Community Transit

Snohomish County established its public transportation benefit area (PTBA), the first in the state,{{WSDOT Public Transit Summary |year=1996NTL |page=27 |chapter=Community Transit (Snohomish County) |link2=yes |access-date=July 6, 2016}} after municipal corporations for public transportation were added to the Revised Code of Washington by the Washington State Legislature in 1975.{{cite news |last=Aweeka |first=Charles |date=July 20, 1975 |title=Meeting set on public transit |page=A22 |work=The Seattle Times}}{{cite book |editor-last=White |editor-first=Richard O. |date=July 1, 1975 |chapter=Chapter 270 (Engrossed Substitute Senate Bill No. 2280): Public Transportation |title=1975 Session Laws of the State of Washington – 1st Extraordinary Session, Forty-Fourth Legislature |chapter-url=http://www.leg.wa.gov/CodeReviser/documents/sessionlaw/1975pam1.pdf |edition=1975 |location=Olympia, Washington |publisher=Washington State Legislature |pages=979–993 |oclc=42336168 |access-date=September 1, 2014}} The PTBA plan for a countywide bus system was approved during a general election on June 1, 1976, funded by a three-tenths increase of the sales tax rate in member cities.{{cite news |last=Lane |first=Bob |date=June 2, 1976 |title=Snohomish County bus system OK'd |page=A10 |work=The Seattle Times}}{{cite press release |date=October 3, 2011 |title=Community Transit Marks 35th Anniversary |url=http://www.communitytransit.org/newsrelease/1470 |location=Everett, Washington |publisher=Community Transit |access-date=September 1, 2014 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150722122250/http://www.communitytransit.org/newsrelease/1470 |archive-date=July 22, 2015 }}

Snohomish County had previously been served by an interurban railway from Everett to Seattle and coach lines operated by private companies under the Puget Sound Power Company, which were later absorbed by Greyhound.{{cite news |last=Haigh |first=John |date=February 21, 1965 |title=The Early Days of Bus Transportation |pages=4–5 |work=The Seattle Times}} Two previous attempts to establish a bus system, under the Snohomish County Transportation Authority (SNOTRAN) in 1974,{{cite news |last=Brooks |first=Diane |date=December 30, 1994 |title=Sno-Tran Has Met Goals, Calling It A Day – Tomorrow Ends Decade Of Success For Transit Agency |url=https://archive.seattletimes.com/archive/19941230/1949884/sno-tran-has-met-goals-calling-it-a-day----tomorrow-ends-decade-of-success-for-transit-agency |work=The Seattle Times |access-date=September 1, 2014}} were rejected by voters from the entirety of Snohomish County.{{cite news |last=Daniel |first=Linda |date=September 18, 1974 |title=Snohomish County: Bus-system proposal defeated |page=A15 |work=The Seattle Times}}{{cite news |date=November 6, 1974 |title=Transit fails again in Snohomish County |page=A18 |work=The Seattle Times}} Heavy opposition came from the residents of Everett because of the high sales tax rate and planned absorption of Everett Transit, acquired by the city in 1969,{{cite news |date=November 5, 1969 |title=Everett Voters Approve City Transit Venture |page=43 |work=The Seattle Times}} forcing the SCPTBA to exclude Everett in its successful attempt at creating a bus system.{{cite news |last=Lane |first=Bob |date=October 24, 1974 |title=Snohomish County again to try transit plan |page=A26 |work=The Seattle Times}} SCPTBA Public Transit began operating in the cities of Brier, Edmonds, Lynnwood, Marysville, Mountlake Terrace, Snohomish and Woodway on October 4, 1976,{{cite news |last=Lane |first=Bob |date=May 30, 1976 |title=Part of Snohomish County to vote on transit Tuesday |page=E4 |work=The Seattle Times}} using 18 leased GMC buses on seven routes carrying 6,414 passengers without fares during the first week.{{cite news |last=Lane |first=Bob |date=September 26, 1976 |title=Bus service to begin Oct. 4 in Snohomish County areas |page=A14 |work=The Seattle Times}}{{cite news |date=October 5, 1976 |title=New bus system works 'pretty well' on first day |page=D16 |work=The Seattle Times}}

SCPTBA Public Transit, whose service was known colloquially as the "Blue Bus" for its blue livery,{{cite news |last=Aweeka |first=Charles |date=June 20, 1979 |title=County transit finally ends name game |page=H1 |work=The Seattle Times}} carried 951,200 passengers in its first year of service on 15 local routes and 16 commuter express routes to Downtown Seattle and Northgate,{{cite news |last=Cartwright |first=Jane |date=October 5, 1977 |title=Snohomish Co. transit system in successful year |page=H3 |work=The Seattle Times}} contracted through King County Metro as a continuation of service provided by the Metropolitan Transit Corporation to southern Snohomish County before its merger with Seattle Transit System in 1973.{{cite news |last=Lane |first=Bob |date=December 20, 1972 |title=2 OK's ease way for Metro busses in Snohomish |page=D2 |work=The Seattle Times}}{{cite news |last=Bergsman |first=Jerry |date=January 2, 1973 |title=In Lynnwood: Here it comes—there it goes |page=A14 |work=The Seattle Times}} The buses ran for 16 hours a day, charging a base fare of 20 cents (equivalent to ${{Formatprice|{{Inflation|US|0.20|1976}}}} in {{CURRENTYEAR}}).{{Inflation-fn|US}}{{cite news |last=Lane |first=Bob |date=November 17, 1976 |title=Snohomish County public transit is going places |page=B12 |work=The Seattle Times}} Early on, the busiest local line was Route R14, accounting for 21 percent of system ridership in the first three months, running from the Edmonds waterfront to Lynnwood and the Boeing Everett Factory.{{cite news |last=Lane |first=Bob |date=January 26, 1977 |title=One blessing: New bus system can only be measured in months |page=H9 |work=The Seattle Times}} The agency acquired its first federal funding from the Urban Mass Transportation Administration for the 1978 fiscal year, to be used on the purchase of 18 new buses as well as bus stop amenities, such as stop signs and shelters.

File:Community Transit Flyer D901 bus leaving UW in 1982.jpg D901 bus in Community Transit's original livery leaving the University of Washington campus in 1982]]

Community Transit was selected as the official name of the agency on June 19, 1979, recommended by Seattle-based public relations firm McConnell Company ahead of the winners of a public contest held by SCPTBA two years prior.{{cite news |last=Cartwright |first=Jane |date=June 29, 1977 |title=What's in a name? Buses are the same |page=H1 |work=The Seattle Times}} CT continued to grow through the end of the decade, annexing the cities of Arlington, Lake Stevens, Monroe, Granite Falls, Mukilteo, Stanwood and Sultan into the PTBA by 1980;{{cite news |last=Suffia |first=David |date=October 8, 1980 |title=Community Transit marking four years of growth |page=F2 |work=The Seattle Times}} the bus system had the largest growth in ridership within the state in 1980, with local routes gaining 68.3 percent more riders and Metro-operated "Cream Buses" to Seattle gaining 21.4 percent more riders.{{cite news |last=Macdonald |first=Sally |date=August 13, 1980 |title=Gains in bus ridership highest in state |page=F1 |work=The Seattle Times}} Metro altered their numbering scheme for Snohomish County routes in 1981, creating the 400-series of routes to coincide with the opening of the state's largest park and ride in Lynnwood (which would later become Lynnwood Transit Center).{{cite news |last=Aweeka |first=Charles |date=May 20, 1981 |title=Lynnwood park-and-ride lot ready for use |page=G2 |work=The Seattle Times}} The annexations of outlying communities in northern and eastern Snohomish County and the completion of park and rides in Edmonds and Mountlake Terrace saw ridership rise to over 3 million passengers by 1983.{{WSDOT Public Transit Summary |year=1984 |chapter=Local Transit Statewide: Community Transit |pages=37–43 |oclc=13007541 |access-date=September 11, 2014}}

Community Transit launched its longest commuter route, between Seattle and Stanwood, in October 1987.{{cite news |date=November 4, 1987 |title=Community Transit starts new Stanwood-to-Seattle route |page=17 |work=Marysville Globe}} They took over the remaining Metro commuter routes to Seattle in 1989,{{cite news |last=Bergsman |first=Jerry |date=September 21, 1988 |title=Metro buses won't be traveling to Snohomish County after April |url=http://infoweb.newsbank.com/resources/doc/nb/news/0EB53303482890B8?p=AMNEWS |url-access=subscription |via=NewsBank |page=H5 |work=The Seattle Times |access-date=September 8, 2014}}{{cite news |last=Bergsman |first=Jerry |date=June 9, 1989 |title=Some bus commuters to say goodbye to Metro |url=http://infoweb.newsbank.com/resources/doc/nb/news/0EB5336C0FCCFC21?p=AMNEWS |url-access=subscription |via=NewsBank |page=B3 |work=The Seattle Times |access-date=September 8, 2014}} after commuter service was subcontracted to American Transportation Enterprises in 1986.{{cite news |last=Aweeka |first=Charles |date=July 23, 1986 |title=Harmony reached so buses can roll |url=http://infoweb.newsbank.com/resources/doc/nb/news/0EB531EE4EA2F531?p=AMNEWS |url-access=subscription |via=NewsBank |page=H1 |work=The Seattle Times |access-date=September 8, 2014}} The move to a private carrier was opposed by both Metro and the Amalgamated Transit Union,{{cite news |last=Aweeka |first=Charles |date=July 3, 1985 |title=Metro warns CT about expanding into Downtown Seattle |url=http://infoweb.newsbank.com/resources/doc/nb/news/0EB53150309951CF?p=AMNEWS |url-access=subscription |via=NewsBank |page=H1 |work=The Seattle Times |access-date=September 8, 2014}}{{cite news |last=Aweeka |first=Charles |date=January 22, 1986 |title=Transit union concerned over private contract |url=http://infoweb.newsbank.com/resources/doc/nb/news/0EB531B04E4F88AB?p=AMNEWS |url-access=subscription |via=NewsBank |page=D1 |work=The Seattle Times |access-date=September 8, 2014}} but the introduction of 49 air conditioned coaches by ATE led to a 25 percent increase in ridership by January 1987.{{cite news |last=Gilje |first=Shelby |date=September 23, 1986 |title=Rider contends comfort has taken a back seat on commuter buses |url=http://infoweb.newsbank.com/resources/doc/nb/news/0EB53202E7519D66?p=AMNEWS |url-access=subscription |via=NewsBank |page=E7 |work=The Seattle Times |access-date=September 8, 2014}}{{cite news |last=Aweeka |first=Charles |date=January 7, 1987 |title=Commuters flock to new CT buses |url=http://infoweb.newsbank.com/resources/doc/nb/news/0EB5322DF10E1746?p=AMNEWS |url-access=subscription |via=NewsBank |page=H1 |work=The Seattle Times |access-date=September 8, 2014}} Commuter express service via Interstate 405 from CT park and rides in South Snohomish County to the Eastside cities of Bellevue and Redmond began in 1988 and 1990, respectively,{{cite news |last=Clutter |first=Stephen |date=June 14, 1988 |title=Lynnwood-Bellevue bus off and rolling |url=http://infoweb.newsbank.com/resources/doc/nb/news/0EB532E172F01BD0?p=AMNEWS |url-access=subscription |via=NewsBank |page=B3 |work=The Seattle Times |access-date=September 8, 2014}}{{cite news |date=June 21, 1990 |title=CT to begin limited bus service to Redmond |url=https://archive.seattletimes.com/archive/19900621/1078267/ct-to-begin-limited-bus-service-to-redmond |work=The Seattle Times |access-date=September 8, 2014}} while Seattle service was expanded with weekend service in 1990.{{cite news |last=Bergsman |first=Jerry |date=June 4, 1990 |title=CT to expand commuter service |url=https://archive.seattletimes.com/archive/19900604/1075447/ct-to-expand-commuter-service----weekend-runs-will-be-offered |work=The Seattle Times |access-date=September 8, 2014}} The agency dedicated its own {{convert|20|acre|ha|adj=mid}} bus base at Kasch Park in 1985, replacing shared operations with the Edmonds School District and Everett Transit, at a cost of $4.8 million (equivalent to ${{Formatprice|{{Inflation|US|48000000|1985}}}} in {{CURRENTYEAR}}){{Inflation-fn|US}} that was mostly funded by the Urban Mass Transportation Administration.{{cite news |last=Aweeka |first=Charles |date=May 1, 1985 |title=New Everett base to bring Community Transit together |url=http://infoweb.newsbank.com/resources/doc/nb/news/0EB5313B09322F2C?p=AMNEWS |url-access=subscription |via=NewsBank |page=H1 |work=The Seattle Times |access-date=September 8, 2014}}{{cite news |last=Aweeka |first=Charles |date=October 9, 1985 |title=Transit head puts brakes to maintenance flap |url=http://infoweb.newsbank.com/resources/doc/nb/news/0EB5317B6229E5F3?p=AMNEWS |url-access=subscription |via=NewsBank |page=H2 |work=The Seattle Times |access-date=September 8, 2014}}

