Kitsap Transit has been operating friendly, convenient public transit since 1983. We pride ourselves on providing a reliable service to Kitsap County’s commuter base and a sustainable, green travel option for the environmentally conscious.  Whether you’re catching a bus for work or taking a scenic ferry trip, we strive to create enjoyable experiences for our riders. Specialized services are available for commuters and for qualified elderly and disabled riders. 

Our Mission

Provide safe, reliable and efficient transportation choices that enhance the quality of life in Kitsap County.

Our Vision

Kitsap Transit leads the delivery of a quality, coordinated and sustainable transportation network to serve the changing needs of Kitsap County residents.

Our Goals - 2024

Kitsap Transit develops goals on an annual basis to help guide the budget development process, providing financial and staff resources to accomplish those goals. The 2024 Goals were adopted by Kitsap Transit's Board in November 2023. 

• Increase overall ridership by 25 percent compared to 2023 performance
• Increase operator FTE count by 25 employees
• Begin construction on Ruby Creek Park & Ride
• Begin construction on electric local ferry
• Enter NEPA process for new Seattle Passenger-Only Ferry Terminal
• Complete installation and start certification of new APC system
• Expand overall marketing efforts to increase community's awareness and use of Kitsap Transit's services
• Complete planned restoration of Sunday service
• Secure State funding to develop an intra-county passenger-only ferry feasibility study/plan
• Continue to support State-funded enhanced Bremerton/Seattle passenger-only ferry service during Washington State Ferries' service reduction

Quarterly System Report

Kitsap Transit prepares a quarterly report of system ridership and fares.  Click here for the most recent quarterly report.

Funding

Kitsap Transit is owned by the citizens of Kitsap County. For information on the agency's revenues and expenditures, click here.

Our History

Kitsap Transit is a Public Transportation Benefit Area Authority (PTBAA) established by public vote in 1982. Kitsap Transit's initial mission was to provide public transportation services in the greater Bremerton and Port Orchard areas. Since then, Kitsap Transit has expanded through a number of annexations to cover the entire county.

Transit in Kitsap County prospered in the 1920s, 30s and 40s, particularly with the Puget Sound Naval Shipyard as a primary naval port. The county's economy declined between the 1950s and 70s, mirroring the ups and downs seen on a national level.

In 1982, voters formed the new public transportation authority and authorized 0.3 percent of sales tax funding to support it. The system carried around 600,000 riders yearly. Today, Kitsap Transit transports  more than 3.5 million riders a year, backed by a sales tax of 0.8 percent for transit and 0.3 percent sales tax for passenger-only ferries.

The agency offers a robust, multi-program system which:

• Operates routed buses, both regular full-day service countywide and custom rush-hour service for ferry commuters.
• Operates ACCESS services for people who are frail, elderly and disabled throughout most of the county.
• Operates a rideshare program composed of Worker/Driver buses, vanpools, SCOOT cars and participation in a Regional Ridematch Program.
• Manages a park & ride lot system with more than 2,500 spaces.
• Operates local passenger-only ferry service between Bremerton and Port Orchard and Bremerton and Annapolis.  Also operates cross-sound passenger-only ferry service to Seattle from Bremerton, Kingston, and Southworth.
• Carries out transit-oriented developments to produce the best and highest transit use of real property.
• Contributes to the smart growth development of Kitsap County, especially in urban areas.