🚌 Intercity Transit Renews $1.6M Security Contract Through 2026

If you ride Intercity Transit in Olympia, Lacey, or nearby communities — here’s a quick update on something you may not notice every day, but definitely impacts your ride.

The Intercity Transit Authority just voted to renew its security contract with PalAmerican, the same company that has provided security services to the agency since 2022. The newly approved contract is valued at $1.6 million and will extend through the end of 2026.

🚨 Where Guards Will Be Stationed
The renewed contract continues to fund unarmed security guards at multiple Intercity Transit (IT) properties, with a particular focus on high-traffic hubs.

Here's the breakdown:

• ✅ 24-hour coverage at the Downtown Olympia Transit Center

• ✅ 24-hour coverage at IT’s Pattison Street headquarters

• ✅ Nearly all-day coverage at the Lacey Transit Center

  • 19.5 hours/day on weekdays

  • 18 hours/day on weekends

These guards serve a vital role — not only providing security but also increasing visibility and helping transit users feel safer during early mornings, late evenings, and high-volume periods.

🔒 Why It Matters
While many riders may not think about security until something happens, having a consistent and visible security presence is part of Intercity Transit’s broader efforts to improve safety, comfort, and overall rider experience — especially at its busiest transfer points.

This move also reflects a regional trend: as more people rely on public transportation for work, errands, and appointments, security staffing is being treated as essential infrastructure — just like buses, shelters, or schedules.

📍 Transit Locations Covered

• Downtown Olympia Transit Center (4th Ave & Franklin St)

• Pattison Street Facility (IT headquarters and main operations hub)

• Lacey Transit Center (512 Station at 7th Ave SE & Golf Club Rd)

Each of these sites plays a central role in daily South Sound mobility — whether you’re commuting to work, transferring between buses, or accessing regional services.

🗣️ Public Safety and the Future of Transit
This security renewal comes at a time when many local transit systems across the U.S. are re-evaluating how they approach safety — not just in response to emergencies, but in terms of presence, prevention, and community trust.

For Intercity Transit, continuing this contract with PalAmerican provides consistency, trained personnel, and proven coverage, with the flexibility to adapt over time as rider needs and system demands evolve.

📨 I’m Aaron Thomas, a local realtor sharing stories about growth, development, and community life across the South Sound.
Every Friday, we publish the South Sound Report — covering what’s next for Olympia, Lacey, Tacoma, and beyond.

👉 Subscribe free at SouthSoundReport.com