CT was involved in a criminal investigation conducted by the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) in the mid-1990s of Ed's Transmission, a transmission shop in Everett used by the agency for bus parts. Detectives from the FBI and Snohomish County Sheriff seized records from both parties and began a two-month audit of Community Transit management.{{cite news |last1=Bergsman |first1=Jerry |last2=Alexander |first2=Karen |date=July 22, 1993 |title=Investigators seize CT records |url=https://archive.seattletimes.com/archive/19930722/1712341/investigators-seize-ct-records----agency-is-target-of-federal-probe-involving-service-work |work=The Seattle Times |access-date=September 28, 2014}} The auditors released a report that criticized the management style of Executive Director Ken Graska and his department heads, leading to the former's resignation in December 1993 after nine years at his position.{{cite news |last1=Alexander |first1=Karen |last2=Brooks |first2=Diane |date=December 1, 1993 |title=CT's director resigns |url=https://archive.seattletimes.com/archive/19931201/1734623/cts-director-resigns |work=The Seattle Times |access-date=September 28, 2014}} Federal prosecutors accused Ralph Woodall, the 50-year-old co-owner of the shop, of 15 counts of mail fraud after intentionally overbilling for transmission repairs. Community Transit Maintenance Director Michael Lynn resigned after confessing that he had accepted gifts from Woodall in exchange for sending all of CT's transmissions to Ed's Transmissions without going through competitive bidding.{{cite news |last=Brooks |first=Diane |date=December 10, 1996 |title=Federal trial begins over fraud alleged in CT bus repairs |url=https://archive.seattletimes.com/archive/19961210/2364154/federal-trial-begins-over-fraud-alleged-in-ct-bus-repairs |work=The Seattle Times |access-date=September 28, 2014}} A U.S. District Court jury found Woodall guilty of 15 counts of mail fraud in December 1996,{{cite news |last=Clutter |first=Stephen |date=December 24, 1996 |title=Mechanic is guilty of fraud |url=https://archive.seattletimes.com/archive/19961224/2366694/mechanic-is-guilty-of-fraud |work=The Seattle Times |access-date=September 28, 2014}} with Judge John C. Coughenour sentencing him to 2.5 years in federal prison the following May, along with Ed's Transmission being forced to pay a $825,000 settlement after a civil suit was filed.{{cite news |last=Koch |first=Anne |date=May 31, 1997 |title=Shop owner sentenced to 2 1/2 years for CT fraud |url=https://archive.seattletimes.com/archive/19970531/2542024/shop-owner-sentenced-to-2-12-years-for-ct-fraud |work=The Seattle Times |access-date=September 28, 2014}}

{{See also|Everett Transit}}

File:Swift passing Everett Transit bus at Everett Station.jpg coach passing a parked Everett Transit bus at Everett Station]]

Attempted mergers of Community Transit with Everett Transit have been proposed by the Washington State Legislature and the CT Board since the formation of SNOTRAN in 1974.{{cite news |last1=Brooks |first1=Diane |last2=Johnston |first2=Shannon |date=February 2, 1994 |title=Everett Transit, CT merger meets resistance |url=https://archive.seattletimes.com/archive/19940202/1893173/everett-transit-ct-merger-meets-resistance----momentum-to-join-bus-systems-coming-out-of-olympia |work=The Seattle Times |access-date=September 28, 2014}} The relative success of Community Transit in the late 1970s and 1980s prompted the Community Transit Board to propose consolidation with Everett Transit in 1988, though long-term planning under SNOTRAN for both agencies worked under the assumption that there would be no merger by 2000.{{cite news |last=Bergsman |first=Jerry |date=November 10, 1988 |title=CT board talks of merging bus systems |url=http://infoweb.newsbank.com/resources/doc/nb/news/0EB53316DA3CA3A2?p=AMNEWS |url-access=subscription |via=NewsBank |page=D3 |work=The Seattle Times |access-date=September 28, 2014}} In 1990, a second proposal was rejected by the Everett City Council after consultants determined that a merger would only save $350,000 per year in deadheading for Community Transit and that both staffs would need to be retained because of the lack of service duplication between the two agencies.{{cite news |last=Bergsman |first=Jerry |date=November 2, 1990 |title=Bus-system merger discounted |url=https://archive.seattletimes.com/archive/19901102/1101899/bus-system-merger-discounted----consultant-can-see-no-savings |work=The Seattle Times |access-date=September 28, 2014}} Throughout the 1990s, successive legislative bills proposing a merger were passed through the House Transportation Committee, but failed to gain support elsewhere because of successful lobbying from the City of Everett.{{cite news |last=Brooks |first=Diane |date=February 16, 2000 |title=Bus-merge proposals die in committee |url=https://archive.seattletimes.com/archive/20000216/4005045/bus-merge-proposals-die-in--committee |work=The Seattle Times |access-date=September 28, 2014}} State voters approved Referendum 49 in November 1998, including state motor-vehicle excise tax revenue for city-run transit in Everett and Yakima. While Everett Transit gained $4.5 million (equivalent to ${{Formatprice|{{Inflation|US|4500000|1998}}}} in {{CURRENTYEAR}}){{Inflation-fn|US}} in new annual funding, CT was set to lose $1 million (equivalent to ${{Formatprice|{{Inflation|US|1000000|1998}}}} in {{CURRENTYEAR}}){{Inflation-fn|US}} over the next five years in addition to the $2 million (equivalent to ${{Formatprice|{{Inflation|US|2000000|1998}}}} in {{CURRENTYEAR}}){{Inflation-fn|US}} used to operate service within Everett annually.{{cite news |last=Brooks |first=Diane |date=November 10, 1998 |title=Ref. 49 vote fuels Everett's bus system |url=https://archive.seattletimes.com/archive/19981110/2782679/ref-49-vote-fuels-everetts-bus-system----approval-to-bring-additional-money-for-city-operated-transit |work=The Seattle Times |access-date=September 28, 2014}} The large cuts brought on by the passing of Initiative 695 and subsequent loss of excise tax revenue forced both agencies to consider merging in 2000,{{cite news |last=Brooks |first=Diane |date=June 15, 2000 |title=Everett now willing to entertain CT offer |url=https://archive.seattletimes.com/archive/20000615/4026722/everett-now-willing-to-entertain-ct-offer |work=The Seattle Times |access-date=September 28, 2014}} with savings of an estimated $1.7 million per year (equivalent to ${{Formatprice|{{Inflation|US|1700000|2001}}}} in {{CURRENTYEAR}}){{Inflation-fn|US}} according to a study commissioned by Community Transit.{{cite news |last=de Leon |first=John |date=January 3, 2001 |title=Join transit agencies to save, says study |url=https://archive.seattletimes.com/archive/20010103/transit03m/join-transit-agencies-to-save-says-study |work=The Seattle Times |access-date=September 28, 2014}} As a result of the failed mergers, CT proposed truncating its routes at Everett city limits,{{cite news |last=Ray |first=Susanna |date=July 20, 2002 |title=Community Transit touts savings in trimming Everett routes |page=A1 |work=The Everett Herald |id={{ProQuest|333509626}} }} but ultimately decided to provide limited-stop service on its routes through Everett to the newly constructed Everett Station in 2002.{{cite news |last=Ray |first=Susanna |date=July 19, 2002 |title=CT limits service in Everett |page=A1 |work=The Everett Herald}} Community Transit and Everett Transit signed their first partnership agreement in 2007, with Everett helping fund Swift bus rapid transit through its service area and allowing CT to operate the route in exchange for the expansion of ET service into unincorporated areas surrounding Everett.{{cite press release|date=December 5, 2007 |title=Community Transit, Everett Transit Become Partners |url=http://www.communitytransit.org/newsrelease/1229 |location=Everett, Washington |publisher=Community Transit |access-date=September 28, 2014 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141006145950/http://www.communitytransit.org/newsrelease/1229 |archive-date=October 6, 2014 }}{{cite news |last=Brooks |first=Diane |date=December 12, 2007 |title=Community Transit, Everett form 17-mile partnership |url=http://www.seattletimes.com/seattle-news/community-transit-everett-form-17-mile-partnership/ |work=The Seattle Times |access-date=September 28, 2014}} The two agencies further collaborated with Sound Transit and the Washington State Department of Transportation in the construction of the South Everett Freeway Station the following year.{{cite press release |date=September 10, 2008 |title=Innovation meets efficiency for south Everett's new median park-and-ride lot |url=http://www.soundtransit.org/About-Sound-Transit/News-and-events/News-releases/News-release-archive/SEVT-Ribboncut |location=Seattle, Washington |publisher=Sound Transit |access-date=September 28, 2014}}

