Island Transit (Washington)

Island Transit (Washington)

Island Transit is a zero-fare transit system in Island County, Washington serving Whidbey Island, Camano Island, and the cities of Mount Vernon, Washington, Stanwood, Washington, and Everett, Washington. The system consists of fixed-route service, paratransit, and vanpool. It is funded by 9/10th of 1% sales tax in Island County. Prior to 2009, funding was 6/10th of 1%, which prior to 2000 was 3/10th of 1%, with additional funds coming from the Washington State Motor Vehicle Excise Tax, which was reduced to a flat $30 per vehicle by the passage of Initiative 695 in 1999. The increase from 3/10th to 6/10th of 1% was to makeup for the shortfall of funds, created by the passage of I-695. The further increase of 9/10th of 1% was passed in 2009 to make up for budget shortfalls caused by high fuel prices and increased healthcare costs. Island Transit operates from 3:45am to 8:30pm, Monday through Friday, and from 7am to 7pm on Saturday. The buses do not operate on Sundays, except for special service the operates during major Island events, when contracted or funds allow, like the Island County Fair.