HomeMy WebLinkAboutRide Transit Month PROCLAMATION
RIDE TRANSIT MONTH
WHEREAS,transit provides essential trips and valuable jobs across our community,
including for vulnerable populations, low-income residents, and people of color; and
WHEREAS, Jefferson Transit has provided public transportation in Jefferson County since
1981, today operating, local, regional, and express bus service, and paratransit service; and
WHEREAS, effective January 1, 2024, all Jefferson Transit routes are free; and
WHEREAS,on average public transit provides almost 100 million passenger trips in
Washington each year, including the nearly 25 percent of Washingtonians who cannot or do not
drive and may rely on public transit. Locally, Jefferson Transit provided 296,039 transit rides in
2025, which is a 12% increase over 2024; and
WHEREAS, transit trips are 10 times safer per mile than car trips, and a person can reduce
their chance of being in an accident by more than 90 percent simply by taking public transit as
opposed to commuting by car; and
WHEREAS, greater transit use is associated with higher levels of physical activity, which is
associated with lower health risks and better health outcomes; and
WHEREAS, whether you're new to transit or a regular rider, Ride Transit Month is a time to
celebrate YOU, our community of riders who are helping Washington State lead the nation in
ridership; and,
NOW, THEREFORE,BE IT RESOLVED THAT the Jefferson County Commissioners do
hereby proclaim June, 2026 as:
RIDE TRANSIT MONTH
in Jefferson County and ask all residents of this community to join us in honoring Jefferson Transit
employees, who care for the public, and show our appreciation not just during this month, but at
every opportunity throughout the year.
APPROVED this 8th day of June, 2026.
SEAL: JEFFERSON COUNTY
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Cler of the Board Heidi Eisenhour, Member
Regular Agenda
JEFFERSON COUNTY
BOARD OF COUNTY COMMISSIONERS
AGENDA REQUEST
TO: Board of County Commissioners
FROM: Adiel McKnight,Executive Assistant
DATE: June 8, 2026
SUBJECT: PROCLAMATION re: Proclaiming June 2026 as Ride Transit Month
STATEMENT OF ISSUE:
The Jefferson Transit Authority (JTA) is committed to providing safe, reliable, and cost-effective public
transportation that reduces energy consumption and enhances the cultural, environmental, and economic
well-being of Jefferson County residents.
In 2025, JTA recorded 296,039 annual passenger trips across its eastern and western transit services. To
foster more equitable community transportation, JTA transitioned to a completely fare-free model for all
riders in January 2024. Additionally, the authority has expanded service capacity and frequency. Recent
enhancements include a new midday Brinnon run, an extra evening departure on the Kingston Express,
increased frequency on the downtown/uptown shuttle, and the introduction of Sunday service.
FISCAL IMPACT
There is no fiscal impact to Jefferson County.
RECOMMENDATION:
To honor the employees of Jefferson Transit Authority and approve Proclamation re: Proclaiming June 2026
as Ride Transit Month
REVIEWED BY:
Josh . Peters, County Administrator Date