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BUSINESS OF THE CITY COUNCIL
YAKIMA, WASHINGTON
AGENDA STATEMENT
Item No. 7.H.
For Meeting of: September 2, 2025
ITEM TITLE: Resolution adopting Yakima Transits Development Plan for 2025-
2030 and Annual Report for 2024
SUBMITTED BY: Scott Schafer, Public Works Director
* Jim Hogenson, Transit Manager
SUMMARY EXPLANATION:
Yakima Transit is required under RCW 35.58.2795 to prepare a Six-Year Transit Development Plan for
the current calendar year and the ensuing five years annually. The annual plan is mandated to receive
state and federal grant funding. The Six-Year Plan must be consistent with comprehensive plans
adopted by counties, cities, and towns and is required to contain information as to how the municipality
intends to meet state and local long-range priorities for public transportation, capital improvements,
significant operating changes planned for the system, and how Yakima Transit intends to fund plan
needs. The Six-year Transit Development Plan is reviewed and updated each year and is used as a
guide in planning Transit programs and capital projects. The Six-Year Plan must specifically set forth
projects of regional significance for inclusion in the Transportation Improvement Plan within the region. In
developing the Plan, Yakima Transit must also consider policy recommendations affecting public
transportation contained in the State Transportation Policy Plan approved by the State Transportation
Commission.
ITEM BUDGETED: N/A
STRATEGIC PRIORITY 24-25: A Resilient Yakima
RECOMMENDATION: Adopt Resolution.
ATTACHMENTS:
TDP Resolution 2025.docx
TDP 2025.pdf
Public Meeting Notice.pdf
Meeting Minutes 2025.pdf
146
RESOLUTION NO. R-2025-
A RESOLUTION adopting Yakima Transit's Development plan for 2025-2030 and annual
report for 2024.
WHEREAS, Yakima Transit is required, under RCW §35.58.2795, to prepare a Six-year
Transit Development Plan for the calendar year and the ensuing five(5)years annually, consistent
with the comprehensive plan required under the Growth Management Act; and
WHEREAS, the Transit Development Plan 2025-2030, and 2024 Annual Report provides
updated information to the Washington State Department of Transportation (WSDOT) on
development of various Transit components undertaken by Yakima Transit and contains Yakima
Transit's short-range and long-range priorities for public transportation, capital improvements, and
significant operating changes planned for the system during that period; and,
WHEREAS, this document is used by WSDOT to prepare an annual report for the
Washington State legislature summarizing the status of public transportation systems in the state;
and
WHEREAS, it is in the City's best interest to adopt the Transit Development Plan 2025-
2030 and 2024 annual report; and
WHEREAS, on August 7th, 2025, an open-public hearing was held. No comments were
received during the public hearing or by mail, now, therefore
BE IT RESOLVED BY THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF YAKIMA:
Yakima Transit's Transit development Plan 2025-2030 and the 2024 annual report are
hereby approved and adopted for implementation, as of the date of this resolution's enactment
by the Yakima City Council.
ADOPTED BY THE CITY COUNCIL this 2nd day of September, 2025.
Patricia Byers, Mayor
ATTEST:
Rosalinda Ibarra, City Clerk
1
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Table of Contents
Sec. Title Page
Introduction 3
I. Organization 3
II. Physical Plant 5
III. Transportation Service 5
IV. Short&Long-Range Public Transportation Operating & Capital Improvement Projects 7
V. Community Enhancement Connections 9
VI. Program Funding 9
VII. Significant Operating & Capital Changes, 2024-2025 12
VIII. Summary 12
Appendix A: Operating Financial Data, 2024-2025 13
Appendix B: Public Hearing Notice 15
Appendix C: Six-Year Transit Improvement Plan -Project List 16
Appendix D: Service Data by Mode 17
Appendix E: Fixed-Route Map (Yakima) 19
Appendix F: Commuter Map (Ellensburg) 20
Acknowledgements
YAKIMA TRANSIT CITY OF YAKIMA
Jim Hogenson, Transit Manager Scott Schafer, Public Works Director
Greg Story,Assistant Transit Manager
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INTRODUCTION
The Transit Development Plan 2025-2030 and 2024 Annual Report provides updated information to the
Washington State Department of Transportation(WSDOT) on development of public transportation
components undertaken by Yakima Transit and includes Yakima Transit's 2024 accomplishments and
proposed action strategies for 2025 to 2030. Under RCW § 35.58.2795,Yakima is required to prepare a
Six-Year Transit Development Plan and annual report and submit it to WSDOT.WSDOT uses this
document to prepare an annual report for the Washington State Legislature summarizing the status of
State public transportation systems. The document is also used to notify the public about completed,
current, or planned projects. In order for this document to be effective,the Yakima City Council must
approve the document following a public hearing.
This plan is required to be updated each year in order for Yakima Transit to fully inform the Federal
Transit Administration,Washington State Department of Transportation,Yakima City Council, and the
Public of projects that have been undertaken and are planned to be undertaken. Because this is a plan,not
every project will be completed when planned in the document and some projects may never be started as
a result of changed conditions or other factors.
SECTION I: ORGANIZATION
History
In 1907,the City of Yakima's public transportation originated with a steel-rail streetcar system. The
Yakima Valley Transportation Company operated the first transit service. Motorized buses were
introduced in 1924 as a supplement to the rail streetcar routes. The City's all-electric streetcars were
discontinued in 1947 when the services offered switched to an all-motor bus system. In 1957,a private
provider began operating the bus system. The private provider discontinued service in 1966 and for four
months no public transportation services were operated in the City of Yakima. In the fall of 1966,
Yakima citizens voted to approve the State's first household tax to financially support a public transit
system and public transit services were re-established under contract with a private provider. In October
1970,the City purchased the assets of the financially-troubled private provider and continued transit
services as a City-owned and operated public transit system. In November 1980,Yakima citizens
approved a 0.3%transit sales tax that replaced the City's household tax as the transit system's method of
financial support. Currently,the Federal Transit Administration classifies Yakima Transit as a small
urbanized transit system serving a population between 50,000 and 200,000 people.
