HomeMy WebLinkAboutPROCLAMATION Ride Transit Month Regular Agenda
JEFFERSON COUNTY
BOARD OF COUNTY COMMISSIONERS
AGENDA REQUEST
TO: Board of County Commissioners
FROM: Adiel McKnight,Executive Assistant
DATE: June 2,2025
SUBJECT: PROCLAMATION re: Proclaiming June 2025 as Ride Transit Month
STATEMENT OF ISSUE:
Jefferson Transit Authority is committed to providing safe,reliable, comfortable public transportation
service in Jefferson County,which is cost-effective,reduces energy consumption, and contributes to the
cultural, environmental, and economic betterment of the residents of Jefferson County.
In 2024, Jefferson Transit Authority's(JTA) annual passenger trips on fixed route services were
242,332. This includes services on the west and east sides of Jefferson County. In January of 2024,
Jefferson Transit eliminated all fares on Jefferson Transit vehicles for all riders. The elimination of
fares creates more equitable transportation options for community members. In 2023 and 2025
Jefferson Transit increased service levels on local and regional routes to provide additional
connections for community members and visitors alike.
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 2025
as Ride Transit Month
REVIEWED BY:
Mark McCaule ounty Administrator Dat
PROCLAMATION
WHEREAS,on average public transit provides almost 100 million passenger trips in
Washington each year; and
WHEREAS, transit agencies in Washington State invest almost $5 billion in transit capital
and operations each year; and
WHEREAS, in 2022 the public transit service provided by Jefferson Transit Authority
avoided 244.71 MT CO2e that would have been emitted if the trips were completed in single
occupancy vehicles; 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, each full bus takes 60 cars off the road, reducing congestion, greenhouse gas
emissions and saving you money; and
WHEREAS, 25 percent of Washingtonians do not drive and may rely on public transit; 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,
WHEREAS, people 18 years and younger make up more than 20 percent of Washington's
total population. By making transit free for youth, the Transit Support Grant improves access for a
large number of Washingtonians and helps lower family transportation costs, which on average
make up 16 percent of all household expenses. This percentage tends to be higher for families with
lower incomes;
WHEREAS, effective January 1, 2024, all Jefferson Transit routes are zero-fare; and
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED THAT the Jefferson County Commissioners do
hereby proclaim June, 2025 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 2nd day of June, 2025.
SEAL: JEFFERSON COUNTY
BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS
Heidi Eisenhour, Chair
ATTEST:
Heather Dudley-Nollette, Member
Carolyn Gallaway, CMC,
Clerk of the Board Greg Brotherton, Member