County council subsidizes bus tickets for homeless and low income

To meet the growing demand for bus tickets, the King County Council approved a one-time subsidy of up to $250,000 to the Bus Ticket Program—with the additional tickets distributed by the health and human service agencies that are currently part of the program. The increase will be funded from money set aside in 2012 to mitigate elimination of the Downtown Seattle Ride Free Area.

The current economic crisis, combined with the elimination of the Downtown Seattle Ride Free Area, has meant that human service agencies have seen an increase in the number of individuals and families needed tickets through the Reduced Fare Bus Ticket Program.

“With more people being left out in the cold by this tough economy, making additional subsidized bus tickets immediately available will help provide those most in need with transportation to and from shelters, services, and jobs,” said Councilmember Larry Phillips, chair of the Council’s Transportation, Economy and Environment Committee and prime sponsor of the legislation. 

“As a bus commuter on the #41 and the former director of an emergency services organization, I have seen first-hand how vital public transportation is to all members of our community,” said Councilmember Bob Ferguson, co-sponsor of the ordinance. “Today’s action will help those struggling in this economy to access shelter, job training, and needed services.”