Public Transportation
What is it?
Public transit is a low-cost transportation system that is open to the general public,
including buses, paratransit, ferries, taxis and other forms of non-exclusive micro-transit,
i.e. (BFT Connect), for getting to the bus stop, Park-and-Ride lots, and transit centers.
Public Transit is funded by federal & state transportation agencies, local tax levies, and
small amounts of farebox revenue. Public transit supports encouraging eco-friendly
urban development by reducing greenhouse gas emissions through minimizing traffic
congestion and reducing the need to expand travel lanes. Public Transit is large
employer.
Who is working on it in the Tri-Cities?
- Ben Franklin Transit (BFT) – Develops and operates a public transportation system that provides transportation services. Sustainability is part of the core values of the agency. In 2022 the agency completed a Climate Action Plan. In 2025 they began converting the fleet from Clean Diesel to Battery Electric powered buses.
- Citizen Advisory Network (CAN) – a BFT led advisory group that serves as a portal for citizen concerns and recommendations to the BFT Board of Directors and the BFT Administrators.
- Benton-Franklin Council of Governments (BFCOG) – Serves as the Metropolitan Planning Organization (MPO) for the Tri-Cities area. It also is the Regional Transportation Planning Organization (RTPO) for Benton and Franklin Counties. They manage the Regional Transportation Model and coordinate disbursement of federal and state funding.
Who is working on it at the State level?
- WSDOT Public Transportation Division – Compliance and social justice oversight of all public transportation providers. Updates the transportation improvement plan progress being made on safety, maintenance, and expansion of public progress.
- Transportation Choices Coalition (TCC) – A statewide nonprofit dedicated to advocating for accessible and sustainable transportation options across Washington State.
- All Aboard Washington (AAWA) – Promoted better passenger and freight rail service in the Pacific Northwest.
- Washington State Transit Association (WSTA) – WSTA advances the value of public transit through public education and outreach, advocacy of positive and effective public policy and fostering the collaboration and professional development of public transit employees.
How can you help?
- Contact any of the groups above working on the problem directly.
- Tri-Transit – explore the system on your own or ask for help from customer service.
- Attend BFT Board Meetings and Public Engagement Sessions
- Contact Sustainable Tri-Cities through the website.
- Share this page with someone who it interested!