What is the Regional Transit Authority (RTA)?
In November 1996, voters approved Proposition No. 1 to create the RTA; a regional express system of buses, commuter rail, and light rail. To fund the plan for the regional transit system, a sales tax increase of four-tenths of one percent (.004) and a motor vehicle excise tax increase of three-tenths of one percent was approved by voters. I-695 later repealed the motor vehicle excise tax, so the three-tenths of one percent excise tax is no longer collected. The RTA covers most but not all of Pierce County and only those residents living within the RTA are assessed the .004 fee when renewing their license tabs. The Department of Licensing web site has a tax calculator that will calculate the RTA tax you will pay on your vehicle.