Yakima Transit's services include Fixed-Route,Paratransit(Dial-A-Ride), and Commuter bus service
between Yakima and Ellensburg. As a result of the Americans with Disabilities Act, Dial-A-Ride
services were added in 1992.
The Yakima-Ellensburg Commuter started at the end of November 2011,to provide transportation
services for faculty, staff, and students traveling to either the Yakima Valley Community College or
Central Washington University. Those schools account for approximately 70%of Commuter ridership.
In June 2014,Yakima Transit took the main partnership role in making sure the program is operated to
meet partnership and community needs.
Organizational Structure
The Yakima City Council is ultimately responsible for Yakima Transit's operations. Several management
layers help control Transit activities &programs including the City Manager, Public Works Director,
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Transit Manager and the Assistant Transit Manager. The City Manager and Public Works Director report
back to the City Council on Transit activities and address Transit policies and finances. The Transit
Manager oversees the daily operational activities of the Transit System,which is overseen by the Public
Works Director and City Manager.
As of December 31, 2024,Yakima Transit directly employed 53 employees in Administration, Fixed
Route, and Paratransit services. Transit staff positions are generally frontline positions.
Yakima Transit
A Division of the City of Yakima
Organizational Chart
DBELO Officer
City Manager
EEO Officer
Accounting,Purchasing,
•
Police,HR,Legal,IT Etc.
Safety Officer
Public Works Director
Fleet&Facility Manager
Citizen's Advisory Transit Manager
Committee
Assistant Transit
Manger
Fixed Route Operations Specialist(1)
Supervisors(3)
Maintenance Crew Community Transportation
•Leader(1) Dispatchers(3) Coordinator(1)
Service Workers(2) Operators(35)
Office Assistant(3)
Bus Cleaners(2)
Revised October 2024
Yakima Transit pays for various administrative services through the City of Yakima including Legal,
Human Resources,Vehicle Maintenance,Purchasing, Information Technology, and Financial Services.
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Yakima Transit also contracts with private organizations for Paratransit&Commuter services. Medstar
LLC, operates the Dial-A-Ride service and in 2024 employed approximately 37-39 employees consisting
of an Office Manager,Dispatchers, Schedulers,Drivers,Vehicle Cleaners, and Mechanics. Since August
2023 Bellair Airporter operates the Yakima-Ellensburg Commuter, employing approximately four
employees consisting of Drivers, a Supervisor and a Maintenance person. All who dedicate their time to
the commuter.
Residents can address their Transit concerns directly to the City Council Members during any regularly
scheduled Council meeting. The City Council also solicits public comments on transit specific issues
during the review and adoption of the City's annual budget and Transit Development Plan. All City
Council meetings and budget review meetings are broadcast live on local television and taped for
rebroadcast online for those unable to attend the actual session.
A Citizen's Advisory Committee meets quarterly and consists of members of the community with an
interest in Transit,as well as individuals who use Transit on a daily basis. The group is updated on
Yakima Transit's projects and goals. They are asked to provide input on proposed projects,give public
and system user comments on services they would like to see in the system,and comment on future
services Yakima Transit could provide. Community participation helps Yakima Transit address
passenger concerns.
SECTION II: PHYSICAL PLANT LOCATIONS
Yakima Transit's administrative and operations offices are located at 2301 Fruitvale Boulevard.Yakima
Transit's Human Resources, Legal, &Financial services are provided by the City of Yakima either at the
Public Works Facility, City Hall, or the Legal Center. Yakima Transit has a Transit Center in the
Downtown Yakima core at 4th Street and Walnut. There will be a new transit facility located at 506
Fruitvale Blvd in the near future.Yakima Transit provides two park and ride lots throughout Yakima at
the following locations: Yakima Public Works Facility at 2301 Fruitvale Blvd and Chesterly Park at 40th
Avenue and Powerhouse Road.
SECTION III: TRANSPORTATION SERVICE
Services
During 2024,Yakima Transit served the City of Yakima with Fixed-Route, Paratransit,and Commuter
services to Ellensburg with the Yakima-Ellensburg Commuter. (Maps at Appx E and F)Yakima Transit
also promotes sidewalks,pathways, and bicycle routes.Yakima Transit provides the following
connections to rail, air,and other Fixed-Route services: Union Gap Transit, Selah Transit, and the
Community Connector(Lower Valley service).
Fixed Route
During 2024,Yakima Transit operated Fixed-Route bus service along nine different routes that operate
between the hours of 6:00am and 7:00pm within the City of Yakima:
• 9 routes Monday -Friday(6:00am - 7:00pm);
• 9 routes on Saturdays (8:45am - 6:00pm); and,
• 6 routes on Sundays (8:00am-4:00pm).
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Weekday routes are operated on one hour and half hour basis on most routes. Saturday& Sunday routes
are operated on an hourly basis.Yakima Transit's system map, as illustrated in the Appendix E, depicts
the 2025 fixed routes. Over the next six years, some routes may be cut,modified,or discontinued to
maintain or expand more efficient routes.
Yakima Transit is continuously striving to provide an updated fleet for its passengers. Eight diesel
powered Gillig buses were delivered between 2023 and 2024. Future buses may potentially consist of
alternative fuels meeting the State of Washington's alternative fuels regulations, if this is the most
feasible option.
Expansion routes outside of Yakima Transit's jurisdiction require service demand and funding support
from either the State, Federal, or local jurisdictions (other than the City of Yakima).
