Kitsap County Public Transportation Benefit Area Authority

The Board of Commissioners meeting agenda for March 3, 2026, included several key items. The consent agenda involved warrants for January 2026 and minutes from February 3, 2026. Full discussion and action items covered approving a Collective Bargaining Agreement (CBA) with IAM Local 160 & Teamsters Local 589, awarding a contract for the M/V Enetai Hull Fitting Replacement, approving off-duty police services with the Bremerton Police Department, authorizing the purchase of rideshare vehicles, approving a new fuel monitoring system, proclaiming a Transit Driver Appreciation Day, and authorizing the declaration of various surplus vehicles and equipment. Staff reports included updates on system performance, financial reports through January 2026, fuel costs, and a report from the Kitsap Transit State Lobbyist.

This Fact Book serves as a comprehensive planning tool to inform the Kitsap Transit Long-Range Transit Plan (LRTP) update, which guides the agency over a 20-year timeframe. It provides an in-depth system overview including long-term ridership trends, service characteristics, fleet status, and operational challenges such as congestion and base capacity. The document further analyzes the impacts of COVID-19 on ridership, reviews current development plans focusing on ferry service and future growth patterns, and conducts a market analysis to identify transit demand and service gaps within Kitsap County and regionally. Additionally, it examines existing and potential performance standards and outlines the project timeline for the LRTP's development.

This Agency Safety Plan outlines Kitsap Transit's comprehensive approach to safety for passengers, transit workers, and the public. It details a Safety Management System (SMS) focused on proactive hazard identification, safety risk management, continuous improvement, and regulatory compliance. The plan emphasizes establishing annual safety objectives and performance targets, fostering an employee safety reporting culture, and implementing effective risk controls to protect employees and assets, while reducing vehicle damage and accidents.

The Board of Commissioners meeting agenda included several key items for action. Under Consent Items, the Board considered warrants for December 2025, minutes from previous meetings in January 2026, adoption of the 2026 Kitsap Transit Safety Plan (Resolution No. 26-09), and approval of the Marine Services 2026 Insurance Renewal (Resolution No. 26-10). Full Discussion/Action Items involved approving a change order for MV Solano repairs (Resolution No. 26-11), awarding a contract for Reliance Engine Swings and Repairs (Resolution No. 26-12), and awarding a contract for Federal Legislative Liaison Services (Resolution No. 26-13). The meeting also included staff reports such as recognizing Drivers of the Month for December 2025, a legislative update, and a financial report summary through December 2025. An informational segment addressed the need to return unused grant funds for the Port Orchard Transit Center project, which will proceed without a formal public statement.

The meeting, which served as the final Board meeting of 2025, included the approval of the Consent Agenda, which covered warrants for October 2025 and resolutions concerning the reappointment of CAC Members and Change Order for RPI. Full discussion items focused on authorizing the issuance of RFQs for Construction Management Services for two major projects: the Ruby Creek Park & Ride, estimated at $19 million for construction, and the North Base Maintenance Facility. Additionally, the Board authorized awarding Change Order #7 to Parametrix for additional contract management services for the Silverdale Transit Center, and approved the purchase of up to nineteen new ACCESS buses. The Board also elected Commissioner Walters as Chairperson and Councilmember Moriwaki as Vice Chair for 2026. Recognition was given to Mayor Putaansuu for his service as Chair and to Mayor Erickson upon her retirement. Reports were discussed, including system performance metrics and fuel costs, which led to discussions on future micro-transit transitions.