Approves Community Transit's Transit Development Plan for the years 2025-2030
Community Transit Unveils Six-Year Plan for Zero-Emission Fleet and Service Expansion
Community Transit has announced a comprehensive six-year plan, the 2025-2030 Transit Development Plan (TDP), aimed at transitioning its entire fleet to zero-emission buses by 2030. The plan, approved in August 2025, outlines a strategic approach to fleet electrification, service growth, infrastructure readiness, and customer experience enhancements.
At the heart of the plan is the transition to zero-emission buses. Community Transit will continue piloting both battery-electric and fuel-cell electric buses while purchasing additional zero-emission buses. Infrastructure planning for charging and fueling these vehicles is also a key component of the strategy. The agency is designing its fleet evolution around zero-emissions goals, aiming for full conversion by 2030.
The TDP also commits to expanding bus service hours and routes overall. Although precise frequency adjustments for specific routes like the Swift Gold Line, Green Line, and Zip Shuttle are not detailed, the general intent is to enhance operational service while simultaneously transitioning to zero-emission technologies.
Enhancing the customer experience is another focus. Community Transit plans improvements to bus stops, digital signage on buses and at stops, and enhanced security programs to support a safer, more accessible customer environment.
Financial sustainability is a central goal. The plan emphasizes growing responsibly while maintaining financial stability during this transition, which includes preparing for economic fluctuations to ensure long-term viability of zero-emission fleet operations.
The TDP does not mention any new types of transportation methods to be introduced. It also does not provide details on how the financial forecasts were made.
Community Transit CEO Ric Ilgenfritz stated that the TDP reflects the diverse needs of Snohomish County residents, including big-city commuters, students, and rural riders. The plan includes expanding current services by building the Swift Gold Line and extending the Swift Green Line. The Zip Shuttle service will be expanded, and bus frequency will be increased on some existing routes.
The TDP outlines planned services for Snohomish County, Washington. It is required by the Washington State Department of Transportation and is part of a larger roadmap for Community Transit's future operations and projects, which includes the Long Range Plan and biannual budget. The TDP aims to explore new ways to connect people with transit, providing better choices for community movement. However, it does not specify any changes to existing transit services currently in operation.
[1] Community Transit (2025). 2025-2030 Transit Development Plan. Retrieved from https://www.communitytransit.org/tdp2030
- The 2025-2030 Transit Development Plan (TDP) by Community Transit includes a six-year strategy for transitioning its entire bus fleet to zero-emission vehicles, like battery-electric and fuel-cell electric buses.
- The TDP also plans for infrastructure development, focusing on charging and fueling facilities for the zero-emission buses, ensuring readiness for the growing public-transit industry.
- Expansion of bus service hours and routes is part of the TDP, primarily focusing on improvemensts for popular lines such as the Swift Gold Line, Green Line, and Zip Shuttle, although precise adjustments are not detailed.
- Financial sustainability is a critical aspect of the TDP, aiming for a responsible growth and maintaining long-term financial stability during the transition to zero-emission fleet operations, without specifying any new types of transportation methods or changes to existing services.
