Kitsap Transit’s Year in Review
Somehow, we’ve found ourselves at the end of another year.
Kitsap Transit made big strides forward in 2022 on several important projects – including the launch of the blog you’re reading right now! We wanted to do a quick Headways roundup of the transit stories that defined this year.
Here are the top five Kitsap Transit stories of 2022:
Silverdale Transit Center groundbreaking
Kitsap Transit Executive Director John Clauson, Kitsap Transit board members, Gov. Jay Inslee and FTA Administrator Nuria Fernandez shovel dirt at the Silverdale Transit Center groundbreaking in May.
We’ve been working on the planning of a new transit center in Silverdale for more than a decade. This spring, we officially broke ground on a state-of-the-art facility off Ridgetop Boulevard. Attendees for our groundbreaking event included Gov. Jay Inslee and FTA Administrator Nuria Fernandez, who highlighted the facility’s in-ground wireless charging system.
Kitsap Transit increases pay for operators, adds hiring bonus
ACCESS operators make $22.52 an hour to start – $23.68 after February 16, 2023 – and $32.21 an hour after six-and-a-half years of employment.
Operator recruitment has been Kitsap Transit’s biggest challenge as we continue to recover from the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic. This year, Kitsap Transit raised wages for our operators, and implemented progressive increases, a retention bonus and a longevity bonus in an effort to hire more bus drivers. We’re also offering up to $7,000 hiring bonus for new trainees. Visit kitsaptransit.com/drive for details.
Bremerton Fast Ferry adds more sailings
The Lady Swift prepares to depart Bremerton at sunset.
In early December, Kitsap Transit expanded our Bremerton Fast Ferry service to help Kitsap County residents access Seattle until Washington State Ferries can resume two-boat service. This temporary expansion is part of an agreement with the Washington State Department of Transportation, which is funding several additional round trips on weekdays and Saturdays.
Youth Ride Free for free across the Puget Sound
Following the transition to a brand-new ORCA system in May, every regional transit agency in Puget Sound announced that youth would ride for free starting in September. The new program means anyone 18 and under can ride Kitsap Transit’s services free of charge. Visit FreeYouthTransitPass.com for more information.
Looking to the future with our Long Range Transit Plan
After an 18-month planning and outreach process, Kitsap Transit’s Board of Commissioners approved our Long-Range Transit Plan on Dec. 6. This 20-year guiding document outlines proposed service improvements and capital projects based on widespread community feedback. You can view the full plan on our website.