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Kitsap Transit awaiting Washington State Ferries decision on passenger-only funding; board cautions funding may be insufficient
Summary
Kitsap Transit staff said the legislature set aside funds for passenger-only services and that Washington State Ferries will decide how to allocate them between Kitsap Transit and King County Water Taxi. Staff warned funding may not cover current service levels and described a prioritization approach if funding is limited.
KITSAP COUNTY, Wash. — Kitsap Transit staff told the board on June 3 that Washington State Ferries (WSF) has been assigned to allocate legislative funds for continued passenger-only ferry service and that the agency expects a WSF decision following a scheduled meeting.
Kitsap Transit staff said the legislature had set aside funds for passenger-only operations and that WSF will determine how to split those dollars between Kitsap Transit and King County Water Taxi. The board was told the agency provided WSF with average monthly ridership figures for the sailings funded by the Legislature and that an allocation decision would be announced after WSF’s review.
Executive staff expressed concern that the money may not be sufficient to continue existing schedules. “I don’t know that there’s going to be adequate funding to do that,” staff told the board, adding that the agency’s priority would be to maintain weekday sailings and consider suspending some Saturday service in winter months if necessary.
Staff said they would favor keeping weekday service that aligns with operator shifts, and avoid bringing in crews for short, one‑hour segments that would be operationally inefficient. The board did not take a formal vote; staff said they will report back after WSF’s allocation decision.
The passenger-only study website and public engagement were reported as active; staff said public comment would open the day after the meeting and that the study team will prepare a report for future board review.
