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Home My WebLink About08/18/2026 07.J. Resolution adopting Transit Development Plan_2026 'V ''i i 1�• r y/I i t,'^gin.;k NT1V 1a.BUSINESS OF THE CITY COUNCIL YAKIMA, WASHINGTON AGENDA STATEMENT Item No. 7.J. For Meeting of: August 18, 2026 ITEM TITLE: Resolution adopting Yakima Transits Development Plan for 2026- 2031 and Annual Report for 2025 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. Yakima Transit's Development Plan for 2026-2031 and Annual Report for 2025 have been enclosed for City Council review. ITEM BUDGETED: N/A STRATEGIC PRIORITY 24-25: A Resilient Yakima RECOMMENDATION: Adopt Resolution. ATTACHMENTS: TDP Resolution 2026.docx Transit Development Plan 2026.pdf 86 RESOLUTION NO. R-2026- A RESOLUTION adopting Yakima Transit's Development plan for 2026-2031 and annual report for 2025. 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 2026-2031, and 2025 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 2026- 2031 and 2025 annual report; and WHEREAS, on June 25th, 2026, 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 2026-2031 and the 2025 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 18th day of August 2026. Matt Brown, Mayor ATTEST: Rosalinda Ibarra, CMC, City Clerk 1 87 Yakima Transit Transit Development Plan • Yakima Trains", &2th'e-IIere Tor Void Annual Report for 2025 And Six-Year Plan 2026-2031 Reported Annually Adopted by the Yakima City Council: Resolution: 1r 3t Annual Report for 2025 & Transit Development Plan 2026—2031 88 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, 2025-2026 12 VIII. Summary 12 Appendix A: Operating Financial Data, 2025-2026 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 2 c. `>', Annual Report for 2025 & Transit Development Plan 2026—2031 89 INTRODUCTION The Transit Development Plan 2026-2031 and 2025 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 2025 accomplishments and proposed action strategies for 2026 to 2031. 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, and 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, 3 >', Annual Report for 2025 & Transit Development Plan 2026—2031 90 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, 2025,Yakima Transit directly employed 55 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 City Council 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. 4 `:� Annual Report for 2025 & Transit Development Plan 2026—2031 • r1 91 Yakima Transit also contracts with private organizations for Paratransit&Commuter services. Medstar LLC, operates the Dial-A-Ride service and in 2025 employed approximately 37-40 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 six 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 Chesterley Park at 40th Avenue and Powerhouse Road. SECTION III: TRANSPORTATION SERVICE Services During 2025,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 2025,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). 5 >', Annual Report for 2025 & Transit Development Plan 2026—2031 92 Weekday routes are operated on half hour and hourly schedules 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 2026 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 2025,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 2025 were around$1.7 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. Along with Fixed Route service buses, alternative fuels for the Paratransit fleet are being explored for the future use as well. Park& Ride Lots Yakima Transit provides service to various park&ride lots around the valley: Chesterley 