Paratransit (Dial A Ride)
In 2024,Yakima Transit provided paratransit services in the City of Yakima. Dial-A-Ride services were
available during the same operating schedule as Fixed-Route services. Under contract with Medstar, LLC,
complementary paratransit services were available to residents,who qualify for service under the
provisions of the Americans with Disabilities Act. Paratransit services are provided door-to-door to
eligible clients and serves the areas within the city limits of Yakima and some trips into the City of Union
Gap. Contractor costs at the end of 2024 were around$1.8 million for the year.Yakima Transit does not
anticipate any major changes to the paratransit area of operation, except as it relates to any expansion of
the Fixed-Route program and replacing vehicles. Ten vans were replaced in late 2024 and early 2025
while 7 large vans replaced inefficient and obsolete cutaways in 2023 and 2024.Yakima Transit is
researching bringing the Paratransit program in-house in the future instead of having a contracted service.
Alternative fuels for this fleet are being explored for future use as well.
Park& Ride Lots
Yakima Transit provides service to various park&ride lots around the valley: Chesterly Park at North
40th Ave and River Road and the Public Works Facility at N. 21'Avenue and Fruitvale Boulevard. The
Yakima-Ellensburg Commuter utilizes the Firing Center Park&Ride Lot(Selah) and the Park&Ride lot
located next to the Selah Civic Center in downtown Selah.
School Service
Yakima Transit provides weekday non-exclusive transportation service to Elementary, Middle, and High
Schools. The School Districts do not provide transportation services for students who live within a mile
of the school. Students eighteen and under can ride free of charge due to the Move Ahead Washington
Grant Transit receives. In 2024, School District passengers accounted for 14%of Fixed-Route rides.
These routes run along the same route as normal routes and are generally filled up with 50-150 students
boarding either before or after school. The school runs have the highest ridership per hour of all Fixed-
Route runs and were initially setup because regular route buses were overcrowded making it difficult for
other passengers to use the service either before or after school hours.
Multimodal Connections
Yakima Transit provides service to the following public transportation facilities/connections:
• Greyhound Bus Terminal(202 S 5th Ave)
• Lower/Upper Valley Community Connector(105 S 4th St)
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• Yakima-Ellensburg Commuter(2400 W Washington Ave, 1100 S 16th Ave, 105 S 4th St)
• Union Gap Transit&Yakima Airport(9 E Valley Mall Blvd and 2400 W Washington Ave)
• Selah Transit(1305 N 16th Avenue and 1206 N 40th Avenue)
Fare Structure
Single-ticket fares &monthly fares as of November 2024. Fares are as follows:
How much does it cost to ride the bus? One Way Monthly
Fare Passes
Adults (age 19 and Over) $1.00 $25.00
Reduced Fare (Persons 62/over, people with disabilities
and Medicare Card holders, Reduced
Fare ID card with photo required for $0.50 $9.00
reduced fare)
Youths (18 and Under) Free Free
Yakima Ellensburg Commuter (19 and Over) $5.00 $150.00
Pre-School (under 6, accompanied by an adult) Free Free
Transfers (See Transfer policy) Free Free
For Fixed-Route bus service, day passes are still offered at three times the cost of a single fare, or twice
the fare for passes obtained after 9:15am. Fixed-Route transfers are available for"one free ride"on any
bus, on any route, during one of three time periods each day. Morning transfer tickets are valid until
9:15am. Mid-day transfer tickets are honored from 8:45am to 3:15pm and afternoon/evening transfers are
effective from 2:45pm until the close of service. The boarding time determines which transfer the
passenger receives. Yakima-Ellensburg Commuter transfers to the Fixed-Route system are free with the
purchase of a Commuter ticket.
SECTION IV: SHORT & LONG-RANGE PUBLIC TRANSPORTATION OPERATING &
CAPITAL IMPROVEMENT PROJECTS
Local Operating Projects
1. Offer regional transit service connections to Kittitas County(Ellensburg/CWU Campus).
Yakima Transit continues to operate the Yakima-Ellensburg service under contract. The Move
Ahead WA Grant provided funding from July 2023 to June 2025. After July 2025 the WSDOT
Consolidated grant will provide some funding for the program along with Yakima Transit and other
partners of the program (Central WA Univ, Selah, Ellensburg).
2. The Commuter bus will begin its route in each city at approximately 6:00 AM and will be arriving
to their destination by 7:45 AM.
Grants and partnership funding are required to continue to keep the service operational,with the
fare box recovery averaging around 23%.
3. Fixed-Route Passenger Counters. In 2023,Yakima Transit purchased new software/IT
equipment that assists in collecting data for reporting purposes. Yakima Transit is required to
collect and report this data on an annual basis to the State (Washington State Department of
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Transportation) and Federal (Federal Transit Authority) levels. This new technology has been fully
implemented and is in use.
4. Paratransit GPS Tracking System. In late 2026 -mid 2027,Yakima Transit anticipates
equipping the Paratransit fleet with GPS tracking systems similar to the Fixed-Route system tablets.
Yakima Transit is required to collect and report this data on an annual basis to the State
(Washington State Department of Transportation) and Federal(Federal Transit Authority)levels.
5. Security Cameras. Many bus security cameras were upgraded in 2024,giving Yakima Transit the
ability to have live video feed. The Transit Center downtown will receive 4 new cameras and
upgrades to the existing system in late 2025.
Local Capital Projects
1. Vehicle Replacement.
a. Buses. All of Yakima Transit's Fixed-Route bus fleet are low-floor Gilligs. The last eight
buses were delivered in 2023 and 2024.
b. Commuter.Yakima Transit does not own the vehicles used in the Yakima-Ellensburg
Commuter. The vehicles are owned and operated by the service provider.
c. Dial A Ride. Seven new large Transit Vans were delivered in mid-2023/2024 while ten new
mid-size vans were ordered in 2024 and delivered in early 2025.Yakima Transit owns the
vehicles operated by the service provider.
d. Administrative. Four new administrative vehicles may need to be ordered in 2026 to 2027 to
replace admin vehicles that are ten years old.
