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Kitsap Transit board eliminates transfer credits on fast ferries; agency to notify riders before Oct. 1
Summary
The board approved a change to Kitsap Transit’s fare policy that removes transfer credits for Kitsap fast ferry trips, aligning the agency with Washington State Ferries. The policy takes effect Oct. 1, 2025; staff will issue outreach and press notices.
KITSAP COUNTY, Wash. — Kitsap Transit’s board on May 6 voted to eliminate transfer credits on Kitsap fast ferries, a change staff said aligns the agency with Washington State Ferries and will take effect Oct. 1, 2025.
Executive Director John Claussen told the board the resolution implements fare policy changes discussed at the work study and that the agency’s revenue and savings estimates were based on 2024 Orca reporting data and should be considered estimates. Claussen said staff were prepared to notify riders and issue press releases once the board approved the resolution.
Nut graf: The change removes the ability to transfer between buses and fast ferries for credit; Kitsap Transit said the decision mirrors Washington State Ferries policy and that staff estimate a positive revenue effect using prior Orca data but cautioned the figures are estimates.
Board members asked about outreach and rider impact. A board member asked what outreach would be done; Claussen said the agency would use its standard communications channels and press materials to inform ferry riders. Another member noted the policy will raise fares for some riders and emphasized the change’s consequences for passengers.
The board adopted Resolution 25‑40 (amending the Kitsap Transit fare policy as shown in Exhibit A) to eliminate transfer credits on Kitsap fast ferries effective Oct. 1, 2025. The motion to adopt was moved by Council Member Moriwaki and seconded by Mayor Wheeler; the resolution passed unanimously.
Discussion vs. decision: The transcript shows board discussion about outreach and rider impacts; staff provided estimated fiscal effects and will proceed with standard public notifications. The formal board decision was to adopt the fare‑policy change effective Oct. 1, 2025.
Ending: Staff said it will prepare press releases and direct rider notifications before the effective date and incorporate the change into fare materials.