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 2025, School District passengers accounted for 14-15%of Fixed-Route rides. These routes run along the same route as normal routes and are generally filled 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 set up 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) 6 1 >', Annual Report for 2025 & Transit Development Plan 2026—2031 93 • Lower/Upper Valley Community Connector(105 S 4th St) • Yakima-Ellensburg Commuter(2400 W Washington Ave, 1100 S 16th Ave, 105 S 4th St) • Union Gap Transit(9 E Valley Mall Blvd) • Yakima Airport(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 2025. 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 2025 to June 2027. 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). 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%. 7 `>' Annual Report for 2025 & Transit Development Plan 2026—2031 94 2. 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 Transportation) and Federal (Federal Transit Authority) levels. This new technology has been fully implemented and is in use. 3. Paratransit GPS Tracking System. In late 2027 -mid 2028,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. 4. Security Cameras. Many bus security cameras were upgraded in 2024,giving Yakima Transit the ability to have live video feed. The Transit Center downtown received 4 new cameras and upgrades to the existing system in early 2026. 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. Ten new vans were ordered in 2024 and delivered in early 2025 and four more larger vans are being ordered in late 2026 for delivery in early 2027.Yakima Transit owns the vehicles operated by the service provider. d. Administrative. Four new administrative vehicles were ordered in 2025 and three were delivered in early 2026 and the last one is anticipated to be here in late 2026 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 was completed in August 2025. This Study shows the 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 dependent 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. 8 >', Annual Report for 2025 & Transit Development Plan 2026—2031 95 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 located in East Yakima, offering more efficient routes west of the City Center and connectivity throughout our entire system.Anticipated late 2030's. 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. As of early 2026 most of these updates have been completed. 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$13.5M 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 2025. Sales tax revenues 9 >', Annual Report for 2025 & Transit Development Plan 2026—2031 96 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. 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. Grant Funds Yakima Transit utilizes both federal and state grants,which in 2025, 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: 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. 2025—5307 Small Urban Operating Assistance Annual Grant -Yakima Transit receives FTA 5307 funding totaling approximately $3.5M annually. This grant is essential to maintain existing Fixed-Route bus services. Cost: $4.6M Grant: $3.4M Status: Currently being used. 10 >', Annual Report for 2025 & Transit Development Plan 2026—2031 97 Operating Expenditures Yakima Transit's total operating expenses for 2025 were $13.5M. Major operating expenses include fuel, labor, insurance, and other costs. Employee costs were the primary factor for the increase along with technology upgrades. For 2026, 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, a large part of the cost is vehicle operations and maintenance. Wages 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 7.0 %in 2025. 