2. Continue to maintain/improve ADA amenities within the Transit System.Yakima Transit
continues its efforts to maintain and improve ADA access within the system. Yakima Transit plans
to:
• Purchase ADA accessible vehicles with ramps.
• Work with the City Streets, Planning,and Engineering Departments to identify and partially
fund sidewalk installations throughout the Transit system to help individuals with mobility
issues get to the bus stop.
3. New Transit Base of Operations. The new property purchased at 506 Fruitvale Blvd in July 2022
is undergoing a Feasibility Study(started in late 2024)that is anticipated to be completed in August
2025. This Study will show possible uses of the buildings and land to optimize the property to its
fullest. Study tasks are land use,current building needs and future needs, employee and fleet
parking, anticipated growth and future technology that may be adopted. Anticipated move in date is
flexible as it is depending on funding for the project. The location will house Yakima Transit
Administrative offices,vehicles, low maintenance garage, cleaning bay,ticket booth, etc. The
location is also anticipated to help Yakima Transit switch over to alternative fuels. At some point
in the future,Yakima Transit anticipates all vehicles will have alternative fuel sources other than
traditional diesel or gasoline.
4. Build a new Westside Transfer location.Yakima Transit would like to build a new Transfer
station in west Yakima/West Valley. This Transfer Station will not only offer improved services to
the west Yakima and West Valley community,but it will support the Transit Center currently
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located in east Yakima, offering more efficient routes west of the City center and connectivity
throughout our entire system.
5. Update the Downtown Transit Center. In mid-2024 funding provided by the State of Washington
was used to update the downtown Transit Center which had not been updated since 2001.Updates
include,new benches,new locking garbage cans,painting of the facility buildings,removal of old
glass in transit shelters, sidewalk repair,new cameras,updating the driver's breakroom, repair of
HVAC system in the building,new picnic tables, removal of outdated kiosks, and adding a digital
billboard for passengers to find their buses. Future renovations will focus on new public restrooms,
low water use vegetation and asphalt rehabilitation.
Capital improvements over the next six years will depend on Transit sales tax. If sales tax revenues
continue to decline,planned projects may be put on hold until revenue is available to do the project.
Planned capital investments are listed in Appendix C. Major improvements planned include: vehicle
replacement, Fixed-Route passenger shelters,bus stop improvements, and technology improvements.
SECTION V: COMMUNITY ENHANCEMENT CONNECTIONS
Throughout the City of Yakima,there are several planned or completed community enhancement
projects. This section provides updates on transit connectivity to those programs/developments.
Yakima Transit provides bus service to annual community events that are fare-free shuttle services such
as the Central Washington State Fair and the Arboretum's Christmas Luminaria Event. All of the Transit
services provided are open to the general public.
SECTION VI: PROGRAM FUNDING
FINANCIAL FORECAST
Financial forecasting primarily pulls from past service levels, anticipated needs, and market trends. This
analysis consists of Yakima Transit's projected revenue and expenses for maintaining efficient service
levels,while still being able to maintain an active vehicle fleet. The long-term strategies adequately
address capital vehicle replacement and operations. On average,total capital and operating expenses are
around$12.5M annually. The projected Ending Cash Balance,may(depending on year) include
anticipated capital investments.
Revenues
The information contained in this section breaks down revenue streams and considers the outlook of those
revenue sources. Operating revenue consists mainly of local sales tax and grant funding. Revenue is also
obtained from farebox,monthly bus passes,tickets, and reimbursements from other jurisdictions served.
Sales Taxes
Yakima Transit utilizes a three tenths of one percent(0.3%) sales tax that was passed by voters in 1980.
Sales tax revenue accounts for approximately 52%of total Transit revenue in 2024. Sales tax revenues
typically remains relatively consistent year to year with a slight fluctuation either up or down. However,
sales tax has declined in the last couple of years for the City of Yakima.
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Farebox Revenue
Farebox revenue is one of the smaller funding parts to operating public transportation. Farebox revenue
consists of Fixed-Route, Dial-A-Ride, and Commuter funds. Passenger fares play an important role in
funding transit services. A balance between the cost of the service and what a passenger is willing to pay
must be maintained to ensure that users participate in the cost of providing the service. If the cost of the
fare is too high, individuals who could drive may opt for the convenience of driving.
For 2024, farebox revenue accounted for 4%of all revenue.Yakima Transit ridership over the last year,
had a decrease in passengers for a count of approximately 653,426 passenger trips served.
Grant Funds
Yakima Transit utilizes both federal and state grants,which in 2024, accounted for approximately 44%of
total revenue. State and Federal funding has remained at or near prior year levels. Federal formula
allocations have continued to increase.
Operating grants consist of the annual operating grant(apportionment),operating grants for ADA
paratransit services (apportionment), and the Yakima-Ellensburg Commuter(discretionary).
Grants include the following Projects:
2020 CARES ACT Grant
In April of 2020 Yakima Transit received from the Federal Government$6.2M in emergency CARES Act
funding. These funds were supplied to provide emergency relief during the Covid-19 Pandemic that
started in February of 2020. These funds are intended to make up for shortfalls in public transit budgets
due to loss in revenue and loss in ticket sales. This money can be used in a variety of ways to keep
Yakima Transit operating. The funds have also been used to install barriers in the Fixed Route fleet to
protect drivers from direct exposure. Planned expenditures of this grant are to pay for any shortages,
Paratransit, PPE, and any other costs. This grant is non-renewable and will be exhausted in 2026 or early
2027 with all funds spent.
