Whatcom Transportation Authority - WTA

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

08/13/2026

Congratulations to Malcolm, WTA’s Employee of the Quarter! 🎉

As one of our Hostlers, Malcolm works hard behind the scenes to keep our buses clean, fueled, and ready to roll.

Malcolm is known across WTA for always goes above and beyond, whether he’s stepping up to handle extra tasks or keeping spirits high on the night shift. During hot summer days, he even brings extra cold drinks for his team!

Thank you, Malcolm, for your dedication, kindness, and for supporting our mission every day!

08/12/2026

A Triple Crown victory! 🏆 On Sunday, WTA Paratransit Operator Johnathan took 1st place at the Washington State Transit Association (WSTA) State Roadeo!

With this win, Johnathan has officially earned top placement in paratransit driving skills at the local, state, AND national levels this year.

We are incredibly proud to have such a remarkably skilled operator serving our community every day. Join us in celebrating Johnathan’s huge achievement!

08/05/2026

Starting September 1, 2026, we will be adjusting our fares to help keep pace with operating costs and maintain reliable service across our system.

Please take a moment to review the updated pricing.

For more information on new rates, fare caps, and details, visit https://engage.ridewta.com/fares

08/04/2026

Come see us at Senior Day in the Park tomorrow!

Have questions about the upcoming fare increase or need help getting a Umo card? Stop by the WTA booth! Our team will be on-site to answer your questions and set riders up with Umo cards.

📅 When: Wednesday, August 5 | 10:00 AM – 2:00 PM

📍 Where: Hovander Park, Ferndale

For Umo Cards: Please bring a valid ID. Limit one Umo card per rider.

Note: Bellingham Senior Activity Center organizers are monitoring local air quality. Please check their page for any event updates or schedule changes.