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. 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 $750K and a Dial-A-Ride large passenger ADA equipped van$135K. 11 `>' Annual Report for 2025 & Transit Development Plan 2026—2031 98 A general financial forecast is shown in Appendix A. SECTION VII: SIGNIFICANT OPERATING & CAPITAL CHANGES, 2026 — 2031 Other than vehicle replacement and equipment upgrades,Yakima Transit does not have any significant operating changes planned for 2026-2031. 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. Dial A Ride pricing is expected to increase each year. There is more demand ever year placing more of a burden on an already full system. A new contract renewal for this service is expected in 2027 and available drivers and staff are expected to be an issue. 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. 12 >' Annual Report for 2025 & Transit Development Plan 2026—2031 99 APPENDIX A: OPERATING FINANCIAL DATA - 2025 Annual - & Budget 2026-2031 TRANSIT OPERATIONS 2025 _ 2026 2027 2028 2029 2030 2031 Beginning Balance $15,085 $18,464 $21,921 $25,457 $29,074 $32,775 $36,561 Operating Revenues(in thousands) _ _ Sales Tax $8,063 $8,248 $8,438 $8,632 $8,831 $9,034 $9,242 Farebox $305 $312 $319 $327 $334 $342 $350 _ Commuter Fares $196 $201 $205 $210 $215 $220 $225 Paratransit Fares $102 $104 $107 $109 $112 $114 $117 Federal Operating Grants $4,616 $4,722 $4,831 $4,942 $5,056 $5,172 $5,291 WSDOT Grants $1,805 $1,847 $1,889 $1,932 $1,977 $2,022 $2,069 Total Revenues $15,087 $15,434 $15,789 $16,152 $16,524 $16,904 $17,292 Operating Expenses 2025 2026 2027 2028 2029 2030 • 2031 Yakima-Ellensburg Commuter $845 $864 $884 $905 $925 $947 $969 Fixed Route Maintenance $1,006 $1,029 $1,053 $1,077 $1,102 $1,127 $1,153 Transit Center Maintenance $14 $14 $15 $15 $15 $16 $16 Transit Administration $2,908 $2,975 $3,043 $3,113 $3,185 $3,258 $3,333 Transit Marketing $2 $2 $2 - $2 _ $2 $2 $2 ^Fixed Route Operations $5,138 $5,256 $5,377 $5,501 $5,627 $5,757 $5,889 Paratransit/ADA Operations $1,795 $1,836 $1,879 $1,922 $1,966 $2,011 $2,057 Total Expenses $11,708 $11,977 $12,253 $12,535 $12,823 $13,118 $13,420 Operating Cash Flow $3,379 $3,457 $3,536 $3,618 $3,701 $3,786 $3,873 Net Cash Available $18,464 $21,921 $25,457 $29,074 $32,775 $36,561 $40,434 13 Annual Report for 2025 & Transit Development Plan 2026-2031 100 TRANSIT CAPITAL (in thousands) 2025 2026 2027 2028 2029 2030 2031 Beginning Capital Balance $13,631 $14,540 $22,296 $31,167 $38,038 $31,167 $38,038 Capital Revenues _ Sales Tax Revenue $1,000 $8,225 $8,500 $8,500 $8,725 $8,725 $9,000 FTA/WSDOT Capital Grants $861 $450 $450 _ $450 $450 $500 $500 Leases $28 $21 $21 _ $21 $21 $21 $21 Sale of Fixed Assets _ _ Other $19 _ _ Total Revenues $1,908 $8,696 $8,971 $8,971 $9,196 $9,246 $9,521 Capital Expenses 2025 2026 2027 2028 2029 2030 , 2031 Minor Equipment SO Operating Equipment $125 SO WC WC S100 $100 $100 Other Equipment Improvements other than Bldg Transit Buses $0 $0 $0 $2,000 SO $2,500 SO Facilities - , Support Vehicles 597 $140 SO _ $0 SO SO SO Paratransit/ADA Vehicles $777 $800 $O SO So SO $300 Total Capital Expenses r $999 n $940 $100 r $2,100 r $100 r $2,600 $400 Capital Cash Flow _ $909 $7,756 $8,871 $6,871 $9,096 $6,646 $9,121 Ending Cash Balance $14,540 $22,296 $31,167 $38,038 $47,134 $37,813 $47,159 4 i k `;1 ', Annual Report for 2025 & Transit Development Plan 2026-2031 'V 101 APPENDIX B: PUBLIC HEARING NOTICE Thursday,June 4th, 2026 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 2025 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, June 25th, 2026, at 3:00 PM 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: 294 794 701 269 56 Passcode: vu3ae7jE A draft document and additional meeting information including the link to join the meeting online will be available at www.yakimatransit.org on June 22nd, 2026. Final approval of the program is anticipated to go to the Yakima City Council on Tuesday July 21st, 2026. 