2025-2027—Yakima-Ellensburg Commuter
Yakima-Ellensburg Commuter—Yakima Transit receives funding from the State of Washington
Department of Transportation for Commuter bus service between Yakima and Ellensburg. This grant is a
WSDOT Consolidated Formula Grant. The service is done in partnership with the City of Selah, City of
Ellensburg, Central Washington University and the State of Washington. Without partnership support,
Yakima Transit would not be able to provide the service. The grant covers about 35%of the service,
local funds account for approximately 48%of the cost,and the farebox revenue accounts for the
remaining 17%.
Cost: $1.7M Grant: $952K Status: Currently in progress.
2025-2027— Paratransit Special Needs Formula Grant
Paratransit Special Needs Formula Funds (PTSNF) -Yakima Transit receives an apportionment
(roughly$790K every two years) from the Washington State Department of Transportation for Paratransit
services. Yakima Transit spends approximately $1.7M to $1.9M every year on Paratransit services.
Cost: $4M Grant: $790K Status: Currently being used.
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2022—5307 Small Urban Operating Assistance
Annual Grant -Yakima Transit receives FTA 5307 funding totaling approximately $3.4M annually.
This grant is essential to maintain existing Fixed-Route bus services.
Cost: $4.6M Grant: $3.4M Status: Currently being used.
Operating Expenditures
Yakima Transit's total operating expenses for 2024 were $11.75M. Major operating expenses include
fuel, labor,insurance, and other costs. Employee costs were the primary factor for the increase along
with technology upgrades. For 2025, operating expenses are anticipated to be steadily increasing.
Yakima Transit operates Fixed-Route, Paratransit,and Commuter bus service. These modes of
transportation are addressed by their overall cost to the budget including operating and capital costs.
Fixed-Route
Yakima Transit spends most of its funds on Fixed-Route bus service. In years in which buses are not
purchased,the largest part of the cost is vehicle operations and maintenance accounting for nearly 82%of
the total cost to provide the service. Wages (17%)make up the next highest expenses,with other costs
being insurance, supplies, and equipment upgrades. Fixed-Route costs fluctuate because of the vehicle
replacement program.
Dial-A-Ride
Yakima Transit operates Fixed-Route bus services,which requires (by federal law)the Transit system to
operate complementary Paratransit services (Dial-A-Ride)to disabled individuals who cannot ride the
Fixed-Route bus system. Currently, Medstar operates Dial-A-Ride under a contract with Yakima Transit.
The farebox-recovery ratio for this service was approximately 5.9%in 2024. Yakima Transit leases
vehicles to Medstar to help control maintenance costs and provide funds for replacement vehicles.
Yakima-Ellensburg Commuter
Yakima Transit currently contracts with Bellair Airporter to provide this service. The farebox-recovery
ratio for this service is usually at 23%. Central Washington University, City of Ellensburg City of Selah,
and the State of Washington participate in funding the Commuter service while the Yakima Transit
provides all the oversight, day to day operations,and reporting.
Capital Funds
Yakima Transit sets aside $800K to $1M annually in the capital reserve account for major capital projects
like vehicle and facility replacement/expansion, as well as other smaller capital improvement projects.
When revenue exceeds actual costs,those additional funds are put into a reserve account for either capital
or operating. With proposed capital facility improvements over the next six years,the amount set aside
will need to continue in order to complete the anticipated projects. Grant funding is used primarily to
replace vehicles.
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General Forecast
In the general forecast,the next several years show average to high expenditures as a result of vehicle
replacement. Replacing vehicles are balanced out with the reserve account(ending cash balance)
ensuring that Yakima Transit is financially healthy while upgrading the fleet.
Yakima Transit's ideal vehicle replacement schedule is at a rate of 1.5 Fixed-Route buses and 3
Paratransit vehicles each year. This schedule may grow or wane as funding allows. A bus typically costs
$650K and a Dial-A-Ride large passenger ADA equipped van$135K.
A general financial forecast is shown in Appendix A.
SECTION VII: SIGNIFICANT OPERATING & CAPITAL CHANGES, 2025 — 2030
Other than vehicle replacement and equipment upgrades,Yakima Transit does not have any significant
operating changes planned for 2025-2030. The primary project in 2024 and 2025 is the Needs Study and
renovation of the new Transit Facility,which is currently underway. Additional major projects are
outlined in the Six-Year Transit Improvement Plan—Project List(Appendix C). Maps of the current
transit system are shown in Appendices E through F.
There have been several changes and upgrades to the Transit buses in 2024, including upgrading the
modems,cameras,bus computers, and adding live video streaming capabilities to assist supervisors and
the Yakima Police Department. These upgrades are part of Yakima Transit's ongoing efforts to improve
operational efficiency and passenger safety.
VIII. Summary
There is a concern for Yakima Transit's declining sales tax revenue and the rise of overall expenses.
Capital projects that have been delayed for years have or are in the process of being completed or
implemented. Other projects are still an option in the coming years if moved forward. Services are
anticipated to be more flexible so Yakima Transit can better serve the public.
