The 2024-2029 Strategic Plan represents the continuation of our commitments created from a multi-year short- and long-range planning process. The planning process included a significant public engagement process which not only helped formulate the outcomes of the Short- and-Long-Range Plan, which was adopted by the Authority in November 2018, but also culminated in the success of Intercity Transit Proposition 1 which was approved by voters on November 6, 2018. Goals and policy positions, capital program and services are outlined for the six-year period. Intercity Transit’s yearly budget is reflected in the Strategic Plan.

The purpose of the Strategic Plan is to define levels and types of public transportation services offered over the next six years and to determine the amount and sources of revenue to finance the services.

The Transit Development Plan (TDP) describes 2022 operational highlights and outlines how we anticipate using our financial resources over the next six years. 

In accordance with RCW 35.58.2795, Intercity Transit has prepared and submitted this Annual Report for 2023 and a subsequent Transit Development Plan (TDP) for years 2024 through 2029. The Annual Report summarizes the major or significant events that affected delivery of transit services in the Thurston County Public Transportation Benefit Area (PTBA). Additionally, this document illustrates projected changes in local transit services during the next five years based on known facts and forecasted trends. Described in this plan are the methods and strategies proposed by Intercity Transit staff and endorsed by the Authority Board of Directors necessary to fulfill the provisions contained in our Mission and Vision statements.

Intercity Transit’s Transportation Improvement Program (TIP) or “Program of Projects” (POP) is an annually updated list of Intercity Transit’s program of funded and potentially funded projects that utilize federal funds. The TIP includes projects programmed through the Thurston Regional Planning Council (TRPC) and the Puget Sound Regional Council (PSRC). Projects with secured federal funds are incorporated into the Statewide Transportation Improvement Program (STIP).

Intercity Transit has always maintained plans for implementing capital projects. These plans have been utilized in our Transportation Improvement Program (TIP), Transportation Development Plan (TDP) and Intercity Transit’s annual budgeting process. This Capital Improvement Plan (CIP) is a new planning tool to further articulate these plans and bring them all together to coordinate with the operating budget. The CIP will be updated every year for inclusion in the annual budget process, discussions, and approvals. The CIP must be fiscally constrained and maintain the purpose of keeping all assets at a state of good repair to protect Intercity Transit’s capital investments and minimize future maintenance and replacement costs. Five-year forecasts also help mitigate challenges of applying a one-year budget to multi-year projects. Using this methodology will also help in long-range financial forecasting.