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Island Transit unveils 20‑year plan, asks Oak Harbor residents for input
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Summary
Island Transit presented phase 1 of a 20‑year long‑range transit plan to Oak Harbor council, outlining public outreach, data collection and a timeline that will yield draft policy recommendations this winter and a final report targeted for late 2026–early 2027.
Island Transit officials told the Oak Harbor City Council on April 14 that they are launching a long‑range transit plan to set 20‑year goals and short‑term priorities to guide annual decisions on service coverage, technology and fuel sources.
Brad Windler, Island Transit’s Planning and Outreach Manager, said the agency is using operational data and public feedback to produce a prioritized list of service improvements. "We're developing our 20‑year long‑term goals, and those are gonna drive our annual decision making process," Windler said. He described outreach tools including public meetings, stakeholder conversations, printed materials and online and paper surveys with a QR code to direct residents to the questionnaire.
Why it matters: the plan is intended to align long‑term policy with annual budgets and transit development plans so the agency can phase in service as resources become available. Windler said phase 1 focuses on data collection about current operations (riders per hour, cost per hour) and public input; phase 2 this summer and fall will analyze finances and administration, with draft policy recommendations and a draft prioritized list of service improvements planned for winter and a final adoption slated for late 2026 or early 2027.
Councilmembers raised operational questions. Councilmember Stuckey asked about cost per rider; Windler said Island Transit’s systemwide average cost per trip is roughly $21 and noted the system is fare‑free. "The way we calculate that in transit is we look at the total cost of our agency, and then we're doing a division based on our annual ridership numbers," Windler said. When asked whether survey results would be publicly available, Windler confirmed the agency will include survey data at least as an appendix in the final report.
The council generally welcomed the outreach and encouraged residents and businesses to participate. Windler asked the city council and Oak Harbor residents to help identify non‑riders and stakeholders so the agency can better design services that meet local needs.
Next steps: Windler said Island Transit will hold additional public meetings and stakeholder sessions, complete phase 2 financial analysis this year, and circulate draft recommendations for further public review before returning with a proposed final plan.