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APPENDIX A: OPERATING FINANCIAL DATA - 2024 Annual - & Budget 2025-2030
TRANSIT OPERATIONS
2024 2025 2026 2027 2028 2029 2030
Beginning Balance $13,358 $15,960 $18,622 $21,345 $24,131 $26,980 $29,896
Operating Revenues (in thousands)
Sales Tax $8,098 $8,284 $8,475 _ $8,670 $8,869 $9,073 _ $9,282
Farebox $313 $320 $328 $335 $343 _ $351 $359
Commuter Fares $189 $193 $198 $202 $207 _ $212 _ $217
Paratransit Fares $105 $107 $110 $112 $115 _ $118 $120
Federal Operating Grants $5,916 $6,052 $6,191 $6,334 $6,479 $6,628 $6,781
WSDOT Grants $695 $711 $727 $744 $761 _ $779 $797
Total Revenues $15,316 $15,668 $16,029 $16,397 $16,774 $17,160 $17,555
Operating Expenses 2024 2025 2026 2027 2028 2029 2030
Yakima-Ellensburg Commuter S7S: $799 $817 $336 $855 $875 $895
Fixed Route Maintenance $2,469 $2,526 $2,584 $2,643 $2,704 $2,766 $2,830
Transit Center Maintenance $14 $14 $15 $15 $15 $16 $16
Transit Administration $2,469 $2,526 $2,584 $2,643 $2,704 $2,766 $2,830
Transit Marketing $2 $2 $2 $2 $2 $2 $2
Fixed Route Operations $5,494 $5,620 $5,750 $5,882 $6,017 $6,156 $6,297
Paratransit/ADA Operations $1,485 $1,519 $1,554 $1,590 $1,626 $1,664 $1,702
Total Expenses $12,714 $13,006 $13,306 $13,612 $13,925 $14,245 $14,573
Operating Cash Flow $2,602 $2,662 $2,723 $2,786 $2,850 $2,915 $2,982
Net Cash Available $15,960 $18,622 $21,345 $24,131 $26,980 $29,896 $32,878
13 Annual Report for 2024 & Transit Development Plan 2025-2030
160
TRANSIT CAPITAL
(in thousands) 2024 2025 2026 2027 _ 2028 2029 2030
Beginning Capital Balance $13,631 _ $13,631 • $21,387 $30,258 $37,129 _ $30,258 _ $37,129
Capital Revenues
Sales Tax Revenue $1,000 _ $8,225 $8,500 S8,500 $8,725 $8,725 $9,000
FTA/WSDOT Capital Grants $602 _ $450 $450 $450 $450 _ $500 $500
Leases $302 $21 $21 $21 $21 $21 $21
Sale of Fixed Assets
Other S3
Total Revenues $1,907 $8,696 $8,971 $8,971 $9,196 $9,246 $9,521
Capital Expenses 2024 2025 2026 2027 2028 2029 2030
Minor Equipment $38 .
Operating Equipment _ 5439 _ SO $100 $100 $100 $100 S1CC
Other Equipment _ I -
Improvements other than Bldg
Transit Buses _ SO SO SO 52,000 SO 52,500 SO
Facilities
Support Vehicles $91 $140 SO SO SO _ SO $0
Paratransit/ADA Vehicles $424 $800 SO SO SO SO $300
r Tr
Total Capital Expenses _ r $1,042 $940 $100 $2,100 r $100 $2,600 $400
Capital Cash Flow $865 $7,756 $8,871 $6,871 $9,096 $6,646 $9,121
Ending Cash Balance $13,631 $21,387 $30,258 $37,129 $46,225 $36,904 $46,250
14 k `;', Annual Report for 2024 & Transit Development Plan 2025-2030
'V
161
APPENDIX B: PUBLIC HEARING NOTICE
Saturday,July 26, 2025
Yakima Transit is submitting to the
Washington State Department of
Transportation its Six-Year Transit
Development Plan and Annual Report.
These documents address state and
local long & short-range priorities,
capital improvements, planned
significant operating changes and,
program funding sources for the
following six years,and the summary of
Yakima Transit's 2024 operations.
The public is invited to a presentation
of the Transit Development plan and
will be given an opportunity to give
input on the Transit Development Plan
at a public hearing.
A public hearing will be held Thursday,
August 7th, 2025, at 4:30pm at Public
Works, 2301 Fruitvale Blvd., Yakima,
WA 98902. The meeting can also be
attended via Microsoft office Teams.
To join meeting please use the
Webinar ID: 217 676 370 469 0
Passcode: MB3KK6Am
A draft document and additional
meeting information including the link
to join the meeting online will be
available at www.yakimatransit.org on
July 25th, 2025.
Final approval of the program is
anticipated to go to the Yakima City
Council on Tuesday September 2nd
2025
15 3t Annual Report for 2024 & Transit Development Plan 2025—2030
162
APPENDIX C: SIX-YEAR TRANSIT IMPROVEMENT PLAN - PROJECT LIST
Yakima Transit Six-Year Transportation Improvement Plan•Project List 2025-2030
z Length (Funds Shown in Thousands) Federally
> Fund Source Information Expense Funded
i k- e
.4 3 . 9 11 Schedule Projects
E Project Identification ; Status suc n E " u , 0 3 Phase 3 ;
P Z E E y p Ti 3 o c
d
V1 S 4 '� E y G Y
1 Paratransit Operating Assistance 2025-2027-State Allocation for ADA services y Y Annual Funds DR 2yr 7/25 WSDOT 0 790 245 0 1,035 1,385 1,385 CE No
