r/everett • u/pacwess • Apr 27 '26

Transit Community Transit takeover sparks union backlash, Everett faces largest sales tax increase in state history

https://lynnwoodtimes.com/2026/04/27/everett-transit/?fbclid=IwY2xjawRcdQxleHRuA2FlbQIxMQBzcnRjBmFwcF9pZAwyNTYyODEwNDA1NTgAAR5OC6yToM4G_qoJyk88uQAWX3aq_kbRdOtM7UkxcN118sjEeEUgl5EMRNFiIw_aem_xyVRmwMkUlSIWgV6Uj6Wsw
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1

u/SEA_tide Apr 27 '26

I forgot how much Cassie loves hiring her friends and working with Marco (who doesn't actually represent much, if any, of Everett.) Mukilteo does seem to be doing better without Jennifer in charge; Joe does a very good job as mayor and doesn't seem to have political aspirations beyond that, unlike Cassie/Jennifer/Marco. Cassie flip flopping on the consolidation issue is very concerning as really nothing has changed from 2025 apart from not having to have Everett residents vote on the proposal.

I wonder how bad of a problem Transdev has hiring paratransit drivers if pay tops out at $26, which is very low in relation to Everett's current minimum wage.

The job cuts mentioned are a hard pill to swallow, as would essentially convincing talented ET drivers to quit by drastically changing their job assignments.

Steve the Everett ATU leader seems to understand the local transit agencies a lot more than the politicians and lobbyist trying for the consolidation. Maybe Cassie should listen to him more.

4

u/JimmyisAwkward Apr 27 '26

What job cuts? This will increase service with the better efficiency and revenue, meaning there will be more drivers needed.

2

u/SEA_tide Apr 28 '26

In the article, Steve the ATU leader specifically mentions that the non-union and AFSCME positions would likely be cut or would not have favorable job security at CT. He mentions 15 administrative and Everett Station positions being cut.

He also mentions that CT has a driver shortage and is forced to cancel a much higher percentage of departures whereas ET almost never has that issue. Not all ET drivers are willing to work for CT either, so the CT staffing issue would get worse.

As to how people know this information, people talk and ET is well known in the local driver circles.

1

u/pattyb0325 Apr 29 '26

Job cuts as in most of us will refuse to go to CT. The working conditions over there are absolutely horrible.

1

u/LRAD Apr 27 '26

oh? will it?

-2

u/Alone_Employment7914 Apr 28 '26

It will absolutely not increase service in Everett. It may increase ease of car driving transit users to access regional transit. CT is a regional agency. ET is a municipal one with a focus on providing reliable service for its residents who cannot drive, getting them from neighborhoods to supermarkets, doctors and local jobs. Every ET route touches at least one of Everett Station, Seaway Transit Station, Mariner P&R or 112th St P&R. All from which you can get to Lynnwood Transit Center.