15 3t Annual Report for 2025 & Transit Development Plan 2026—2031 102 APPENDIX C: SIX-YEAR TRANSIT IMPROVEMENT PLAN - PROJECT LIST Yakima Transit Six-Year Transportation Improvement Plan-Project list 2026-2031 Z Length (Funds Shown in Thousands) Federally > Fund Source Information Expense Funded c .o ti ; .2 « ; ; Schedule Projects_ E Project Identification o a) Status F.; a E m E a ` Phase r E " 0 m a -1 a F 9 > Q P LL H u • "c ^ LL , - c W F C Q Li. N 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-14one-way trips during peak,12 during off peak Y Y In Progress Comm 2yr 7/25 WSDOT 0 950 200 25 1,175 362 362 CE No 4 Yakima-Ellensburg Commuter-14 one-way trips during peak,12 during off peak Y N Planned Comm 2yr 7/27 WSDOT 0 1500 400 25 1,875 937.5 937.5 CE No 5 Downtown Transfer Center Renovation Y N In progress All 2yr 3/25 WA State Grant 0 290 50 0 300 300 0 CE No 6 Acquisition of New Paratransit Buses-4 New Ford T-350 ADA Vans Y N In Progress DR 1.5yr 7/26 WSDOT CCA 0 440k 0 0 0 440 0 CE No 7 New Transit Operations Facility•Study,Remodel,Renovation Y N On Hold All 9/29 Local Tax 0 0 19m 0 19m 9m 9m NA NA 8 Annual FTA Operating Assistance-FY 2026 Transit Operating Grant-Fixed Routes N N Annual Funds All Ann 3/26 5307 3,100 0 3,100 0 6,200 6,200 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 3,5000 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 All 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 All Ann 3/30 5307 5,000 0 5,000 0 10,000 10,000 0 CE No _ 13 Annual FTA Operating Assistance-FY 2031 Transit Operating Grant-Fixed Routes N N Annual Funds All Ann 3/31 5307 5,000 5,000 10,000 10,000 0 CE No 14 Acquisition of new Transit Buses-Purchase 2 new Transit Buses 2027 N N Planning FR 1.5yr 7/28 WSDOT CCA _0 1,700 0 0 1,700 1,700 0 CE No 15 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 16 West Valley Transfer Center(WVTC)-Transfer CTR(Pop.Over 150k) N N Planned Expansion All 2yr r7/35 NA NA NA NA 0 0 0 0 NEPA NA (FR)Fixed Route,(DR)Dial A Ride,(Comm)Commuter,(NA)Not Available,(CE)Categorical Exemption 16 i`� 2s1 Annual Report for 2025 & Transit Development Plan 2026-2031 103 APPENDIX D: SERVICE DATA BY MODE Fixed-Route 2025 2026(Est.) 2027(Est.) 2028(Est.) 2029(Est.) 2030(Est.) 2031(Est.) Ridership 662,410 675,658 689,171 702,955 717,014 723,630 759,811 Service Days 356 356 356 356 356 356 356 Vehicle Service Mileage 694,398 708,286 722,452 736,901 751,639 766,672 782,005 Vehicle Service Hours 47,547 48,498 49,468 50,457 51,466 52,496 53,546 Operating Expenses $ 7,869,973 $8,027,372 $8,187,920 $8,351,678 $8,518,712 $8,689,086 $8,862,868 Fare Box Revenues(passes,tickets,&cash) $ 304,359 $ 310,446 $ 316,655 $ 322,988 $ 329,448 $ 336,037 $ 342,758 Fare Box Return Ratio 0.04 0.04 0.04 0.04 0.04 0.04 0.04 Revenue/Passenger 0.46 0.46 0.46 0.46 0.46 0.46 0.45 Revenue/Mile 0.44 0.44 0.44 0.44 0.44 0.44 0.44 Revenue/Hour 6.40 _ 6.40 6.40_ 6.40 6.40 6.40 6.40 Passenger/Mile 0.95 _ 0.95 _ 0.95 0.95 0.95 0.94 0.97 Passenger/Hour 13.93 13.93 13.93 13.93 13.93 0.08 0.09 Operating Cost/Passenger 11.88 11.88 11.88 11.88 11.88 