency provides bus, light rail, and water taxi services throughout Seattle and the surrounding county.

The details

City officials state the revenue will fund street improvements, safety projects, and accessibility programs that state law otherwise limits for cities to finance. Failure to pass the measure could result in the loss of 180,000 annual bus trips by fall 2027.

Voters approved the current six-year transit tax in 2020.
King County approved a separate 0.1% sales tax in June 2026.
The new King County sales tax takes effect in January 2027.
The current city transit tax expires in March 2027.
The proposed city tax takes effect April 1, 2027, if approved.

Political Context

The current proposal follows the precedent set by the 2020 city transit tax, which secured 80% voter support. Opposition may arise from taxpayers wary of the cumulative impact of this measure alongside the separate 0.1% King County sales tax increase taking effect in 2027.

If the measure passes, the median two-person Seattle household will pay $58 per year in additional taxes beginning April 1, 2027. Residents may also see an increase in transit accessibility through the expansion of free ORCA passes to 22,000 participants.

The takeaway

This vote determines the future of bus service frequency and public transit affordability in the city. Residents should consider how the tax impacts their household budget against the projected loss of transit services if the measure fails.