Whatcom Transportation Authority - WTA

09/02/2026

WTA’s Board of Directors cancelled their meeting originally scheduled for Thursday, September 3. The meeting was cancelled due to a lack of action items on the agenda.

WTA’s next Board Meeting will be at 8 am on Thursday, September 17.

To participate in upcoming board meetings, please visit https://www.ridewta.com/board-meetings/

09/01/2026

🎥🚎Who are the people on the Bellingham City Council? In this first video of a series titled Reel People, spend a morning with Council President Hannah Stone, an avid Whatcom Transportation Authority - WTA bus rider.

09/01/2026

Effective today, September 1, our fares have changed to support operating costs and maintain reliable service across Whatcom County.

Please check the updated rates before your next ride. Tap-to-pay and automatic fare capping are active, ensuring you always get the best rate.

Details and full pricing: https://engage.ridewta.com/fares

08/31/2026

Starting tomorrow, September 1, Fixed Route Bus fares are changing to $2 per ride.

Eligible riders can get Reduced Fare on Fixed Route for $1 per ride.

To apply for reduced fare visit Customer Service at Bellingham Station (205 E. Magnolia St) with one of the following documents:

- Seniors (Age 65+): Valid photo ID or Medicare card

- Students: Student ID or official proof of enrollment (WWU and WCC students are enrolled automatically through their school)

- Veterans: Veteran's Affairs (VA) ID

- Disability / Low-Income Status: Social Security Disability (SSDI) or Supplemental Security Income (SSI) award letter

- Paratransit Riders: Valid ADA Paratransit card or Washington State disabled parking ID (Current riders may call to request a card by mail)

- Regional Transit Cardholders: Valid Regional Reduced Fare Permit from another Washington State transit agency

- Partner Agency Clients: Clients of NWRC, Opportunity Council, DSHS, or VASH qualify automatically. Please contact your caseworker or agency representative directly to enroll.

Note: Reduced fare rates apply only to fixed route service.

08/27/2026

Heads up to riders using WTA and Skagit Transit:

Starting Sept. 1, regional passes (31-Day Regional County Connector and Skagit-Whatcom One-Day) will no longer be accepted on local WTA routes.

80X & 90X Routes: Regional passes remain valid on County Connector routes and Skagit Transit local buses.

Fare Capping: Fares and fare caps are now tracked separately by each agency.

Pass Exchanges: If you already bought a pass, contact Customer Service at 360-757-8801 to exchange it for Umo stored value.

Read full details in the post below 👇

An update for riders using regional passes: Starting Sept. 1, the 31-Day Regional County Connector Pass and Skagit-Whatcom One-Day Pass will no longer be accepted on local WTA routes.

Both passes will continue to work on Skagit Transit local routes and County Connector Routes 80X and 90X. There are no changes to Skagit Transit fares or fare caps.

Fare caps will also be tracked separately between Skagit Transit and WTA, with fares for trips on each system counting toward that system's fare caps.

Skagit Transit is reviewing these regional fare products and will share updates if changes are made.

Already purchased one of these passes and would prefer to exchange it for Umo stored value? Contact Customer Service at 360-757-8801.

Learn more: https://www.skagittransit.org/changes-to-regional-pass-acceptance-begin-sept-1/

08/26/2026

Our third and final in-person card help session is tomorrow morning at Bellingham Station.

WTA staff will be available tomorrow to:
- Transition Gold Cards to Reduced Fare Umo Cards
- Help eligible riders sign up for Reduced Fare or standard Umo Cards
- Answer questions about upcoming fare changes

📍 Bellingham Station
Thursday, August 27: 8:00 AM – 12:00 PM

Stop by to update your card before September 1.

Can't make it? You're always welcome to ask our Customer Service team for assistance!

For more information on the upcoming changes visit https://engage.ridewta.com/fares

08/26/2026

A few speed limit changes are coming to Bellingham this August to reduce serious injuries and save lives on our streets.

Starting this month, speed limits on residential streets and downtown will be lowered to 20 mph. By slowing down in our neighborhoods and other places where people walk, bike and gather, we can help make sure everyone gets home safely.

Learn more about the upcoming changes at the City of Bellingham, Washington website: https://cob.org/news/2026/residential-and-downtown-streets-changing-to-20-mph?fbclid=IwY2xjawT8BPRwZG9mAWV4dG4DYWVtAjEwAGJyaWQRMXdWN1JvZGd3VmNtcVhHc0hzcnRjBmFwcF9pZBAyMjIwMzkxNzg4MjAwODkyAAEeoChOyM09l8Zmaakq6Ul8Daeruy-I9Eac6es4pdjpzxsdtFjhK0-N_reTuJU_aem_HGOxS9PfDgyC0wjyZuYhdg

08/18/2026

Reminder: Updated fares go into effect in two weeks.
To help you prepare, here is a quick guide to all available payment methods:

1. NEW Tap-to-Pay: Tap your credit card, debit card, or digital wallet (Apple Pay, Google Pay) directly on the onboard reader.

2. Umo Card or App: Buy or reload a Umo Card online* at store.ridewta.com or download the Umo Mobility App to track passes and manage your account.

*Umo Cards can also be purchased at Bellingham Station, the BTC and WCC bookstores, any Haggen grocery store, and the Community Food Co-op (reload only).

3. Cash: Pay on board (exact change required).

Visit engage.ridewta.com/fares for complete details on fares and payment methods.

08/14/2026

The Noisy Waters Mural Festival is officially LIVE today at the Portal Container Village!

Leave the car behind and ride with us! Hop on Route 47 Harbor for a quick ride to the festival grounds.

No bus pass? No problem! Just tap your credit/debit card or phone wallet to pay your fare and ride.

🔗 Festival details: https://www.noisywatersmuralfest.com/

08/13/2026

Starting September 1, WTA fare changes will take effect, and Gold Cards will become Reduced Fare Cards.

WTA staff will be available at upcoming tabling events to:
- Transition Gold Cards to Reduced Fare Umo Cards
- Help eligible riders sign up for Reduced Fare or standard Umo Cards
- Answer questions about upcoming fare changes

Outreach Schedule:

📍 Bellingham Station
Saturday, August 15: 10:00 AM – 2:00 PM
Thursday, August 27: 8:00 AM – 12:00 PM

📍 Cordata Station
Tuesday, August 18: 1:00 PM – 4:00 PM

Stop by one of these sessions to update your card before September 1. For more information on the upcoming changes visit https://engage.ridewta.com/fares