Help KT pick a site for a new Port Orchard Transit Center
Buses stage at the current Port Orchard transfer center.
Kitsap Transit riders who frequent the Port Orchard Ferry Dock or use our South Kitsap bus service know that the downtown transfer center has some challenges – namely a lack of space for passengers and buses.
Kitsap Transit is preparing to expand the transit center in downtown Port Orchard to increase capacity for buses and passengers, improve rider and driver amenities and provide safer traffic patterns. This is an important project, and we want to gather public input before we move forward.
Locating a Transit Center
Picking a site that addresses Kitsap Transit’s needs and expectations is critical to the project’s success. A study is underway to identify a new transit center site that will improve service for bus riders and create better connections for walking and biking while maintaining rider access to the foot ferry terminal. The transit center will be expanded to include sheltered waiting areas, a light-duty storage facility to support operations, bicycle parking, passenger wayfinding and information kiosks. Additional space to fulfill these needs will be gained through property acquisition.
Our study initially looked at four potential sites to locate the new transit center. We’ve reviewed several criteria, including traffic flow and associated impacts, proximity to the Port Orchard ferry terminal, location relative to adjacent businesses (and how to minimize impact to those businesses), property availability potential, and walking and bicycling access and safety. Initial site assessments have narrowed the selection to two feasible site alternatives: Site 1 – Port Orchard Library branch and Site 3 – Waterfront Park parking lot.
Downtown Port Orchard Transit Center Initial Site Evaluation
These sites each pose potential benefits and drawbacks:
Site 1 – Port Orchard Library branch
Benefits
Expands the transit hub in proximity to the existing transit system.
Library has already planned to move to Port Orchard Community Events Center – Strong integration with Downtown Subarea Plan.
Increased transit activity in proximity to the marina.
Offers great circulation options with either Harrison Avenue or Sidney Avenue.
Direct connection to the bicycle and pedestrian trail along the Port Orchard waterfront.
Drawbacks
Potential for multi-level structure programming or transit-oriented development.
Requires removal of the existing building structure.
Public parking impacts: Approximately 22 – 25%.
Flexibility for varying site design layout options.
An aerial view of the Port Orchard Ferry Dock and transfer center.
Site 3 – Waterfront Park Parking Lot
Benefits
Bus traffic located slightly away from the waterfront.
Farmers Market has already planned to move – Good integration with Downtown Subarea Plan.
Good connection to the bicycle and pedestrian trail along the Port Orchard waterfront.
Potential for multi-level structure programming or transit-oriented development.
Drawbacks
Requires traffic signal at Harrison Avenue and Bay Street.
Added travel distance for users accessing Port Orchard Ferry Dock.
Public parking impacts: Approximately 38 – 45%.
Site Layout Options
The study has reviewed several sites and potential configurations for a transit center. The most feasible options include a re-purposing of the existing library site (options 1a, 1b, and 1c) or the parking lot adjacent to Waterfront Park (option 3a). The maps below show the four different site options.
We Want to Hear From You!
Community input is a vital part of our site selection process, and we want to hear your thoughts! You can submit your feedback through our quick online survey. We’ll take community input into account when selecting the final preferred site.