Seattle Considers Car Fee to Fund Transit

The idea could hit the ballot soon, but it could also move ahead without voter approval if there's enough support in the county council.

"State lawmakers gave county officials the authority earlier this year to charge an extra $20 for car tabs - which would provide $50 million over two years - to help Metro. That's enough, when combined with reserve funds, to largely maintain existing service, according to Metro.

The nine-member Metropolitan King County Council was also granted two options for how it might apply the financial tourniquet. By a simple majority vote, it could put the request for increased car-tab fees to the voters. Or, a supermajority of six could simply enact the new fees without going to the voters."