In their most recent expansion in 1997, the Snohomish County PTBA annexed the Eastmont and Silver Firs census-designated places between Everett and Mill Creek, as well as the Tulalip Indian Reservation west of Marysville.{{cite news |last=Brooks |first=Diane |date=September 3, 1997 |title=Buses on ballot later this month |url=https://archive.seattletimes.com/archive/19970903/2558134/buses-on-ballot-later-this-month----5-areas-to-be-asked-to-join-ct-district |work=The Seattle Times |access-date=September 28, 2014}}{{cite news |date=October 27, 1997 |title=CT sets annexation workshops |url=https://archive.seattletimes.com/archive/19971027/2568685/ct-sets-annexation-workshops |work=The Seattle Times |access-date=September 28, 2014}} During the same year, CT awarded its $31.8 million (equivalent to ${{Formatprice|{{Inflation|US|31800000|1997}}}} in {{CURRENTYEAR}}){{Inflation-fn|US}} commuter service contract to Grosvenor Bus Lines, which would later fold into First Transit, replacing their first subcontractor, Ryder/ATE Management.{{cite news |date=June 9, 1997 |title=CT to get new commuter service |url=https://archive.seattletimes.com/archive/19970609/2543717/ct-to-get-new-commuter-service |work=The Seattle Times |access-date=September 29, 2014}} The agency introduced the first low-floor articulated buses in the United States into its fleet in 1999, purchasing 17 {{convert|60|ft|m|0|adj=mid|-long}} buses from New Flyer to improve accessibility for older and disabled riders.{{cite news |date=April 19, 1999 |title=CT phases in 17 new low-floor buses |url=https://archive.seattletimes.com/archive/19990419/2955963/ct-phases-in-17-new-low-floor-buses |work=The Seattle Times |access-date=September 28, 2014}} Service improvements throughout the 1990s, including raising service hours to over 11 million, led to ridership peaking at 8.8 million by the end of the decade and the agency's 100 millionth rider being celebrated in April 2000.{{cite press release|date=July 22, 2004 |title=Olson Marks 10 Years of Strong Leadership |url=http://communitytransit.org/newsrelease/1047 |location=Everett, Washington |publisher=Community Transit |access-date=September 28, 2014 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141006134203/http://communitytransit.org/newsrelease/1047 |archive-date=October 6, 2014 }}{{cite news |date=April 21, 2000 |title=100 million served by CT |url=http://community.seattletimes.nwsource.com/archive/?date=20000421&slug=4016674 |work=The Seattle Times |access-date=September 28, 2014 |archive-date=October 6, 2014 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141006101543/http://community.seattletimes.nwsource.com/archive/?date=20000421&slug=4016674 |url-status=dead }} The passage of Initiative 695 in 1999, which capped the state motor-vehicle excise tax at $30, forced transit agencies throughout the state to cut service in anticipation of lower revenue. Facing the loss of $18 million (equivalent to ${{Formatprice|{{Inflation|US|18000000|2000}}}} in {{CURRENTYEAR}}),{{Inflation-fn|US}} or 30 percent of its annual operating budget, Community Transit eliminated all weekend service and increased fares on its routes in February 2000.{{cite news |date=February 4, 2000 |title=Bus service cut after I-695 |url=https://archive.seattletimes.com/archive/20000204/4002857/bus-service-cut-after-i-695 |work=The Seattle Times |access-date=September 28, 2014}} With the service cuts, CT began its VanGO program to donate its retired paratransit minibuses to nonprofit organizations in Snohomish County instead of auctioning them off.{{cite news |last=Vinluan |first=Frank |date=February 10, 2000 |title=CT offers free vans to ease 695 woes |url=https://archive.seattletimes.com/archive/20000210/4003952/ct-offers-free-vans-to-ease-695-woes |work=The Seattle Times |access-date=September 28, 2014}} Saturday service was reinstated in September 2000, using emergency funds approved by the CT Board,{{cite news |last=Burkitt |first=Janet |date=July 7, 2000 |title=I-695 bus cuts will be restored |url=https://archive.seattletimes.com/archive/20000707/4030505/i-695-bus-cuts-will-be-restored |work=The Seattle Times |access-date=September 28, 2014}} while Sunday service returned in 2001 after the passage of a 0.3 percentage-point tax increase by voters in the PTBA.{{cite news |last=Burkitt |first=Janet |date=September 19, 2001 |title=Snohomish County: Transit sales tax pushing ahead |url=https://archive.seattletimes.com/archive/20010919/transitvote19m/snohomish-county-transit-sales-tax-pushing-ahead |work=The Seattle Times |access-date=September 28, 2014}} Further restoration of service came in 2003, with increased frequency and the replacement of 50 buses in the agency's fleet made possible by a budget surplus and the sales tax increase approved in 2002,{{cite news |last=Hodges |first=Jane |date=October 30, 2002 |title=Bus agency proposes increase in service |url=https://archive.seattletimes.com/archive/20021030/comtran30n/bus-agency-proposes-increase-in-service |work=The Seattle Times |access-date=September 28, 2014}} and in 2005, with increased fares.{{cite news |last=Schwarzen |first=Christopher |date=May 11, 2005 |title=Community Transit to boost fares, routes |url=https://archive.seattletimes.com/archive/20050511/bus11n/community-transit-to-boost-fares-routes |work=The Seattle Times |access-date=September 28, 2014}}

Community Transit introduced its current logo and slogan in 2005, replacing an older one in use since 1986 and retaining its blue-and-white color scheme, as part of the roll-out of the first New Flyer Invero buses in the United States.{{cite press release|date=March 1, 2005 |title=Community Transit Debuts First U.S. Invero Bus |url=http://www.communitytransit.org/newsrelease/1088 |location=Everett, Washington |publisher=Community Transit |access-date=September 1, 2014 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150412124717/http://www.communitytransit.org/newsrelease/1088 |archive-date=April 12, 2015 }}{{cite press release|date=January 17, 2005 |title=New Flyer delivers first Inveros to US property |url=http://www.newflyer.com/index/invero_everett |location=Winnipeg, Manitoba |publisher=New Flyer Industries |access-date=September 30, 2014 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141006121608/http://www.newflyer.com/index/invero_everett |archive-date=October 6, 2014 }} CT began a three-month pilot project in September 2005 that brought Wi-Fi access to buses on its longest route, Route 422 between Stanwood and Seattle, with hopes of attracting customers and remote workers to its routes.{{cite press release|date=September 9, 2005 |title=Community Transit Offers WiFi Access on Select Buses |url=http://communitytransit.org/newsrelease/1122 |location=Everett, Washington |publisher=Community Transit |access-date=September 30, 2014 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141006090117/http://communitytransit.org/newsrelease/1122 |archive-date=October 6, 2014 }}{{cite news |last=Gilmore |first=Susan |date=September 7, 2005 |title=Transit services adding Wi-Fi to buses |url=http://www.seattletimes.com/seattle-news/transit-services-adding-wi-fi-to-buses/ |work=The Seattle Times |access-date=September 30, 2014}} The pilot project was deemed a success and expanded into the "Surf and Ride" program on all Route 422 trips in 2006, as well as select trips on Routes 406 and 441 from Edmonds to Seattle and Overlake on the Eastside, respectively; the Wi-Fi program was canceled in 2010, with the removal of equipment in buses brought on by low customer response, budget constraints and the adoption of improved cellular networks that support mobile browsing on smartphones.{{cite web |title=Surf and Ride Wi-Fi Service |url=http://www.communitytransit.org/Programs/Wifi.cfm |url-status=dead |publisher=Community Transit |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100127054448/http://www.communitytransit.org/Programs/Wifi.cfm |archive-date=January 27, 2010 |access-date=September 30, 2014}}

CT and First Transit signed their third and most recent contract in 2007, continuing the latter's operation of CT commuter service to Seattle.{{cite press release |date=May 1, 2007 |title=Snohomish County Community Transit Renews Contract with First Transit |url=http://www.firsttransit.com/about-us/news/news-details/2007/05/01/snohomish-county-community-transit-renews-contract-with-first-transit |location=Cincinnati, Ohio |publisher=First Transit |access-date=September 30, 2014}} Community Transit debuted the first double-decker buses in the Puget Sound region during a year-long test in 2007, eventually buying its own fleet of Alexander Dennis Enviro500s for its "Double Tall" fleet to be used on commuter services.{{cite press release|date=March 31, 2008 |title=Make That 23 Double Talls, Please |url=http://www.communitytransit.org/newsrelease/1256 |location=Everett, Washington |publisher=Community Transit |access-date=September 1, 2014 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140903133840/http://www.communitytransit.org/newsrelease/1256 |archive-date=September 3, 2014 }} A PTBA expansion into the unincorporated areas of Cathcart, Clearview and Maltby was attempted during the 2008 general elections, but failed to gain a majority vote.{{cite web |date=November 11, 2008 |title=Statement of Vote – Snohomish County General Election, November 04, 2008: PTBA Annexation |url=http://www.snohomishcountywa.gov/DocumentCenter/View/1490 |format=PDF |publisher=Snohomish County, Washington |access-date=September 30, 2014}} In November 2009, after three years of planning and a year of construction,{{cite press release |date=July 27, 2006 |title=New Bus Rapid Transit Route Called "Swift" |url=https://communitytransit.org/newsrelease/1170 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160311083941/https://communitytransit.org/newsrelease/1170 |archive-date=March 11, 2016 |location=Everett, Washington |publisher=Community Transit |access-date=September 30, 2014}}{{cite press release|date=November 24, 2008 |title=Swift Groundbreaking Dec. 3 |url=http://communitytransit.org/newsrelease/1298 |location=Everett, Washington |publisher=Community Transit |access-date=September 30, 2014 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141006093847/http://communitytransit.org/newsrelease/1298 |archive-date=October 6, 2014 }} Community Transit debuted the first bus rapid transit line in Washington, Swift. The service replaced Route 100 on State Route 99 between Aurora Village in Shoreline and Everett Station, featuring 12-minute headways, off-board fare payment and transit signal priority.{{cite press release|date=November 16, 2009 |title=Swift Bus Rapid Transit to Fly on Nov. 29 |url=http://www.communitytransit.org/newsrelease/1354 |location=Everett, Washington |publisher=Community Transit |access-date=September 30, 2014 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141006084547/http://www.communitytransit.org/newsrelease/1354 |archive-date=October 6, 2014 }}

