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WTA Approves Bus Fare Hike and Contract Changes

12/12/2025

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Summary

Story summary

Whatcom Transportation Authority (WTA) will raise bus fares starting September 1, 2026 after approval in a 6-2 vote.
Fixed-route fares rise from $1 to $2 and paratransit fares from $1 to $3, with caps of $6 daily and $60 monthly.
The Gold Card for seniors over 75 will be eliminated, and WTA will negotiate a new contract with Western Washington University (WWU) as the current unlimited-fares agreement expires in 2026.

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Story summary

Whatcom Transportation Authority (WTA) will raise bus fares starting September 1, 2026 after approval in a 6-2 vote.
Fixed-route fares rise from $1 to $2 and paratransit fares from $1 to $3, with caps of $6 daily and $60 monthly.
The Gold Card for seniors over 75 will be eliminated, and WTA will negotiate a new contract with Western Washington University (WWU) as the current unlimited-fares agreement expires in 2026.