Council Asked to OK Yakima-Ellensburg Transit Contract Price Hikes
On Tuesday, July 7th, the Yakima City Council will entertain a resolution to approve contract rate increases for the company that provides public transit service from Yakima to Ellensburg.
THE CITY'S CONTRACT IS ALREADY IN PLACE
According to a summary explanation in the Council's Agenda Packet, the renewed two-year contract (which began in 2025) allows Central Washington Airporter (CWA Inc.) to receive a fuel surcharge of 50% of the fuel cost over the base fuel price of $4.80 a gallon during the second year, plus a 4% hike in its vehicle revenue hourly rate.
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The resolution will be presented to the council by staff members Susan Knotts, a purchasing buyer, Scott Schafter, director of the Public Works department, and Jim Hogenson, who is the manager of Yakima Transit.
In addition to operating the commuter bus from Yakima to Ellensburg, the Ferndale-based company CWA, Inc., also operates the Bellair Charters airport shuttle and Travel Washington's Gold and Grape motorcoach lines.
WHAT DOES THIS MEAN FOR TAXPAYERS?
Some concerned citizens might be wondering if the City Council approves the resolution, does this mean rates will go up to ride Yakima Transit? Thankfully, the answer is no, because the funding to pay for the increased fuel surcharge and vehicle revenue hourly rate is already included in the City's budget plus grants and contributions help cover the cost.
These other contributions come from the City of Selah, the City of Ellensburg, and Central Washington University, who have partnered with Yakima Transit to help fund the commuter bus.
THE YAKIMA-ELLENSBURG SHUTTLE HAS 6 TRIPS PER WEEK DAY
Ready for a commuter bus trip to Ellensburg? The route only runs on Mondays through Friday. Fares are $5 one way and each fare ticket comes with a transfer. Monthly passes are $150 per person.***
HOW TO WATCH THE CITY COUNCIL MEETING LIVE ONLINE
Spectrum cable customers can watch the council meeting live on Y-PAC's public access channel (Channel 194). Anyone in the public can watch the meeting live online at yakimawa.gov. The meeting begins at 5:30 p.m. at City Hall (129 N 2nd St).
You can view the proposed agenda statement for the council's business meeting.
***Monthly Passes can be purchased at the Yakima Transit Center, Yakima Public Works, Yakima City Hall, Yakima Valley College (YVC), Kittitas County Chamber of Commerce, and the CWU Wildcat Shop.
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Gallery Credit: Lance Tormey