0.46 0.45 ' Operating Cost/Mile 11.33 11.33 11.33 11.33 11.33 0.44 0.44 Operating Cost/Hour 165.52 165.52 165.52 165.52 165.52 0.04 0.04 Paratransit 2025 2026(Est.) 2027(Est.) 2028(Est.) 2029(Est.) r 2030(Est.) 2031(Est.) • Ridership 53,879 54,957 56,056 57,177 58,320 59,487 60,677 Service Days 356 356 356 356 356 356 356 Vehicle Service Mileage 317,932 310,505 316,715 323,049 329,510 336,100 342,822 Vehicle Service Hours 33,339 31,050 31,671 32,305 32,951 $ 31,353 $ 31,353 Operating Expenses $ 1,794,642 $1,830,535 $1,867,146 $1,904,488 $1,942,578 $1,981,430 $2,021,058 Fare Box Revenues(passes,tickets,&cash) $ 10,137 $ 10,340 $ 10,547 $ 10,757 $ 10,973 $ 11,192 $ 11,416 Fare Box Return Ratio 0.01 0.01 0.01 0.01 0.01 0.01 0.01 Revenue/Passenger 0.19 0.19 0.19 0.19 0.19 0.19 0.19 Revenue/Mile 0.03 0.03 0.03 0.03 0.03 0.03 0.03 Revenue/Hour 0.30 0.33 0.33_ 0.33 0.33 0.36 0.36 Passenger/Mile 0.17 0.18 0.18 0.18 0.18 0.18 0.18 Passenger/Hour 1.62 1.77 1.77 1.77 1.77 1.90 1.94 Operating Cost/Passenger 33.31 33.31 33.31 33.31 33.31 33.31 33.31 Operating Cost/Mile 5.64 5.90 5.90 5.90 5.90 5.90 5.90 Operating Cost/Hour 53.83 58.95 58.95 58.95 58.95 63.20 64.46 17 Annual Report for 2025 & Transit Development Plan 2026-2031 104 Commuter 2025 2026(Est.) 2027(Est.) 2028(Est.) 2029(Est.) 2030(Est.) 2031(Est.) Ridership 22,956 / 23,000 25,000 25,000 25,000 26,000 27,040 Service Days 252 252 252 252 252 252 252 Vehicle Service Mileage 148,556 150,042 151,542 153,057 154,588 156,134 157,695 Vehicle Service Hours 4,592 4,638 4,684 _ 4,731 4,778 4,826 4,875 Operating Expenses $ 842,987 $ 859,847 $ 877,044 $ 894,585 $ 912,476 $ 930,726 $ 949,340 Fare Box Revenues(passes,tickets,&cash) $ 195,083 $ 198,985 $ 202,964 $ 207,024 $ 211,164 $ 215,387, $ 219,695 Fare Box Return Ratio 0.23 0.23 0.23 _ 0.23 0.23 0.23 0.23 Revenue/Passenger 8.50 8.65 8.12 8.28 8.45 8.28 8.12 Revenue/Mile 1.31 1.33 1.34 1.35 1.37 1.38 1.39 Revenue/Hour 42.48 42.90 43.33 43.76 44.19 44.63 45.07 Passenger/Mile 0.15 0.15 0.16 0.16 0.16 0.17 0.17 Passenger/Hour 5.00 4.96 5.34 5.28 5.23 5.39 5.55 Operating Cost/Passenger 36.72 37.38 35.08 35.78 36.50 35.80 35.11 Operating Cost/Mile 5.67 5.73 5.79 5.84 5.90 5.96 6.02 Operating Cost/Hour 183.58 185.39 187.23 189.08 190.96 192.85 194.76 18 Y >', Annual Report for 2025 & Transit Development Plan 2026-2031 105 APPENDIX E: FIXED-ROUTE MAP (Yakima) n,ece 1 Summitview/Lincoln 4.VF RV IF IN ' MANOR i — 2 Tieton/Nob Hill l Fru,r:- -� 3 Mead/Fruitvale w tAl tvalo: IZ — 4 Fruitvale/Mead • xI rnw Swan Ave 5 Z /,`. t: -. Englewood Ave Chevy Aro ' L%Ir. ` 5 Nob Hill/Tieton z t owne A., r_ 6 Fair Ave./No.4th St. vak; Wast . . ma r YaIA ma Re oval Mod. =I P k 7 40th Ave./Washington _ _ Center West/ne y A Memo al Ho eYal ti<larer,'e r_ 8 Lincoln/Summitview a"'eRd a °' 1)) Y` D W£ Bon...boon Aw h• rt Cent II Washinon el Blvd ( 5 k } c- 3 irate Fah 0 9 1st Street/Washington A a V o `A` s 1V.dc io:,.w id F R • 9 O 4 ✓ f '1. 11 Ellensburg a , N N N L '1W05s err O[ • 1 i Yak�i�Tn ', �'� South a :Ae2 is Termioa1 rport Broadway h f ter,J.•rite HO F r vN '/f _ _ —At taniom_ 19 Annual Report for 2025 & Transit Development Plan 2026—2031 106 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�. ill-�. v� lb1Ill � - Transit Kticna PJe 111114IIj�j= Centersa s 11111,1 «��rr1�. 0 c To ts, T 2 .o Mountain View Ave. N ''' r 12th&Nob Hill .n 0 den 'To Yarma,i Dragon Y,'C ,y Umptanun Rd Nob Hill Blvd. 4 'NAlcDonalos tl` > —i C. Q East of 16th on Nob Hill tP .c T. Ete erg! G. J vi i Washington Ave. O --\\ Yakma /utpon 20 k `>', Annual Report for 2025 & Transit Development Plan 2026—2031 107