The Great Recession of the late 2000s and subsequent loss of an estimated $180 million (equivalent to ${{Formatprice|{{Inflation|US|180000000|2010}}}} in {{CURRENTYEAR}}){{Inflation-fn|US}} in sales tax revenue in Snohomish County forced CT to cut service by 15 percent in June 2010, including the elimination of all service on Sundays and major holidays, to save $16 million (equivalent to ${{Formatprice|{{Inflation|US|16000000|2010}}}} in {{CURRENTYEAR}}){{Inflation-fn|US}} until 2012.{{cite news |last=Sheets |first=Bill |date=June 6, 2010 |title=Community Transit gives away vans; to cut service |url=http://www.heraldnet.com/article/20100606/NEWS01/706069887 |work=The Everett Herald |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160306141503/http://www.heraldnet.com/article/20100606/NEWS01/706069887 |archive-date=March 6, 2016 |access-date=September 30, 2014}} A second cut, with 20 percent of service eliminated, took place in February 2012;{{cite press release|date=September 1, 2011 |title=Board Selects Hybrid Service Alternative |url=http://www.communitytransit.org/newsrelease/1465 |location=Everett, Washington |publisher=Community Transit |access-date=September 30, 2014 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141006131403/http://www.communitytransit.org/newsrelease/1465 |archive-date=October 6, 2014 }} the CT Board rejected a major restructure that would have truncated its northern and eastern express service to Seattle at Lynnwood Transit Center during this cut, instead opting to preserve its commuter service.{{cite web |title=2012 Service Change: Commuter Comparison Chart |year=2011 |url=http://communitytransit.org/News/2012SystemChangeCommuterServiceChart/ |url-status=dead |publisher=Community Transit |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110813221059/http://communitytransit.org/News/2012SystemChangeCommuterServiceChart/ |archive-date=August 13, 2011 |access-date=September 30, 2014}}

Despite the decline in service hours, Community Transit and Sound Transit had record ridership for Snohomish County routes during the Super Bowl XLVIII parade in Downtown Seattle in February 2014, carrying a total of 22,500 passengers on 50 extra trips into Seattle.{{cite press release|date=February 6, 2014 |title=Public transportation teamwork moved unprecedented number of Seahawks fans and commuters |url=http://www.soundtransit.org/About-Sound-Transit/News-and-events/News-releases/Transportation-teamwork-for-Seahawks-parade-02062014 |location=Seattle, Washington |publisher=Sound Transit |access-date=September 30, 2014 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141006160604/http://www.soundtransit.org/About-Sound-Transit/News-and-events/News-releases/Transportation-teamwork-for-Seahawks-parade-02062014 |archive-date=October 6, 2014 }} In March, the 2014 Oso mudslide destroyed a portion of State Route 530 and forced CT to re-route its service to Darrington through Skagit County, offering one-seat service to Smokey Point and Everett Station in the interim as Route 231.{{cite press release|date=March 26, 2014 |title=Emergency Darrington Bus Service |url=http://www.communitytransit.org/newsrelease/1555 |location=Everett, Washington |publisher=Community Transit |access-date=September 30, 2014 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141006145749/http://www.communitytransit.org/newsrelease/1555 |archive-date=October 6, 2014 }} The partial reopening of State Route 530 in June and full reopening in September restored the original Route 230 on its original route, now extended to Smokey Point.{{cite press release|date=May 28, 2014 |title=Darrington Service Returns to Hwy 530 June 9; Route 231 Will End |url=http://www.communitytransit.org/newsrelease/1564 |location=Everett, Washington |publisher=Community Transit |access-date=September 30, 2014 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141006151216/http://www.communitytransit.org/newsrelease/1564 |archive-date=October 6, 2014 }}

Community Transit began restoring cut service in September 2014, adding 13 percent of its former bus hours primarily to improve midday service.{{cite press release|date=September 11, 2014 |title=New Bus Service Begins September 29 |url=http://www.communitytransit.org/newsrelease/1577 |location=Everett, Washington |publisher=Community Transit |access-date=September 30, 2014 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141006115042/http://www.communitytransit.org/newsrelease/1577 |archive-date=October 6, 2014 }} In June 2015, CT restored its Sunday and holiday service as part of a 27,000-hour expansion, representing 20 percent of the 2010 reduction, funded by recovering sales tax revenue and a 25-cent increase in fares the following month.{{cite press release|date=May 7, 2015 |title=Sunday Service Is Coming Back! |url=http://www.communitytransit.org/newsrelease/1605 |location=Everett, Washington |publisher=Community Transit |access-date=June 10, 2015 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150612105412/http://www.communitytransit.org/newsrelease/1605 |archive-date=June 12, 2015 }}{{cite press release |date=September 18, 2018 |title=Local Bus, DART Paratransit Fares Rising 25 Cents on Oct. 1 |url=https://www.communitytransit.org/news/news-releases/community-transit-news/2018/09/18/local-bus-dart-paratransit-fares-rising-25-cents-on-oct.-1 |publisher=Community Transit |access-date=March 11, 2019 |archive-date=May 11, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210511220202/https://www.communitytransit.org/news/news-releases/community-transit-news/2018/09/18/local-bus-dart-paratransit-fares-rising-25-cents-on-oct.-1 |url-status=dead }} The agency was given approval from the state legislature in July 2015 to increase sales taxes by an additional 0.3%, dependent on voter approval via a ballot measure during the November 2015 election that was eventually won, to fund a new Swift line as well as local service expansion.{{cite press release|date=July 16, 2015 |title=Community Transit Board Sends Sales Tax Measure to November Ballot |url=http://www.communitytransit.org/newsrelease/1616 |location=Everett, Washington |publisher=Community Transit |access-date=July 21, 2015 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150815001844/http://communitytransit.org/newsrelease/1616 |archive-date=August 15, 2015 }}{{cite press release |date=November 10, 2015 |title=CEO Outlines "New Transit Legacy" for Snohomish County |url=https://communitytransit.org/newsrelease/1631 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160304185937/https://communitytransit.org/newsrelease/1631 |archive-date=March 4, 2016 |location=Everett, Washington |publisher=Community Transit |access-date=November 25, 2015}} The second Swift route, the Green Line, opened on March 24, 2019, and cost $73 million to construct. It connects the Seaway Transit Center, a new facility next to the Boeing Everett Factory, to Mill Creek and Canyon Park in Bothell.{{cite news |last=Giordano |first=Lizz |date=March 25, 2019 |title=Swift Green Line starts rolling, from Bothell to Boeing |url=https://www.heraldnet.com/news/swift-green-line-starts-rolling-from-bothell-to-boeing/ |work=The Everett Herald |access-date=April 4, 2019}}

File:Social distancing signs on a ST Express bus.jpg sign on a Community Transit-operated Sound Transit Express bus in April 2020]]

The agency, like most in the United States, saw major declines in ridership beginning in March 2020 due to the COVID-19 pandemic and widespread use of remote work. Daily ridership declined from 40,000 in February to 16,500 by late March, with an 80 percent decline in ridership on commuter routes to Seattle. Community Transit implemented stricter cleaning and screening standards and suspended the collection of fares. Passengers were required to use the rear door of buses, with the exception of those requiring accessible seating, and some seats were cordoned off.{{cite news |last=Sanders |first=Julia-Grace |date=March 21, 2020 |title=Local transit won't release routes of drivers with COVID-19 |url=https://www.heraldnet.com/news/local-transit-wont-release-routes-of-drivers-with-covid-19/ |work=The Everett Herald |accessdate=March 4, 2025}}{{cite news |last=Watanabe |first=Ben |date=March 16, 2020 |title=Buses get disinfectant spray, wipedowns as riders stay home |url=https://www.heraldnet.com/news/buses-get-disinfectant-spray-wipedowns-as-riders-stay-home/ |work=The Everett Herald |accessdate=March 4, 2025}} By May, 35 percent of service had been cancelled or suspended, including several commuter routes that had no passengers.{{cite news |last=Watanabe |first=Ben |date=May 4, 2020 |title=Even in a pandemic, buses and transit keeps rolling |url=https://www.heraldnet.com/news/even-in-a-pandemic-buses-and-transit-keeps-rolling/ |work=The Everett Herald |accessdate=March 4, 2025}} Fare collection resumed on July 1 after an estimated $4.2 million in revenue had been lost due to the lack of fares and lower retail activity; by June, Community Transit was carrying an average of 12,500 riders per day—a 66 percent decline from normal figures.{{cite news |last=Watanabe |first=Ben |date=June 22, 2020 |title=Bus fare is on its way back across Snohomish County |url=https://www.heraldnet.com/news/bus-fare-is-on-its-way-back-across-snohomish-county/ |work=The Everett Herald |accessdate=March 4, 2025}} The agency's return to fare collection and front door use was criticized by drivers, who had also requested the installation of plexiglass barriers for the driver compartment.{{cite news |last=Sanders |first=Julia-Grace |date=July 5, 2020 |title=Community Transit drivers: Too soon to open the front doors |url=https://www.heraldnet.com/news/community-transit-drivers-too-soon-to-open-the-front-doors/ |work=The Everett Herald |accessdate=March 4, 2025}}

Community Transit received federal funding from the 2020 CARES Act to backfill lost sales tax and fare revenue during the early stages of the COVID-19 pandemic. The agency announced plans to gradually restore service in line with the recovery of revenues as well as planned service changes to accommodate the expansion of Link light rail.{{cite news |last=Watanabe |first=Ben |date=November 2, 2020 |title=Community Transit likely keeping similar bus service next year |url=https://www.heraldnet.com/news/community-transit-likely-keeping-similar-bus-service-next-year/ |work=The Everett Herald |accessdate=March 4, 2025}} By late 2021, ridership on Community Transit's Seattle commuter routes had increased by 70 percent over the prior year but remained below their pre-pandemic levels. After Northgate station opened on October 2, 2021, the 800-series routes to the University District were truncated at the station and had their frequency increased with the addition of 48 new trips.{{cite news |last=Watanabe |first=Ben |date=September 13, 2021 |title=Faster trips, more service in store for Community Transit |url=https://www.heraldnet.com/news/faster-trips-more-service-in-store-for-community-transit/ |work=The Everett Herald |access-date=October 5, 2021}}{{cite news |last=Watanabe |first=Ben |date=October 11, 2021 |title=Northgate light rail frees buses for Snohomish County routes |url=https://www.heraldnet.com/news/northgate-light-rail-frees-buses-for-snohomish-county-routes/ |work=The Everett Herald |accessdate=March 4, 2025}} Total ridership across the system had recovered to 50 percent of pre-pandemic levels by the end of the year.{{cite news |last=Watanabe |first=Ben |date=December 13, 2021 |title=Community Transit asks what current, potential riders want in 2024 |url=https://www.heraldnet.com/news/community-transit-asks-what-current-potential-riders-want-in-2024/ |work=The Everett Herald |accessdate=March 4, 2025}}

