Cowlitz Transit Authority (dba RiverCities Transit) Proposition 1
Information About the Upcoming Sales Tax Measure for Lexington and Beacon Hill
May 2024
Maintain and Improve Public Transportation Service
Proposition 1 seeks approval from Lexington and Beacon Hill voters on the August 6, 2024 ballot to increase the sales tax by three-tenths of 1 percent (0.3%), or 3 cents on a $10 taxable purchase on purchases made in the Lexington-Beacon Hill area, to maintain and improve the public transportation services.
If approved, RiverCities Transit (RCT) will preserve current services and increase the operating hours of local bus service and specialized service for those living with disabilities.
If rejected, RCT will need to discontinue transportation service to the Lexington and Beacon Hill area.
Why is RCT asking for new sales tax revenue?
Since May 2022, RCT has provided scheduled mini-bus service on Route 411, a two-year pilot project. Route 411 operates to/from Longview via Westside Hwy and through neighborhoods in Lexington, Monday – Saturday. In addition, the mini-bus serves people with disabilities living up to 3/4-mile off Westside Hwy in the Lexington and Beacon Hill area with connections to RiverCities LIFT ADA service. Support for this service came from Washington DOT Regional Mobility and Climate Commitment Act grants, 0.3% sales tax collected within the current Cowlitz Public Transportation Benefit Area (Cities of Kelso and Longview), and fares. The project period has come to an end and in fairness, the voters in the eight precincts comprising Lexington and Beacon Hill need to decide whether to continue the service or not.
What will happen if the proposition is approved or rejected?
If approved, Lexington and Beacon Hill will become part of the Cowlitz Public Transportation Benefit Area. Route 411 will expand to operate on a similar weekday schedule to service in Kelso and Longview (6:30a – 7:00p) and Saturday service will be maintained.
If rejected, all RCT services to and within Lexington and Beacon Hill will be discontinued once the ballot measure voting results have been certified.
How will the sales tax increase affect me?
It is estimated that the sales tax increase would cost the average household between $1.87 and $4.67 per month if 100% of taxable purchases are made within Lexington and Beacon Hill, depending on spending habits and other factors. This figure represents the additional 3 cents on a $10 taxable purchase. The added sales tax would only be applied to taxable purchases made within the Public Transportation Benefit Area.
Additional Resources
For additional information about RiverCities Transit, please visit www.rctransit.org.
RiverCities Transit ensures no person is excluded from participation in or denied the benefits of its services on the basis of race, color, or national origin consistent with requirements of Title V! of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 and Federal Transit Administration guidance in Circular 4702.1B. For questions, or to file a complaint, contact RiverCities Transit Customer Service at 360-442-5663 or email [email protected]