2 Paratransit Operating Assistance 2027-2029-State Allocation for ADA Services N Y Annual Funds DR 2yr 7/27 WSDOT 0 790 250 0 1,040 1,410 1,400 CE No
3 Yakima-Ellensburg Commuter-14 one-way trips during peak,12 during off peak V Y in Progress Comm 2yr 7/25 WSDOT 0 950 200 25 1,175 362 362 CE No
4 Downtown Transfer Center Renovation Y N In progress Al' 2yr 3/25 WA State Grant 0 290 50 0 300 300 0 CE No
5 Acquisition of New Transit Buses-Purchase 2 new Transit Buses Y N Planning FR 1.5yr 7/26 5339 0 1,300 400 0 1,700 2,050 0 CE No
6 New Transit Operations Facility-Study,Remodel,Renovation Y N In Progress AL .75yr 9/24 local Tax 0 0 450 0 450 450 0 NA NA
7 Annual FTA Operating Assistance-FY 2025 Transit Operating Grant-Fixed Routes N N Annual Funds All Ann 3/25 5307 3,000 0 3,000 0 t>6,000 7,000 0 CE No
S Annual FTA Operating Assistance•FY 2026 Transit Operating Grant•Fixed Routes N N Annual Funds All Ann 3/26 5307 3,000 0 3,000 0 I6,000 7,000 0 CE No
9 Annual FTA Operating Assistance•FY 2027 Transit Operating Grant•Fixed Routes N N Annual Funds All Ann 3/27 5307 3,500 0 3,500 0 8,000 8,000 0 CE No
10 Annual FTA Operating Assistance•FY 2028 Transit Operating Grant•Fixed Routes N N Annual Funds All Ann 3/28 5307 3,500 0 3,500 0 8,000 8,000 0 CE No
11 Annual FTA Operating Assistance-FY 2029 Transit Operating Grant-Fixed Routes N N Annual Funds Al'1 Ann 3/29 5307 4,500 0 4,500 0 9,000 9,000 0 CE No
12 Annual FTA Operating Assistance•FY 2030 Transit Operating Grant•Fixed Routes N N Annual Funds Al' Ann 3/30 5307 5,000 0 5,000 0 10,000 10,000 0 CE No
13 Acquisition of new Transit Buses•Purchase 2 new Transit Buses N N Planning FR 1.5yr 7/28 5339 0 2,000 400 0 I2,400 1,650 0 CE No
14 Acquisition of new Transit Buses-Purchase 2 new Transit Buses N N Planning FR 1.5yr 7/31 5339 0 2,500 500 0 �3,000 2,225 0 CE No
15 West Valley Transfer Center(WVTC)-Transfer CTR(Pop.Over 150k) N N Planned Expansior Ali 2yr 7/30 NA NA NA NA 0 0 0 0 NEPA NA
(FR)Fixed Route,(DR)Dial A Ride,(Comm)Commuter,(NA)Not Available,(CO Categorical Exemption
16 in 2,, Annual Report for 2024 & Transit Development Plan 2025-2030
163
APPENDIX D: SERVICE DATA BY MODE
Fixed-Route 2024 2025(Est.) 2026(Est.) 2027(Est.) 2028(Est.) 2029(Est.) 2030(Est.)
Ridership 653,426 666,495 679,824 693,421 707,289 713,816 749,506
Service Days 356 356 356 356 356 356 356
Vehicle Service Mileage 672,452 685,901 699,619 713,611 727,884 742,441 757,290
Vehicle Service Hours 46,976 47,916 48,874 49,851 50,848 51,865 52,903
Operating Expenses $ 7,964,106 $8,123,388 $8,285,855 $8,451,573 $8,620,604 $8,793,016 $8,968,876
Fare Box Revenues(passes,tickets,&cash) $ 313,346 $ 319,613 $ 326,005 $ 332,525 $ 339,176 $ 345,959 $ 352,878
Fare Box Return Ratio 0.04 0.04 0.04 0.04 0.04 0.04 0.04
Revenue/Passenger 0.48 0.48 0.48 0.48 0.48 0.48 0.47
Revenue/Mile 0.47 0.47 0.47 0.47 0.47 0.47 0.47
Revenue/Hour 6.67 6.67 6.67 6.67 6.67 6.67 6.67
Passenger/Mile 0.97 0.97 0.97 0.97 0.97 0.96 0.99
Passenger/Hour 13.91 13.91 13.91 13.91 13.91 0.08 0.08
Operating Cost/Passenger 12.19 12.19 12.19 12.19 12.19 0.48 0.47
,Operating Cost/Mile 11.84 11.84 11.84 11.84 11.84 0.47 0.47
Operating Cost/Hour 169.54 169.54 169.54 169.54 169.54 0.04 0.04
Paratransit 2024 2025(Est.) 2026(Est.) 2027(Est.) 2028(Est.) 2029(Est.) 2030(Est.)
Ridership 53,347 54,414 55,502 56,612 57,745 58,899 60,077
Service Days 356 356 356 356 356 356 356
Vehicle Service Mileage 328,802 307,439 313,588 • 319,859 • 326,256 332,782 339,437
Vehicle Service Hours 31,910 30,744 31,359 31,986 32,626 $ 31,353 $ 31,353
Operating Expenses $ 1,485,452 $1,515,161 $1,545,464 $▪ 1,576,373 $▪ 1,607,901 $1,640,059 _$1,672,860_
Fare Box Revenues(passes,tickets,&cash) $ 105,288 $ 107,394 $ 109,542 $ 111,732 $ 113,967 $ 116,246 $ 118,571
Fare Box Return Ratio 0.07 0.07 0.07 0.07 0.07 0.07 0.07
Revenue/Passenger 1.97 1.97 1.97 1.97 1.97 1.97 1.97
Revenue/Mile 0.32 0.35 0.35 0.35 0.35 0.35 0.35
Revenue/Hour 3.30 3.49 3.49 3.49 3.49 3.71 3.78
Passenger/Mile 0.16 0.18 0.18 0.18 0.18 0.18 0.18
Passenger/Hour 1.67 1.77 1.77 1.77 1.77 1.88 1.92
Operating Cost/Passenger 27.85 27.85 27.85 27.85 27.85 27.85 27.85
Operating Cost/Mile 4.52 4.93 4.93 4.93 4.93 4.93 4.93
Operating Cost/Hour 46.55 49.28 49.28 49.28 49.28 52.31 53.36
17 Annual Report for 2024 & Transit Development Plan 2025-2030
164
Commuter 2024 2025(Est.) 2026(Est.) 2027(Est.) 2028(Est.) 2029(Est.) 2030(Est.)