The agency announced a mandatory COVID-19 vaccination policy for employees in October 2021 with a deadline of January 1, 2022, with some religious exemptions.{{cite news |last=Watanabe |first=Ben |date=December 27, 2021 |title=Community Transit vaccine holdouts face a ticking clock |url=https://www.heraldnet.com/news/community-transit-vaccine-holdouts-face-a-ticking-clock/ |work=The Everett Herald |accessdate=March 4, 2025}} Due to several employees who left or contracted COVID-19, Community Transit began cancelling trips on some routes in January;{{cite news |last=Watanabe |first=Ben |date=January 27, 2022 |title=COVID cases prompt Community Transit to cut 36 bus trips |url=https://www.heraldnet.com/news/covid-cases-prompt-community-transit-to-cut-36-bus-trips/ |work=The Everett Herald |accessdate=March 4, 2025}} the number of cancelled trips increased to 164 in the March 2022 service change, which primarily affected commuter routes to Downtown Seattle.{{cite news |last=Watanabe |first=Ben |date=February 24, 2022 |title=Short-staffed Community Transit to cut 164 spring bus trips |url=https://www.heraldnet.com/news/short-staffed-community-transit-to-cut-164-spring-bus-trips/ |work=The Everett Herald |accessdate=March 9, 2024}} Ridership continued to increase in early 2022 due to high gas prices, reaching 100,000 weekly boardings in late March.{{cite news |last=Watanabe |first=Ben |date=May 9, 2022 |title=Bus ridership grows as gas prices soar |url=https://www.heraldnet.com/news/bus-ridership-grows-as-gas-prices-soar/ |work=The Everett Herald |accessdate=March 4, 2025}} Community Transit began construction of their third bus rapid transit corridor, the Swift Orange Line, in April 2022 with federal and state grants to fund most of the $79.4 million cost.{{cite news |last=Lindblom |first=Mike |date=April 19, 2022 |title=Community Transit breaks ground on voter-approved bus corridor in Snohomish County |url=https://www.seattletimes.com/seattle-news/transportation/community-transit-breaks-ground-on-voter-approved-bus-corridor-in-snohomish-county/ |work=The Seattle Times |accessdate=July 25, 2022}} An on-demand microtransit system, named the Zip Shuttle, launched in October 2022 in Lynnwood and Alderwood to connect with Community Transit service.{{cite news |last=Watanabe |first=Ben |date=October 24, 2022 |title=Zip trip made Alderwood travel convenient, quick |url=https://www.heraldnet.com/news/zip-trip-made-alderwood-travel-convenient-quick/ |work=The Everett Herald |accessdate=March 2, 2023}}

Community Transit's largest restructure, to redirect commuters to the Lynnwood Link Extension, was rolled out in several phases beginning with the opening of the Swift Orange Line on March 30, 2024. The {{convert|11|mi|km|adj=mid}} route connects the Lynnwood City Center light rail station to Edmonds College, Alderwood Mall, and Mill Creek.{{cite news |last=Lindblom |first=Mike |date=March 30, 2024 |title=Transit in fast-growing Snohomish County gets a boost ahead of light rail debut |url=https://www.seattletimes.com/seattle-news/transportation/snohomish-countys-frequent-orange-line-bus-debuts-saturday/ |work=The Seattle Times |accessdate=March 30, 2024}} The light rail expansion opened on August 30 with stations in Lynnwood, Mountlake Terrace, and Shoreline that would become major transfer points for Community Transit buses.{{cite news |last=Hansen |first=Jordan |date=August 30, 2024 |title='Today feels like Christmas': Lynnwood light rail is here at last |url=https://www.heraldnet.com/news/lynnwood-light-rail-is-open-for-business/ |work=The Everett Herald |accessdate=March 4, 2025}} On September 14, almost all of the agency's commuter routes to Downtown Seattle and Northgate station were eliminated as part of the second phase of the bus restructure. They were replaced by a new network of express routes that connect to light rail trains in Lynnwood and Mountlake Terrace; the service hours used to operate commuter routes, which comprised 30 percent of Community Transit's budget, were reallocated towards more frequent local routes on weekdays and weekends.{{cite news |last=Hansen |first=Jordan |date=September 7, 2024 |title=Everything you need to know about Community Transit bus changes |url=https://www.heraldnet.com/news/everything-you-need-to-know-about-community-transit-bus-changes/ |work=The Everett Herald |accessdate=March 4, 2025}}{{cite news |last=Deshais |first=Nicholas |date=September 3, 2024 |title=What to know about connecting to the new Lynnwood light rail line |url=https://www.seattletimes.com/seattle-news/transportation/what-to-know-about-connecting-to-the-new-lynnwood-light-rail-line/ |work=The Seattle Times |accessdate=March 4, 2025}}

As part of the restructure, the previous commuter fare was eliminated in September 2024 and replaced by a single systemwide fare that applied to all routes.{{cite press release |date=June 6, 2024 |title=Community Transit to eliminate commuter bus fare |url=https://www.communitytransit.org/news-and-events/article-detail/2024/06/06/community-transit-to-eliminate-commuter-bus-fare |publisher=Community Transit |accessdate=March 4, 2025}} The final remaining commuter route to serve Downtown Seattle, route 424 from Snohomish and Monroe, is planned to be truncated to Bellevue Downtown station in 2025 with the extension of 2 Line service across Lake Washington.{{cite news |date=July 22, 2024 |title=New bus routes for Seattle commuters |url=https://www.communitytransit.org/news-and-events/article-detail/2024/07/22/new-bus-routes-for-seattle-commuters |publisher=Community Transit |accessdate=March 4, 2025}}{{cite news |last=Hansen |first=Jordan |date=April 5, 2024 |title=As Link nears in Lynnwood, Community Transit looks to drop commuter fare |url=https://www.heraldnet.com/news/as-link-nears-in-lynnwood-community-transit-looks-to-drop-commuter-fare/ |work=The Everett Herald |accessdate=March 4, 2025}} The post-restructure network in 2026 will comprise 35 routes—a reduction from the original 46 routes—and include more local service in addition to intra-county express routes.{{cite web |title=Transit Changes in 2024 & Beyond |url=https://www.communitytransit.org/transitchanges |publisher=Community Transit |accessdate=March 4, 2025}}{{cite news |last=Watanabe |first=Ben |date=April 16, 2023 |title=Plan aims to restore 'community' to Community Transit bus service |url=https://www.heraldnet.com/news/plan-aims-to-restore-community-to-community-transit-bus-service/ |work=The Everett Herald |accessdate=March 4, 2025}} The agency's long-range plan, adopted in December 2023, calls for further expansion of the Swift network and a full transition to a fleet of 100 zero-emissions buses by 2044 at a cost of $1.4 billion.{{cite news |last=Hansen |first=Jordan |date=November 13, 2024 |title=Big changes ahead as Community Transit mulls $254M budget |url=https://www.heraldnet.com/news/big-changes-ahead-as-community-transit-mulls-254m-budget/ |work=The Everett Herald |accessdate=March 4, 2025}}{{cite news |last=Hansen |first=Jordan |date=January 15, 2024 |title=Zero emissions by 2044 part of Community Transit's long-range plan |url=https://www.heraldnet.com/news/zero-emissions-by-2044-part-of-community-transits-long-range-plan/ |work=The Everett Herald |accessdate=March 4, 2025}} A fourth line, the Swift Gold Line, is planned to open between Everett and Smokey Point by 2029, followed by an extension of the Green Line into Downtown Bothell.{{cite news |last=Hansen |first=Jordan |date=October 22, 2023 |title=Swift bus lines expanding in Bothell, Marysville, Arlington |url=https://www.heraldnet.com/news/swift-bus-lines-expanding-in-bothell-marysville-arlington/ |work=The Everett Herald |accessdate=March 4, 2025}}

File:Sound Transit Express 51215C leaving South Everett (18960395342).jpg bus on route 512, operated by Community Transit.]]

In 1992, Community Transit and Everett Transit agreed to break away from SNOTRAN, which served as their planning and administrative body in addition to disbursing federal funding, after CT complained of a "lack of communication" between the three agencies.{{cite news |last=Bergsman |first=Jerry |date=August 17, 1992 |title=CT seeks more clout in planning |url=https://archive.seattletimes.com/archive/19920817/1507850/ct-seeks-more-clout-in-planning |work=The Seattle Times |access-date=September 27, 2014}} The county agency formally disbanded on December 31, 1994, replaced by the Joint Regional Policy Committee (JRPC) that formed four years prior to coordinate transit planning for the entire Puget Sound region.{{cite web |author=Office of Corporate Communications Operations, Projects & Corporate Services |date=October 2007 |title=Sound Transit History and Chronology |url=http://www.soundtransit.org/Documents/pdf/about/Chronology.pdf |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121006063834/http://www.soundtransit.org/Documents/pdf/about/Chronology.pdf |archive-date=October 6, 2012 |publisher=Sound Transit |access-date=September 27, 2014}} A regional transit agency was formed in 1993 under the JRPC, organizing a $6.7 billion (equivalent to ${{Formatprice|{{Inflation|US|6700000000|1995}}}} in {{CURRENTYEAR}}){{Inflation-fn|US}} plan for regional transit that was put to a vote on March 14, 1995, failing to pass outside of Seattle, Mercer Island and Shoreline.{{cite web |last=Crowley |first=Walt |author-link=Walt Crowley |date=September 24, 2000 |title=Voters in King, Snohomish, and Pierce counties reject regional transit plan on March 14, 1995. |url=http://www.historylink.org/File/2677 |work=HistoryLink |access-date=September 27, 2014}}{{cite news |last=Schaefer |first=David |date=March 16, 1995 |title=Voters weren't ready for tax on transit plan |url=https://archive.seattletimes.com/archive/19950316/2110445/voters-werent-ready-for-tax-on-transit-plan----especially-since-u-s-helping-less |work=The Seattle Times |access-date=September 27, 2014}} The plan included a commuter rail line on the BNSF Scenic Subdivision between Everett, Mukilteo, Edmonds and King Street Station in Seattle, a light rail line from Lynnwood to Seattle following Interstate 5, and express bus service to light rail stations.{{cite web |title=The Regional Transit System Proposal |url=http://www.soundtransit.org/sites/default/files/documents/pdf/projects/planning/1995_plan_subarea_proposals.pdf |pages=9–10 |date=February 1995 |publisher=Central Puget Sound Regional Transit Authority |access-date=September 27, 2014 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150930200958/http://www.soundtransit.org/sites/default/files/documents/pdf/projects/planning/1995_plan_subarea_proposals.pdf |archive-date=September 30, 2015 |url-status=dead }} The following November, the smaller "Sound Move" plan was approved at a cost of $3.9 billion (equivalent to ${{Formatprice|{{Inflation|US|3900000000|1996}}}} in {{CURRENTYEAR}}),{{Inflation-fn|US}} including commuter rail from Everett to Seattle and express buses on Interstate 5 from Everett and Lynnwood to Seattle and Bellevue.{{cite web |title=Sound Move: Launching a Rapid Transit System for the Puget Sound Region |url=http://www.soundtransit.org/sites/default/files/documents/pdf/news/reports/soundmove/199605_soundmovethetenyearregionaltransitsystemplan.pdf |pages=16, 20 |date=May 31, 1996 |publisher=Sound Transit |access-date=September 27, 2014}}{{cite news |last=Schaefer |first=David |date=November 6, 1996 |title=Voters back transit plan on fourth try |url=https://archive.seattletimes.com/archive/19961106/2358535/voters-back-transit-plan-on-fourth-try |work=The Seattle Times |access-date=September 27, 2014 |archive-date=March 3, 2016 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160303215211/http://community.seattletimes.nwsource.com/archive/?date=19961106&slug=2358535 |url-status=live }}

