The top five Kitsap Transit stories of 2024
Kitsap Transit opened the new Silverdale Transit Center in June 2024.
In 2024, Kitsap Transit made great strides forward.
After more than 12 years of operating bus service out of a small dead-end spur at the base of a shopping center, Kitsap Transit finally opened a dedicated transit center in Silverdale. The number of riders using our fast ferries climbed steadily, culminating in record-breaking ridership numbers during the late summer months. Kitsap Transit also received millions of dollars in grants to improve our facilities and services, including funding for the design of an innovative electric fast ferry, a new bus maintenance facility and electric double-decker buses.
According to the American Public Transit Association, KT's ridership increased by 20 percent in 2024. This growth placed us among the top five transit agencies in the country for those with 3 to 15 million trips.
Of course, there were also challenges. Defects with a part on two of our fast ferries kept them out of service for several months, impacting our customers in Kingston and forcing us to move boats around to maintain service. Thankfully, we were able to put the M/V Solano into service for the first time since we purchased it in 2021, and also received $13.5 million to buy a new bow-loading fast ferry.
Finally, we want to highlight our employees, the folks on the front line who ensure Kitsap Transit’s services run safely and smoothly. Early in 2024, we spotlighted the incredible work of our Marine Services crews, who responded to several emergencies and helped keep our vessels and the public safe. On the bus side, several veteran operators and mechanics wowed at the state Roadeo competition, showcasing the skills that create a safer and more enjoyable experience for our riders.
Below are our top five stories of the year, with links to read more. Here's to a new year! Thanks for riding with us.
New transit center opened in Silverdale
The ribbon from the Silverdale Transit Center Groundbreaking, which was held on June 24, 2024.
More than a decade of work culminated in the opening of a brand-new Silverdale Transit Center in June 2024. Kitsap Transit celebrated the event with a grand opening featuring dignitaries from the Federal Transit Administration, Washington State Department of Transportation, the Suquamish Tribe, Kitsap County and more.
The transit center opening was accompanied by significant service changes, including two brand new routes, to better serve the public in Central Kitsap.
Sunday bus service expands to Port Orchard, Silverdale and Poulsbo
Route 332 now operates on Sundays between Silverdale and Poulsbo.
After launching Bremerton Sunday Service late last year, Kitsap Transit in June added trunk routes and Sunday On-Demand service in Port Orchard, Silverdale and Poulsbo.
In addition to Routed service on Sundays, the new Sunday On-Demand service allows passengers to book a ride by calling or using the Ride Pingo app anywhere within the service area. It’s a great way to get around on a weekend without driving your car! Learn more about Sunday On-Demand here.
Kitsap Transit awarded more than $40 million in grants in 2024 for new facilities, electric buses, and electric ferries
A rendering of a proposed all-electric, zero-emission fast ferry.
Kitsap Transit received more than $40 million in federal and state grants in 2024, funding that will support several important projects, including a new North Kitsap maintenance facility and electric double-decker buses; a new bow-loading fast ferry to replace the M/V Finest; and the design and construction of an all-electric, zero-emission fast ferry demonstration vessel and its shoreside charging infrastructure.
Ferry system reaches new highs, faces challenges
M/V Solano, purchased from a Bay Area transit operator in 2021, entered service in April.
In August, ridership on Kitsap Ferries eclipsed 122,000, the highest mark since we started operating fast ferry service in 2017 (that number includes both our fast ferry and local ferry service). However, that same month, we were forced to operate both our Kingston and Southworth routes without spare vessels after a jet propulsion part failed on both M/V Enetai and M/V Commander. This unexpected mechanical failure led to cancelations on the Kingston route for several days.
Despite the cancelations, there was good news for ferry riders this year. After refurbishments were completed, M/V Solano entered service in April. In September, KT was awarded a $13.5 million federal grant to purchase a brand-new bow-loading ferry that will eventually replace M/V Finest.
Recognizing the hard work and successes of KT employees in 2024
Val Quill, Kitsap Transit’s senior operator, was one of several drivers to take home first-place awards at the Washington State Transit Association Roadeo this year.
We know our operators are the best at what they do. This year, they proved it, taking home the top prize in three of four events at the 2024 Washington State Transit Association Roadeo and the Grand Champion Award.
Earlier this year, we also recognized KT deckhands and captains who went above and beyond to keep our passengers safe. They responded quickly and calmly to several crises, including the attempted theft of one of our vessels.