Whatcom Transportation Authority (WTA) will implement a fare change on Tuesday, September 1, 2026. Approved by the Board of Directors following public outreach, this marks WTA’s first fixed-route fare increase in 18 years.

The updated rates address rising operational costs for fuel, vehicles, and labor while preserving reliable, system-wide service across Whatcom County.

Fare Changes Beginning September 1, 2026

• Fixed Route: $2.00 per ride ($6.00 daily cap / $60.00 monthly cap)
• Reduced Fare (Fixed Route Only): ($6.00 daily cap / $30.00 monthly cap)
• Paratransit: $3.00 per ride ($6.00 daily cap / $30.00 monthly cap)
• Youth (18 & under): Free
• Personal Care Assistants: Free (when accompanying eligible riders)

Note: Reduced Fares apply to seniors 65+, paratransit-eligible riders, veterans, students, and income- or disability-qualified passengers.

How Fare Capping Works

Automatic fare capping ensures frequent riders never overpay. Once a passenger reaches the daily or monthly limit, the following rides within that period are free:

• Fixed-Route: Pay for 3 rides in a day ($6) or 30 rides in a month ($60), and the remaining rides are free.
• Paratransit: Pay for 2 rides in a day ($6) or 10 rides in a month ($30), and the remaining rides are free.

To qualify for fare capping, riders must tap the same payment method (Umo card, Umo app, or contactless bank card/mobile wallet). Fare capping is not available for cash payments.

With fare capping in place, legacy 31-day and 92-day paper passes have been retired.

Riders can apply for Reduced Fare status in person at the Bellingham Station Customer Service Center. For full details on fare changes and eligibility, visit engage.ridewta.com/fares or call WTA Customer Service at 360-676-7433.