The regional transit agency, renamed to Sound Transit the following year,{{cite press release |date=August 15, 1997 |title="Sound Transit" to be the Name for Regional Transit Authority Services |url=http://www.soundtransit.org/About-Sound-Transit/News-and-events/News-releases/News-release-archive/Sound-Transit-to-be-the-Name-for-Regional-Transit-Authority-Services |location=Seattle, Washington |publisher=Sound Transit |access-date=September 27, 2014}} began operating its Sound Transit Express buses under contract with Community Transit in September 1999.{{cite press release |date=September 8, 1999 |title=Nine new ways to get around Puget Sound: Sound Transit to launch its first nine new ST Express regional bus routes |url=http://www.soundtransit.org/About-Sound-Transit/News-and-events/News-releases/News-release-archive/Nine-new-ways-to-get-around-Puget-Sound-Sound-Transit-to-launch-its-first-nine-new-ST-Express-regional-bus-routes |location=Seattle, Washington |publisher=Sound Transit |access-date=September 27, 2014}}{{cite news |date=January 26, 1999 |title=CT to add three commuter routes |url=https://archive.seattletimes.com/archive/19990126/2940691/ct-to-add-three-commuter-routes |work=The Seattle Times |access-date=September 27, 2014}} The new express buses connected park and rides in southwestern Snohomish County, the only part of Community Transit's service area within the Sound Transit taxing district,{{cite map |publisher=Sound Transit |date=July 2006 |title=Sound Transit District |url=http://www.soundtransit.org/sites/default/files/documents/pdf/about/stdistrictmap07_10.pdf |format=PDF |access-date=April 4, 2015}} to Downtown Seattle, including the newly opened, 1,000-stall Ash Way Park & Ride in northern Lynnwood.{{cite news |date=June 26, 1999 |title=Snohomish Briefly: New park-and-ride lot opens in Mill Creek |url=https://archive.seattletimes.com/archive/19990726/2973829/new-park-and-ride-lot-opens-in-mill-creek |work=The Seattle Times}} Sound Transit funded several capital projects to improve bus service on the Interstate 5 corridor, including direct access ramps from HOV lanes to Lynnwood and Ash Way park and rides that opened in 2004 and 2005, respectively.{{cite press release |date=November 16, 2004 |title=Sound Transit and WSDOT open state's first HOV Direct Access Ramp |url=http://www.soundtransit.org/About-Sound-Transit/News-and-events/News-releases/News-release-archive/Sound-Transit-and-WSDOT-open-states-first-HOV-Direct-Access-Ramp |location=Seattle, Washington |publisher=Sound Transit |access-date=April 4, 2015}}{{cite press release |date=September 19, 2005 |title=Sound Transit opens transit-only Direct Access ramp to Ash Way Park-and-Ride |url=http://www.soundtransit.org/About-Sound-Transit/News-and-events/News-releases/News-release-archive/Sound-Transit-opens-transit-only-Direct-Access-ramp-to-Ash-Way-Park-and-Ride |location=Seattle, Washington |publisher=Sound Transit |access-date=April 4, 2015}} In 2011, the existing Mountlake Terrace park and ride was expanded with an 890-stall parking garage and bus platforms in the median of I-5 connected by a pedestrian bridge.{{cite press release |date=March 17, 2011 |title=Sound Transit dedicates Mountlake Terrace Freeway Station |url=http://www.soundtransit.org/About-Sound-Transit/News-and-events/News-releases/News-release-archive/Mountlake-Terrace-Freeway-Station-dedication |location=Seattle, Washington |publisher=Sound Transit |access-date=April 4, 2015}}

Commuter rail service to Snohomish County on the Sounder North Line began in December 2003 with a single round-trip connecting Everett and Edmonds to King Street Station in Seattle during rush hour.{{cite press release |date=December 21, 2003 |title=Sound Transit launches Sounder service between Everett and Seattle; first train filled to capacity |url=http://www.soundtransit.org/About-Sound-Transit/News-and-events/News-releases/News-release-archive/Sound-Transit-launches-Sounder-service-between-Everett-and-Seattle-first-train-filled-to-capacity |location=Seattle, Washington |publisher=Sound Transit |access-date=April 4, 2015}} Service was expanded to a second round-trip in June 2005 and a third round-trip in September 2007,{{cite press release |date=May 12, 2005 |title=Sounder Commuter Rail rolls into Everett and Edmonds early with second train |url=http://www.soundtransit.org/About-Sound-Transit/News-and-events/News-releases/News-release-archive/Sounder-Commuter-Rail-rolls-into-Everett-and-Edmonds-early-with-second-train |location=Seattle, Washington |publisher=Sound Transit |access-date=April 4, 2015}}{{cite press release |date=September 12, 2007 |title=Sound Transit expands Sounder commuter rail options and announces brand new "reverse commute" City of Destiny service |url=http://www.soundtransit.org/About-Sound-Transit/News-and-events/News-releases/News-release-archive/reverseCommute |location=Seattle, Washington |publisher=Sound Transit |access-date=April 4, 2015}} while an infill station opened at Mukilteo in May 2008, also bringing additional service in the form of a fourth round-trip the following September.{{cite press release |date=May 31, 2008 |title=Sound Transit launches Sounder commuter rail service to Mukilteo |url=http://www.soundtransit.org/About-Sound-Transit/News-and-events/News-releases/News-release-archive/mukilteoOpening |location=Seattle, Washington |publisher=Sound Transit |access-date=April 4, 2015}}

An expansion of the Link light rail system in the "Sound Transit 2" package was approved in November 2008, including 54% of southwestern Snohomish County voters,{{cite web |date=November 25, 2008 |title=Sound Transit Proposition No. 1: Mass Transit Expansion |url=http://results.vote.wa.gov/results/20081104/snohomish/Breakdown-101797.html |work=November 04, 2008 General Election Results |publisher=Snohomish County Auditor |access-date=April 4, 2015}} funding the extension of light rail to Lynnwood.{{cite web |title=Regional transit history, 2008 |url=http://www.soundtransit.org/About-Sound-Transit/News-and-events/Reports/2008 |publisher=Sound Transit |access-date=April 4, 2015}} The {{convert|8.5|mi|km|adj=mid|-long}} extension opened on August 30, 2024, with stations in Shoreline, Mountlake Terrace, and Lynnwood. On September 14, Community Transit debuted its redeveloped bus network and eliminated almost all of its Downtown Seattle express service in favor of new commuter routes connecting to Lynnwood and Mountlake Terrace stations.{{cite news |last=Deshais |first=Nicholas |date=September 3, 2024 |title=What to know about connecting to the new Lynnwood light rail line |url=https://www.seattletimes.com/seattle-news/transportation/what-to-know-about-connecting-to-the-new-lynnwood-light-rail-line/ |work=The Seattle Times |accessdate=December 26, 2024}} With the passage of Sound Transit 3 in 2016, light rail service to Everett via Paine Field is anticipated to begin service in 2041.{{cite news |last=Lindblom |first=Mike |date=November 14, 2016 |title=Where Sound Transit 3 projects could speed up or slow down |url=http://www.seattletimes.com/seattle-news/transportation/where-sound-transit-3-projects-could-speed-up-or-slow-down/ |work=The Seattle Times |access-date=January 12, 2017}}

File:Community Transit Merrill Creek bus base (16261412427).jpg

Community Transit is administered by a nine-member board, composed of two members of the Snohomish County Council, two elected officials from PTBA cities with populations of 30,000 or more, three elected officials from cities with between 10,000 and 30,000, and two elected officials from cities with less than 10,000, that meets monthly at their headquarters in Everett. The board is led by a non-voting chief executive officer, a position held by Ric Ilgenfritz since January 2021.{{cite news |last=Watanabe |first=Ben |date=January 25, 2021 |title=Community Transit's new CEO looks beyond the pandemic |url=https://www.heraldnet.com/news/community-transits-new-ceo-looks-beyond-the-pandemic/ |work=The Everett Herald |access-date=May 9, 2021}} CT adopted an operating budget of $248.6 million for 2025; 75 percent of revenue is provided by a 0.9 percent sales tax within the PTBA, the maximum authorized for transit agencies under state law, while a combination of fares and federal funding comprise the remainder. The agency employs 1,903.5 full-time equivalent persons, divided into eight departments.

CT is headquartered at their Cascade Administration Building at 2312 W Casino Road in the Paine Field industrial area of South Everett, located south of the Boeing Everett Factory. The two-story facility opened in 2022 at a renovated industrial building.{{cite news |last=Hinchliffe |first=Emma |date=May 24, 2023 |title=Community Transit's new Everett HQ is designed to put people first |url=https://www.djc.com/news/ae/12156850.html |work=Seattle Daily Journal of Commerce |url-access=subscription |accessdate=March 4, 2025}} The {{convert|87065|sqft|sqm|adj=mid}} Merrill Creek operations building opened in 1997 and is the primary bus base for the agency's fleet of buses and vans.{{cite news |date=June 30, 1997 |title=CT's new base will be dedicated |url=https://archive.seattletimes.com/archive/19970630/2547238/cts-new-base-will-be-dedicated |work=The Seattle Times |access-date=September 5, 2014}}

Community Transit operates fixed bus routes throughout a {{convert|1308|sqmi|sqkm|adj=mid}} public transportation benefit area (PTBA) within portions of Snohomish County. Its services cover 78.5 percent of the PTBA's 663,000 people and 76 percent of its 254,000 jobs.{{rp|43–44}}{{cite web |last=Kemp |first=Rob |date=September 20, 2024 |title=2024 Public Transportation Benefit Area Population Estimates |url=https://ofm.wa.gov/sites/default/files/public/dataresearch/pop/special/ptba.pdf |publisher=Washington State Office of Financial Management |access-date=March 4, 2025}} The agency's 33 bus routes serve 1,664 bus stops, of which 259 have a bus shelter—the rest consist of a standalone sign or a sign with a bench. The bus routes are divided into three types of service, numbered according to destination: frequent bus rapid transit on the unnumbered Swift,{{cite web|title=Swift bus rapid transit |url=http://www.communitytransit.org/Swift/ |publisher=Community Transit |access-date=September 1, 2014 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140903133836/http://www.communitytransit.org/Swift/ |archive-date=September 3, 2014 }} local routes in the 100s for southern Snohomish County and 200s for northern and eastern Snohomish County, and 900s for most express routes. CT and their subcontractor First Transit also operate all-day, all-week Sound Transit Express service to Seattle and Bellevue on six routes numbered in the 500s.{{cite book |date=March 19, 2016 |title=Ride the Wave Transit Guide |url=http://www.soundtransit.org/sites/default/files/RTW_March2016.pdf |pages=41–54, 60–65 |edition=March–September 2016 |publisher=Sound Transit |access-date=May 4, 2016 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160327221909/http://www.soundtransit.org/sites/default/files/RTW_March2016.pdf |archive-date=March 27, 2016 |url-status=dead }} Typically, service changes occur in March and September, in response to ridership and requests from the community.{{cite press release|date=February 3, 2005 |title=Community Transit Increases Local Service |url=http://communitytransit.org/newsrelease/1081 |location=Everett, Washington |publisher=Community Transit |access-date=September 29, 2014 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141006171509/http://communitytransit.org/newsrelease/1081 |archive-date=October 6, 2014 }}

File:Mountlake Terrace Transit Center.JPG, served by several local routes and commuter routes on nearby Interstate 5.]]

