Pierce County voters will decide in November whether to approve a sales tax increase to expand bus and transit services.
The Pierce Transit Board of Commissioners unanimously voted to place the measure on the general election ballot. If approved by voters, the sales tax increase would mark the first for Pierce Transit since 2002.
The proposed measure would increase the local sales tax from 0.6% to 0.9%. This change could generate over $60 million in revenue for Pierce Transit annually. The additional revenue would lead to more frequent service and shorter wait times, as well as later evening and weekend service. It would also introduce four new routes, expand shuttle paratransit service, and establish fare-free service for eligible seniors ages 65 and over…