Ridership 34,140 23,000 25,000 25,000 25,000 26,000 27,040
Service Days 252 252 252 252 252 252 252
Vehicle Service Mileage 144,142 145,583 147,039 148,510 149,995 151,495 153,010
Vehicle Service Hours 4,535 4,580 4,626 4,672 4,719 4,766 4,814
Operating Expenses $ 781,543 $ 797,174 $ 813,117 _ $ 829,380 $ 845,967 $ 862,886 $ 880,144
Fare Box Revenues(passes,tickets,&cash) $ 189,932 $ 193,731 $ 197,605 $ 201,557 $ 205,589 $ 209,700 $ 213,894
Fare Box Return Ratio 0.24 0.24 0.24 0.24 0.24 0.24 0.24
Revenue/Passenger 5.56 8.42 7.90 _ 8.06 8.22 8.07 7.91
Revenue/Mile 1.32 1.33 1.34 _ 1.36 1.37 1.38 1.40
Revenue/Hour 41.88 42.30 42.71 43.14 43.56 44.00 44.43
Passenger/Mile 0.24 0.16 0.17 0.17 0.17 0.17 0.18
Passenger/Hour 7.53 5.02 5.40 5.35 5.30 5.45 5.62
Operating Cost/Passenger 22.89 34.66 32.52 33.18 33.84 33.19 32.55
Operating Cost/Mile 5.42 5.48 5.53 5.58 5.64 5.70 5.75
Operating Cost/Hour 172.34 174.04 175.77 177.51 179.26 181.04 182.83
18 Y >', Annual Report for 2024 & Transit Development Plan 2025-2030
165
APPENDIX E: FIXED-ROUTE MAP (Yakima)
n,ece
1 Summitview/Lincoln
4.VF RVIF IN
. MANOR i
— 2 Tieton/Nob Hill l
•
Fru,r:- '
3 Mead/Fruitvale w tAl
wale I Z
— 4 Fruitvale/Mead • *vow
tnw Swan Ave 5 Z e`.
-. Englewood Ave Chevy Aro ' L%Ir. `
5 Nob Hill/Tieton z
t 'ow,4.ee
r_ 6 Fair Ave./No.4th St. Yak;
Wast . . ma
/ IA Ya ma Re onal Mod. =I P k
7 40th Ave./Washington _ _ Center
West ley
�Y D Memorial Hospital6Llaren 41 Yt
r_ 8 Lincoln/Summitview a
›e f Bon...boon Aro
rt Cent II Washinc-on
JI Blvd ( 5 \ } 1
3 irate Fair
0 9 1st Street/Washington A o
1V.dc lo:,.w id F `A` a V R
9 O 4 ✓ � f y1
. 11 Ellensburg - a k 4 ' > A e
N N N
C
1W05s
m
POI lt,
■I t Yaki�T ', �'� South
a :Ae2 is TermiTwl'lurport Broadway
h 1 Ua.-Jt+n.d Kee F
vN '/f
_ _ —At tanum_
19 Annual Report for 2024 & Transit Development Plan 2025—2030
166
APPENDIX F: COMMUTER MAP (Ellensburg)
Yakima/Selah Ellensburg
to orzjl. R,L i
H Firing Center Rd. ,
— 1 k 19
6
Selah Civic \Seah Conoco
Center . .•
0(Qboii d E. 11th Ave.
O ,7
.\ University Way N. Maple St.
in
46,? ' '• it I .
,
:\
1111111
111111111 11111,11 l 1Yo.
____ ._ 1 11115�
r — 1 y��a1,1�.
Ll��.
v� Ail ill � �+-
Transit Kticna PJe 11111�IIj�j=
Center�a s 11111,1 «��rr�1�.
0 c
To ts,
T 2
.o Mountain View Ave.
12th&Nob Hill .n O Gc4te,
'To Yarma) Dragon
Y,'C ,y Umptanun Rd
Nob Hill Blvd. 4 'NMcDdnalos
tl`
> —i rb
Q East of 16th on Nob Hill t$
.c T. Etens vg G.
J
vi i
Washington Ave.
O --\\\.
Yakma
Airport
20 k `>', Annual Report for 2024 & Transit Development Plan 2025—2030
167
Saturday,July 26, 2025
Yakima Transit is submitting to the
Washington State Department of
Transportation its Six-Year Transit
Development Plan and Annual Report.
These documents address state and
local long & short-range priorities,
capital improvements, planned
significant operating changes and,
program funding sources for the
following six years,and the summary of
Yakima Transit's 2024 operations.
The public is invited to a presentation
of the Transit Development plan and
will be given an opportunity to give
input on the Transit Development Plan
at a public hearing.
A public hearing will be held Thursday,
August 7th, 2025, at 4:30pm at Public
Works, 2301 Fruitvale Blvd., Yakima,
WA 98902. The meeting can also be
attended via Microsoft Office Teams.
To join meeting please use the
Webinar ID: 217 676 370 469 0
Passcode: MB3KK6Am
A draft document and additional
meeting information including the link
to join the meeting online will be
available at www.yakimatransit.org on
July 25th, 2025.
Final approval of the program is
anticipated to go to the Yakima City
Council on Tuesday September 2nd
2025
168
Yakima Transit Annual Report for 2024 and Six-Year Plan for 2025-2030 Public Hearing
August 7t", 2025, 4:30 PM
Location: Public Works Large Conference room and Microsoft Teams Virtual Meeting
Hosted by Jim Hogenson,Yakima Transit Manager
In Attendance:
Jim Hogenson,Transit Manager
Yajaira Barajas,Transit Office Assistant
4:30 PM—Meeting called to order by Jim Hogenson. No community participants were waiting.
4:43 PM—No community participants joined meeting via Microsoft Teams or in person. Meeting
adjourned.
169