Buses serve 22 park and rides and transit centers located throughout Snohomish County with a combined capacity of 7,457 vehicles and 175 vehicles. The largest facilities, primarily located in southwest Snohomish County, include weatherproof bicycle lockers in addition to automobile parking.{{cite web |title=Bikes and Buses |url=http://www.communitytransit.org/busservice/bikes/ |publisher=Community Transit |access-date=January 12, 2017}} The majority of park and rides are owned by the Washington State Department of Transportation and maintained by Community Transit and other service providers.{{rp|22–24}}{{cite web |editor-last=Elridge |editor-first=Mark |date=Fall 2013 |title=Puget Sound Park and Ride Inventory |url=http://www.wsdot.wa.gov/NR/rdonlyres/7F57E292-9768-4E9E-AE8B-F95268966C21/0/PugetSoundParknRide_Fall2013.pdf |publisher=Washington State Department of Transportation |access-date=September 5, 2014}} Until 2024, these park and ride lots were primarily used by peak-only commuter bus routes to Boeing in Everett, Downtown Seattle, and Northgate station.{{rp|19–20}}{{cite web|title=Transit Centers & Parking |url=http://www.communitytransit.org/parking/ |publisher=Community Transit |access-date=September 5, 2014 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140925033831/http://www.communitytransit.org/parking/ |archive-date=September 25, 2014 }}

In addition to bus service, CT operates a vanpool program with a fleet of 366 vans originating from the Kasch Park operating base in Everett. The fleet comes in configurations with 7, 12, or 15 seats, with two special vans equipped with wheelchair lifts.{{cite web|title=Vanpool Program |url=http://www.communitytransit.org/vanpool |publisher=Community Transit |access-date=January 12, 2017}} Community Transit reports that there are 361 active vanpools using their service, providing 908,488 rides in 2015, the 12th largest vanpool program in the United States that year.{{rp|40}}{{cite book |date=November 2015 |title=2015 APTA Public Transportation Fact Book |page=39 |url=http://www.apta.com/resources/statistics/Documents/FactBook/2015-APTA-Fact-Book.pdf |publisher=American Public Transportation Association |access-date=June 11, 2016}} CT leases vanpool lots, called "park and pool lots", from local churches and other private parties at 14 locations in the county with a total capacity of 463 parking stalls. Dial-a-ride transportation (DART) service is also offered by Community Transit, contracted through Senior Services of Snohomish County since 1981.{{cite news |last=Jones |first=Marjorie |date=October 3, 1981 |title=Loss of bus shuts out senior-center regulars |page=A11 |work=The Seattle Times}} DART paratransit, operated by Transdev, is available for a set fare for qualifying customers within {{convert|0.75|mi|km|2}} of local CT routes during regular operating hours.{{cite web |title=Disability & Accessibility |url=http://www.communitytransit.org/busservice/accessibility |publisher=Community Transit |access-date=January 12, 2017}} {{As of|2024}}, CT has approximately 6,850 registered DART users and the system carries over 120,000 trips annually.

An on-demand microtransit system, Zip Shuttle, launched in October 2022 to serve Lynnwood and the area around Alderwood Mall. It operates similar to ride-hailing service with fixed fares (including payment via ORCA cards) and is available to all members of the public; trips are requested through an app or phone call.{{cite news |last=Watanabe |first=Ben |date=October 20, 2022 |title=$2.50 on-demand transit launches in Lynnwood's Alderwood area |url=https://www.heraldnet.com/news/2-50-on-demand-transit-launches-in-lynnwoods-alderwood-area/ |work=The Everett Herald |accessdate=March 2, 2023}} It was originally a one-year pilot until being made a permanent service in October 2023.{{cite news |last=Hansen |first=Jordan |date=October 10, 2023 |title=Community Transit board votes to keep on-demand Zip shuttles |url=https://www.heraldnet.com/news/community-transit-board-votes-to-keep-on-demand-zip-shuttles/ |work=The Everett Herald |accessdate=March 3, 2024}} The system expanded to zones in Arlington, Darrington, and Lake Stevens in December 2024 under a contract with Via Transportation, which took over operations of the Alderwood system the following year.{{cite news |last=Hansen |first=Jordan |date=December 15, 2024 |title=Zip Shuttle expanding to Darrington, Arlington, Lake Stevens |url=https://www.heraldnet.com/news/zip-shuttle-expanding-to-darrington-arlington-lake-stevens/ |work=The Everett Herald |accessdate=March 4, 2025}}{{cite news |date=January 31, 2025 |title=New app for Alderwood Zip Shuttle users effective Feb. 1 |url=https://lynnwoodtoday.com/new-app-for-alderwood-zip-shuttle-users-effective-feb-1/ |work=Lynnwood Today |accessdate=March 4, 2025}}

In 2024, Community Transit carried a total of 8.4{{nbsp}}million trips across all of its services—the third-most among transit agencies in the Puget Sound region behind King County Metro and Sound Transit.{{cite news |last=Deshais |first=Nicholas |date=March 17, 2025 |title=Seattle-area transit ridership keeps climbing, especially in one city |url=https://www.seattletimes.com/seattle-news/transportation/seattle-area-transit-ridership-keeps-climbing-in-one-city-especially/ |work=The Seattle Times |accessdate=March 17, 2025}} The majority of ridership is on fixed route buses, including the Swift system. A decade prior, Community Transit had been fourth among transit agencies locally, behind Pierce Transit.{{cite web |last=Charnews |first=Mark |date=May 2014 |title=Regional Transit Ridership |url=http://www.psrc.org/assets/2122/trend-t6.pdf |work=Puget Sound Trends |publisher=Puget Sound Regional Council |access-date=September 1, 2014 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150416181143/http://www.psrc.org/assets/2122/trend-t6.pdf |archive-date=April 16, 2015 }}

Fares on Community Transit buses are priced into three groups: adult, youth, and reduced. Adult fare is charged for passengers between the ages of 19 and 64, youth fare is charged for passengers 18 years old or younger, and the reduced fare is charged for passengers over the age of 65 or those with disabilities or Medicare card holders. On July 1, 2019, Community Transit introduced a low-income fare as part of the regional ORCA Lift program.{{cite press release |date=June 25, 2019 |title=ORCA LIFT Low-Income Bus Fare Expands to Snohomish County, July 1 |url=https://www.communitytransit.org/news/community-transit-news/2019/06/25/orca-lift-low-income-bus-fare-expands-to-snohomish-county-july-1 |publisher=Community Transit |access-date=August 23, 2019}} Youth fares were made free with valid ID on September 1, 2022, as part of a state grant program that lasts until 2039.{{cite news |last=Gruben |first=Mallory |date=September 2, 2022 |title='Just get on the bus': Kids can ride for free now in Snohomish County |url=https://www.heraldnet.com/news/just-get-on-the-bus-kids-can-ride-for-free-now-in-snohomish-county/ |work=The Everett Herald |accessdate=March 1, 2023}}{{cite news |last=Watanabe |first=Ben |date=January 9, 2023 |title=Early Community Transit data shows youth ridership bump |url=https://www.heraldnet.com/news/early-community-transit-data-shows-youth-ridership-bump/ |work=The Everett Herald |accessdate=March 1, 2023}}

The regional ORCA card was introduced as an integrated smart card for transit agencies in the Puget Sound region on April 20, 2009,{{cite news|date=April 21, 2009 |title=ORCA Smart Card Limited Rollout Underway |url=http://www.communitytransit.org/newsrelease/1319 |location=Everett, Washington |publisher=Community Transit |access-date=September 1, 2014 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160304082411/http://www.communitytransit.org/newsrelease/1319 |archive-date=March 4, 2016 }} allowing users to load monthly passes and value through an e-purse web interface. The card also allowed free transfers within a two-hour period between transit agencies of equal value, with the difference for higher fare subtracted from the e-purse or prompting for cash.{{cite web|title=ORCA Smart Card: ORCA Saves Time and Money |url=http://commtrans.org/orca/ |publisher=Community Transit |access-date=September 1, 2014 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140905020139/http://commtrans.org/orca/ |archive-date=September 5, 2014 }} While initially available for no fee, effective March 1, 2010, a $5 cost was added when ordering a standard adult or youth ORCA card.{{cite news|date=January 15, 2010 |title=No-Fee ORCA Card Promotion Extended One Month |url=http://www.communitytransit.org/newsrelease/1370 |location=Everett, Washington |publisher=Community Transit |access-date=September 1, 2014 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160304093751/http://www.communitytransit.org/newsrelease/1370 |archive-date=March 4, 2016 }} CT removed their paper transfers on January 1, 2010, after the ORCA card made them obsolete.{{cite news|date=December 18, 2009 |title=No More Paper Transfers Starting Jan. 1 |url=http://communitytransit.org/news/RiderAlert.cfm?id=1190 |work=Rider Alerts |publisher=Community Transit |access-date=September 1, 2014 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160304103713/http://communitytransit.org/news/RiderAlert.cfm?id=1190 |archive-date=March 4, 2016 }}

Community Transit also offers monthly passes through local higher education institutions, including Edmonds College, the University of Washington, Cascadia College, and the Lynnwood Campus of Central Washington University. Dial-a-ride transportation, a type of paratransit service operated by Community Transit, has a flat fare of $2.50 without discounts or separate categories. ORCA cards are not accepted on DART, replaced by tickets and monthly passes for frequent users.

