Bus drivers and dispatchers who work for Island Transit received a large wage hike under a new agreement between the union and the agency.

The agency will easily afford the sizable raises and is projected to have a cash reserve balance at the end of 2026 of nearly $66 million, even with $13.6 million in capital purchases and projects.

The Island Transit board of directors adopted the three-year contract with Amalgamated Transit Union, Local 1576 in a 5-1 vote earlier this month. Island County Commissioner Jill Johnson was the only board member to vote against it.

Under the contract, the union members received a 17% wage adjustment, plus a 3% cost of living increase. They will get another 3% cost of living increase next year and another 3% the year after that, according to members of the

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