Seattle Proposition 1 concerning transit funding approved in early results
Nov 3, 2020, 8:20 PM | Updated: Oct 7, 2024, 9:13 am
Larry Bowles, an equipment service worker for King County Metro, sprays Virex II 256, a disinfectant, throughout a metro bus at the King County Metro Atlantic/Central operating base on March 4, 2020 in Seattle, Washington. (Photo by Karen Ducey/Getty Images)
(Photo by Karen Ducey/Getty Images)
Seattle Proposition 1, a transit sales tax increase measure, has received 81.62% “yes” votes, and 18.38% “no” in early results.
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A “yes” vote supports renewing a sales tax to fund transit projects for six years, increasing the tax from 0.1% to 0.15%. “No” votes oppose renewing the sales tax, allowing the existing tax to expire on Dec. 31, 2020.
To approve Proposition 1, a simple majority is needed.
Revenues would be dedicated to transit network maintenance and associated capital improvements; low-income fare programs for Seattle seniors, students, workers, and residents; and transportation needs related to both COVID-19 recovery and the closure of the West Seattle Bridge.
“Beginning in 2022, more than half of the tax revenue spent annually will go to King County Metro services with over 65 percent of stops within Seattle, and to current and future RapidRide lines serving Seattle,” according to the explanatory statement for Prop 1. “The City will issue an annual report describing King County Metro’s services in Seattle and countywide, how Proposition 1 revenues were used, and impacts of King County’s service reductions, increases, or changes in Seattle.”
“The Seattle Transit Advisory Board will serve as the public oversight committee charged with advising on spending of Proposition 1 revenues.”