{{As of|December 2023}}, Community Transit has a fleet of 696 vehicles that are maintained at its operating bases at Kasch Park and Merrill Creek. The fleet of 257 fixed-route buses is generally composed of {{convert|30|ft|m|adj=mid}} and {{convert|40|ft|m|adj=mid}} vehicles, as well as specialized {{convert|60|ft|m|adj=mid}} articulated buses and {{convert|42|ft|m|adj=mid}} double-decker buses. Buses typically are powered by diesel engines, with the exception of the 39 hybrid diesel–electric buses used on Swift Bus Rapid Transit and some local routes.{{cite web |date=August 1, 2024 |title=Community Transit 2024–2029 Transit Development Plan |pages=11–15, 19–20, 24–26 |url=https://www.communitytransit.org/docs/default-source/pdfs/programs/adopted-2024-2029-transit-development-plan.pdf |publisher=Community Transit |accessdate=March 4, 2025}} Community Transit expects to purchase 55 to 60 new buses by 2027 to support increased transit service and replace older vehicles. The agency began testing several battery electric buses in early 2023 and the region's first hydrogen-powered fuel cell bus in 2024.{{cite news |last=Watanabe |first=Ben |date=February 5, 2023 |title=Community Transit testing 60-foot electric bus |url=https://www.heraldnet.com/news/community-transit-testing-60-foot-electric-bus/ |work=The Everett Herald |accessdate=March 2, 2023}}{{cite news |last=Hansen |first=Jordan |date=May 17, 2024 |title=New hydrogen, electric buses get trial run in Snohomish County |url=https://www.heraldnet.com/news/new-hydrogen-electric-buses-get-trial-run-in-snohomish-county/ |work=The Everett Herald |accessdate=June 16, 2024}}

Since 1995,{{cite news |date=March 7, 1995 |title=CT improvements assist disabled |url=https://archive.seattletimes.com/archive/19950307/2108732/ct-improvements-assist-disabled |work=The Seattle Times |access-date=September 3, 2014}} all Community Transit buses are low-floored and equipped with a hydraulic or pneumatic "kneeling" device in addition to wheelchair lifts for 6-wheeled motorized wheelchairs.{{cite web|title=Mobility Devices on Public Transportation |url=http://www.commtrans.org/FAQs/Documents/Wheelchairs%20on%20Public%20Transportation%202012.pdf |year=2012 |publisher=Community Transit |access-date=September 3, 2014 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160305060025/http://www.commtrans.org/FAQs/Documents/Wheelchairs%20on%20Public%20Transportation%202012.pdf |archive-date=March 5, 2016 }} CT buses have also featured at least two bicycle racks located in front of the windshield since 1996;{{cite news |date=January 2, 1996 |title=Bicycle racks available on CT buses |url=https://archive.seattletimes.com/archive/19960102/2307040/bicycle-racks-available-on-ct-buses |work=The Seattle Times |access-date=September 7, 2014}} Swift bus rapid transit buses have three bicycle racks located inside the vehicle for reduced dwell times.{{cite press release|date=April 26, 2006 |title=Gear Up for Bike to Work Day |url=http://www.communitytransit.org/newsrelease/1156 |location=Everett, Washington |publisher=Community Transit |access-date=September 3, 2014 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151117014901/http://www.communitytransit.org/newsrelease/1156 |archive-date=November 17, 2015 }}

In addition to its bus fleet, Community Transit maintains 333 vans for its vanpool program and 52 paratransit minibuses equipped with wheelchair lifts for dial-a-ride service. Retired vanpool and DART vehicles are donated to local non-profit organizations through the VanGO program,{{cite web|title=Van GO Grants Keep Our Community Moving |url=http://www.commtrans.org/vango/ |publisher=Community Transit |access-date=September 3, 2014 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140902225835/http://www.commtrans.org/vango/ |archive-date=September 2, 2014 }} which has gifted 106 vans since its establishment in 2000.{{cite news |last=Sheets |first=Bill |date=March 22, 2010 |title=Community Transits offers surplus vans to nonprofit groups |url=http://www.heraldnet.com/article/20100322/NEWS01/703229885 |work=The Everett Herald |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160304052649/http://www.heraldnet.com/article/20100322/NEWS01/703229885 |archive-date=March 4, 2016 |access-date=September 3, 2014}}{{cite press release|date=August 8, 2014 |title=Community Transit to Award Surplus Vans to Non-Profits |url=http://www.communitytransit.org/newsrelease/1575 |location=Everett, Washington |publisher=Community Transit |access-date=September 3, 2014 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140811000033/http://communitytransit.org/newsrelease/1575 |archive-date=August 11, 2014 }}

File:Community Transit Enviro 500.png in Community Transit livery, pictured in Downtown Seattle in 2007.]]

Community Transit has a fleet of double-decker buses used on commuter routes from park and rides to Downtown Seattle, named the "Double Tall" in reference to the double tall cup size at Starbucks, a coffee chain founded and headquartered in Seattle.{{cite news |last=Hinshaw |first=Mark |date=October 12, 2011 |title=Double-tall buses: sitting pretty |url=http://crosscut.com/2011/10/doubletall-buses-sitting-pretty/ |work=Crosscut.com |access-date=September 1, 2014}} The Alexander Dennis Enviro500 was introduced during a one-year pilot project in 2007, on lease from Alexander Dennis for $15,000 per month.{{cite press release|date=July 31, 2007 |title=Double Decker in Service |url=http://www.communitytransit.org/newsrelease/1205 |location=Everett, Washington |publisher=Community Transit |access-date=September 1, 2014 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140903133838/http://www.communitytransit.org/newsrelease/1205 |archive-date=September 3, 2014 }}{{cite news |last=Velush |first=Lukas |date=July 30, 2007 |title=Commute like the British do: on a double-decker bus |url=http://www.heraldnet.com/article/20070730/NEWS01/707300336 |work=The Everett Herald |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160304112438/http://www.heraldnet.com/article/20070730/NEWS01/707300336 |archive-date=March 4, 2016 |access-date=September 1, 2014}} The {{convert|42|ft|m|0|adj=mid|-long}}, {{convert|14|ft|m|0|adj=mid|-high}} Enviro500 seated 77 to 81, with standing room for 20 additional passengers, replacing the capacity of the standard articulated buses used on the commuter routes in a smaller footprint.{{cite web|title=Double Tall Buses: Double Decker Buses Perk Up the Fleet |url=http://www.communitytransit.org/doubletall/ |date=June 10, 2014 |publisher=Community Transit |access-date=September 1, 2014 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140906144804/http://communitytransit.org/doubletall/ |archive-date=September 6, 2014 }} Prior to the end of the trial in 2008, CT placed an order of 23 Enviro500s, scheduled to be delivered and put into service in 2010;{{cite news |last=Sheets |first=Bill |date=April 1, 2008 |title=Community Transit to add fleet of double-decker buses |url=http://www.heraldnet.com/article/20080401/NEWS01/659525928 |work=The Everett Herald |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160304052518/http://www.heraldnet.com/article/20080401/NEWS01/659525928 |archive-date=March 4, 2016 |access-date=September 1, 2014}} the initial order was not fulfilled until 2011, when manufacturing was moved to an ElDorado plant in Riverside, California to meet federal Buy America Act requirements.{{cite press release|date=March 31, 2011 |title=Double Talls Return to Service |url=http://www.communitytransit.org/newsrelease/1440 |location=Everett, Washington |publisher=Community Transit |access-date=September 1, 2014 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140903133743/http://www.communitytransit.org/newsrelease/1440 |archive-date=September 3, 2014 }}{{cite news |last=Salyer |first=Sharon |date=April 1, 2011 |title=Community Transit rolls out the double-deckers |url=http://www.heraldnet.com/article/20110401/NEWS01/704019909 |work=The Everett Herald |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160304091741/http://www.heraldnet.com/article/20110401/NEWS01/704019909 |archive-date=March 4, 2016 |access-date=September 1, 2014}} A second order of 17 Enviro500s, to replace older articulated buses, was made in 2013 and went into service in late 2015.{{cite news |last=Lindblom |first=Mike |date=July 31, 2013 |title=Community Transit adding 17 double-decker buses |url=http://blogs.seattletimes.com/today/2013/07/community-transit-adding-17-double-decker-buses/ |work=The Seattle Times |access-date=September 1, 2014}}{{cite news |last=Haglund |first=Noah |date=September 29, 2015 |title=Community Transit set to get new double-decker buses rolling |url=http://www.heraldnet.com/news/community-transit-set-to-get-new-double-decker-buses-rolling/ |work=The Everett Herald |access-date=July 15, 2016}}

Sound Transit introduced five of its own double-decker buses in 2015 for use on their Snohomish County routes under contract with Community Transit.{{cite press release |date=March 27, 2014 |title=Ride tall: Sound Transit to purchase new double-decker transit buses |url=http://www.soundtransit.org/About-Sound-Transit/News-and-events/News-releases/News-release-archive/ST-to-purchase-new-double-decker-buses |location=Seattle, Washington |publisher=Sound Transit |access-date=September 1, 2014}}{{cite news |last=Lindblom |first=Mike |date=March 25, 2014 |title=Sound Transit to add double-decker buses in 2015 |url=http://blogs.seattletimes.com/today/2014/03/sound-transit-to-add-double-decker-buses-in-2015/ |work=The Seattle Times |access-date=September 1, 2014}} Sound Transit plans to eventually replace its entire Snohomish County fleet with double-deckers in the near-term future,{{cite report |date=October 2015 |title=2016 Draft Service Implementation Plan |chapter=Chapter Five: Preliminary Service Plan 2017–2021 |page=122 |chapter-url=http://www.soundtransit.org/sites/default/files/SIP2016_October%20Draft_2.pdf |publisher=Sound Transit |access-date=March 24, 2016 }}{{Dead link|date=April 2025 |bot=InternetArchiveBot |fix-attempted=yes }} beginning with 32 additional buses in 2018.{{cite news |last=Haglund |first=Noah |date=July 31, 2016 |title=Sound Transit's new double deckers headed for Snohomish County |url=http://www.heraldnet.com/news/sound-transits-new-double-deckers-headed-for-snohomish-county/ |work=The Everett Herald |access-date=August 1, 2016}} Community Transit also ordered 17 double-decker buses, with an option to purchase 40 more, as part of the joint procurement with Sound Transit and Kitsap Transit.{{cite press release|date=August 5, 2016 |title=Community Transit Orders 57 Buses for Expansion |url=http://www.communitytransit.org/newsrelease/1662 |location=Everett, Washington |publisher=Community Transit |access-date=August 5, 2016 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160806003212/http://www.communitytransit.org/newsrelease/1662 |archive-date=August 6, 2016 }}

The fleet of 47 double-decker buses operated directly by Community Transit is, {{as of|2015}}, the second-largest double-decker fleet of any public transit agency in the United States, behind RTC Transit of Las Vegas, Nevada and ahead of Unitrans of Davis, California and Antelope Valley Transit Authority of Antelope Valley, California. The first fleet of Double Tall buses were retired in 2023 and sold at auctions to sightseeing and cruise companies.{{cite news |date=December 21, 2023 |title=Community Transit sells five circa 2011 double decker buses |url=https://www.masstransitmag.com/bus/press-release/53081063/community-transit-community-transit-sells-five-circa-2011-double-decker-buses |work=Mass Transit Magazine |accessdate=June 16, 2024}}

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{{Commons category|Community Transit}}

• {{Official website|https://www.communitytransit.org/}}

{{Puget Sound Transit}}

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Category:Bus transportation in Washington (state)

Category:Sound Transit

Category:Transit agencies in Washington (state)

Category:Transportation in Seattle

Category:Transportation in Snohomish County, Washington

Category:1976 establishments in Washington (state)