Kitsap Transit proposes changes to its fare policy
The Rich Passage 1 travels through Sinclair Inlet.
July 2024 will mark seven years since Kitsap Transit launched its passenger-only ferry (POF) service to Seattle. In that time, fast ferry fares have remained constant: $2 to Seattle and $10 to Kitsap County.
This year, Kitsap Transit is proposing several changes to its fare policy that, if approved, would go into effect on Oct. 1, 2024. Those changes include raising the fare from Seattle to Bremerton, Kingston and Southworth from $10 to $12.
The full proposed changes include:
Increasing one-way cash fares and monthly passes for the Cross-Sound POF service
Eliminating the Bus/Ferry Pass and offering Cross-Sound POF passholders fare-free rides on Kitsap Transit Local Foot Ferry, Routed, ACCESS and On-Demand/Dial-A-Ride services for the month their pass is valid
Raising parking fees at Kitsap Transit’s Annapolis Ferry Terminal and parking fines at all lots
Delegating authority to Kitsap Transit's Executive Director to set Special Rates of fare for marketing purposes
Additionally, Kitsap Transit would implement another fast ferry fare increase (from $12 to $13) on Oct. 1, 2025. Before making that change, Kitsap Transit will study the usage of transfers on the service, the revenue impact on the Ferry Fund and the potential feasibility and impact of eliminating transfers on the Cross-Sound POF.
Why is Kitsap Transit raising fares now?
Kitsap Transit is proposing to raise fares on our fast ferry service in response to recent, ongoing inflationary conditions and growing urgency to preserve the long-term sustainability of the Marine Services fleet and facilities. Kitsap Transit set its initial fast ferry fares to be $2.00 higher than Washington State Ferries’ (WSF) fares in 2017. WSF has increased its fares incrementally over time, while Kitsap Transit has not.
The current full fare for passengers on WSF’s Seattle-Bremerton, Seattle-Bainbridge Island and Edmonds-Kingston routes is $9.85 and is scheduled to go to $10.25 on Oct. 1, 2024. WSF collects this fare on the east side of the route and does not collect fare on the west side of the route. KT’s proposed fare of $12.00 to Kitsap is consistent with preserving the $2 fare premium.
We’re also proposing to eliminate the combination Bus/Ferry pass, which few riders use, and make our Fast Ferry Pass valid for unlimited rides on Kitsap Transit’s Local Foot Ferry, Routed, ACCESS, and On-Demand/Dial-A-Ride services during the month for which the pass is valid.
To view a full fare table, visit our Fare Policy Proposal webpage.
Public Hearing and feedback
Before Kitsap Transit makes any changes, the agency will hold a public hearing at its regularly scheduled Board of Commissioners’ Meeting on July 2, 2024. More information will be posted on our Transit Board page before the meeting.
The public can comment on the proposed changes between May 18 and July 2. You can submit your comments online (using this form) until June 13. After June 13, comments may be sent via writing or email to Jackie Bidon, Clerk of the Board; 60 Washington Avenue, Suite 200; Bremerton, WA 98337 or to JacquelynB@kitsaptransit.com.
Comments must be submitted before July 1, 2024 at 4:00 PM to be considered at the public hearing. Proposed fare-policy change information will be available at Kitsap Transit’s main business offices between 8:00 AM and 4:00 PM on weekdays starting on May 18, 2024.