Seattle voters favor transit tax hike in early returns

• The Seattle Times declared the measure passed on election night, while Mayor Katie Wilson sent out a news release thanking voters for their support.

Why it matters: The measure preserves roughly 180,000 annual city-funded bus trips that officials warned could go away if the tax wasn't approved.

By the numbers: The transit sales tax doubles from 0.15% to 0.3% for up to 10 years, generating an estimated $138 million annually.

• The cost to a median two-person Seattle household is about $58 a year, up from $29 under the current tax.
• The city estimates the new tax will fund about 275,000 annual bus trips, roughly 95,000 more than the existing program.

Zoom in: Additional bus service will be focused on neighborhoods most dependent on transit, including east-west connections, nights and weekends, and areas where housing and jobs are growing, per the city.

• It also supports streetcars, safety improvements and light rail connections, while expanding free ORCA passes from 10,000 to 22,000.

The other side: Opponents had argued the sales tax would further burden households struggling with high living costs and questioned whether Metro's ridership and operating costs justify the additional funding.

The big picture: Seattle voters approved the previous transit measure with 80% support in 2020.

What's next: The new tax is set to take effect April 1, replacing the existing measure, which expires in March.

Editor's note: This is a developing story, check back for updates.