WTA Has Doubled Bus Fares. The Fight Isn't Over.
Base fares jumped from $1 to $2. Paratransit tripled to $3. The Gold Card is gone. We're fighting to reverse this and protect affordable transit for everyone.
Save The WTA is a grassroots campaign of riders, students, and community members fighting to keep Whatcom Transportation Authority buses affordable and accessible. The board voted. The fares went up. But the fight is just beginning.
WTA Has Doubled Its Fares
In December 2025, WTA's board voted 6 to 2 to double base bus fares, over the objections of more than 225 residents who showed up at 8 a.m. to say no. As of September 1, 2026, those increases are now in effect — the first fare hike in 18 years.
Base fares doubled from $1 to $2. Paratransit fares tripled from $1 to $3. The Gold Card program — which gave riders 75 and older free rides — was eliminated entirely. Cash riders, roughly 29% of WTA's customers, cannot benefit from the new daily or monthly fare caps, which require electronic payment via the Umo app or card.
WWU students avoided an immediate cost increase thanks to a one-year contract extension reached in April 2026, but that deal expires in September 2027. Students will vote on a longer-term contract in spring 2027. A real, permanent solution has not been negotiated.
Read the Full Story →How We Got Here
225+ Residents Attend Public Hearing
An unprecedented morning turnout — mostly WWU students and disability advocates — opposes the fare hike. The board limits the hearing to one hour.
Board Votes 6–2 to Approve Fare Hike
Only Bellingham Mayor Kim Lund and Councilmember Todd Donovan voted against. County Executive Satpal Sidhu was absent and has since resigned from the board.
WTA & WWU Reach One-Year Bus Pass Extension
Students avoid immediate cost increases, but the deal expires September 2027. WWU pays WTA an extra $100,000/year. Students vote on a longer-term deal in spring 2027.
Fare Hike Takes Effect
Base fares double to $2. Paratransit triples to $3. Gold Card discontinued. Cash riders cannot access fare caps. The fight to reverse this continues.
WWU Students Vote on Long-Term Bus Pass Contract
Students will vote on a multiyear deal with WTA. The outcome could increase the Active Transportation Fee students pay each quarter.
The Fare Hike Passed — Here's How to Keep Fighting
The board voted. The fares went up. But this campaign isn't over. We're calling on the WTA Board, local elected officials, and WWU to reverse the hike, restore the Gold Card, and negotiate a real long-term student transit solution.
Sign the Petition
Add your name and tell WTA leadership: reverse the fare hike and restore the Gold Card.
Sign now →Read the Full Story
Understand what happened, why this fare hike is wrong, and what alternatives exist.
Read now →Contact Your Local Representatives
Reach out to Bellingham City Council, Whatcom County Council, and WWU administration.
Bellingham City Council →Whatcom County Council →
WWU Administration →
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