Free bus passes with car tab renewals

Renewing car tabs will get drivers eight free bus tickets for the next two years

The Metropolitan King County Council recently approved the two-year incentive program to encourage drivers to get from behind the wheel and leave the “driving” to Metro Transit.

“According to customer surveys, 95 percent of Metro riders have access to a car, but choose to take the bus instead,” said Councilmember Larry Phillips, chair of the Transportation, Environment and Economy Committee. “In this time of rising gas prices, this incentive program gives all car owners the opportunity to join the ranks of transit riders leaving their cars parked and discovering the benefits of taking transit.”

Last August, the Council adopted a bipartisan, multi-pronged transit funding plan that maintains current transit service levels, while providing transportation alternatives for commuters who may see a reduction in bus service in their communities. The funding plan includes adoption of the Congestion Reduction Charge (CRC), a temporary charge on vehicle licenses for each of the next two years.

The adopted funding plan included a Transit Incentive Program to encourage drivers to use public transportation. Through this program, each household will be eligible to receive eight bus tickets worth up to $24.

Today’s adopted ordinance implements the incentive program and sets up the program that will allow drivers to donate the value of their tickets toward existing human services ticket programs.

Beginning with the June 2012 vehicle license tab renewals and continuing for the next two years, application for the incentive bus tickets will be mailed out with each car tab by the State Department of Licensing. Individuals can then either request the tickets for Metro bus rides to work, play, or a special event, or they can choose to donate the value of those tickets to the human service agencies transit program.