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Frequently Asked Questions |  |
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How do I read your schedules?
Kitsap Transit bus schedules show a map of the route the bus travels and a schedule of times the bus serves locations along the route. All of our schedules read from left to right, as the bus travels.The locations listed across the top of each day on the schedule are time points.The locations of those timepoints are shown on the schedule’s route map.The bus will make stops between timepoints along the route. Listed below the timepoints are the times the bus will be at that location.Use the timepoint before your location to estimate when the bus will arrive at your stop. Three dashes (- - -) indicate that the bus doesn’t serve that time point on that trip. Call or email us and we’ll be happy to help you!
How do transfers work?
ORCA card users who pay their regular or reduced fare from E-purse are entitled to a free 2-hour transfer. ORCA transfers are good in any direction of travel at any location. Transfers are free between Kitsap Transit vehicles. When transferring to a Pierce, Metro, Community, Sound or Everett Transit vehicle within 2 hours, riders will be given credit for the fare paid, paying only the difference in fares. Transfers are not issued to cash paying riders.
What is Dial-A-Ride?
Dial-A-Ride is a ‘reservation’ bus service that operates in specific areas of the county where commuter bus service may be available, but mid-day service is not. Kitsap Transit currently offers Dial-A-Ride service on Bainbridge Island and in the South Kitsap end the County.If you are traveling to a destination outside of a Dial-A-Ride area, Kitsap Transit will provide transport to the nearest transfer center.
Dial-A-Ride is operated by Kitsap Transit’s ACCESS program, which normally operates just for the elderly and disabled. Dial-A-Ride service, however, is open to any rider.
Dial-A-Ride is offered on a call-in reservation basis. Riders must call the day before, but no more than 7 days before they want to take a ride.
Dial-A-Ride operates Monday through Friday, 10am to 3pm only and passengers pay $2.00 each way.To schedule a reservation call 1-800-422-2877.
What other transit agencies does Kitsap Transit connect with?
Kitsap Transit makes connections with Jefferson Transit, Mason Transit, Pierce Transit and Washington State Ferries.When transferring to an agency that accepts ORCA, the fare you paid on Kitsap Transit from your E-purse will be credited toward the fare on the next vehicle for two hours. If the transferring agency doesn't not accept ORCA, you'll have to pay a fare on that agency's services.
How is Kitsap Transit funded?
Kitsap Transit (Kitsap County Public Transportation Benefit Area Authority) is owned by the citizens of Kitsap County.It is funded by local sales tax, fares and miscellaneous revenue.
Can riders with disabilities use Kitsap Transit regular routed buses?
Of course!Every Kitsap Transit bus has a wheelchair lift or ramp. Coach operators are trained to assist people with disabilities in boarding and tying down their mobility aids. Many buses can “kneel” or be lowered to help you reach the first step. Just ask the driver if you need the lift, ramp or kneeling.
For your safety, the coach operator will use all four tie-downs for your mobility aid, where available and feasible.
Service or guide animals necessary for travel by passengers with disabilities are allowed on all Kitsap Transit buses and foot ferries. Service animals assisting disabled people do not require special collars or harnesses. However all animals must be on a leash or in a harness, and the passenger must have complete control of the animal at all times.
By federal law, coach operators announce intersection and destination points along each route.If you ask the coach operator, they will let you know when the bus reaches the stop you want to get off at.
A Regional Reduced Fare Permit ORCA card (pdf) allows medicare cardholders, people aged 65 and older and persons with disabilities to ride the regular buses and ferries throughout the Puget Sound Region at a discounted fare.For more information about this, please call 1-800-501-7433 or TDD 360-479-4348.
My mom is disabled. How can I get her signed up for ACCESS services?
Kitsap Transit ACCESS is designed to provide transportation for seniors and people with disabilities who are unable to use Kitsap Transit regular routed buses.To qualify for ACCESS service, you must have at least one of the following conditions:
*Transportation disadvantaged is defined as unable to drive, or located beyond the reach of the route (3/4 mile beyond route) and without other means of transportation.
Click here for the Eligibility Application.
Are you hiring?
Kitsap Transit posts all employment opportunities on our website.To check for available jobs and application packets please go to http://www.kitsaptransit.org/humanres/Jobs.html.
How do I qualify for reduced fare?
Reduced fare is available to passengers who qualify based on one of the following conditions:
I qualify for reduced fare, now what?
To receive reduced fare you must have a reduced fare qualified ORCA card. These cards can be obtained at the Kitsap Transit’s Customer Service office located at the Bremerton Transportation Center (Bremerton Ferry Terminal).You MUST provide proof of any one of the following conditions to receive the identification card:
Any person who presents proof of any one of the following conditions can obtain a Regional Reduced Fare Permit ORCA Card. The card allows riders to purchase and load reduced fare bus passes on their ORCA card and to ride routed bus service or the foot ferry for $1.00 when paying from E-purse. Card holders also receive a reduced cash fare on transit systems around the region.
Any person who presents proof of any one of the following conditions can obtain a reduced fare ORCA Card. The card allows riders to purchase and load onto their ORCA card a Kitsap Transit reduced fare bus pass and to ride routed bus service or the foot ferry for $1.00 when paying from E-purse.
For additional information please contact us at 360-373-2877 or 1-800-501-7433.
At what age do I need to pay for my child?
Children age six and above are required to pay fare. For information on how to obtain a reduced fare ORCA card please call us at 360-373-2877 or 1-800-501-7433.
What is your policy on carrying animals aboard your buses and foot ferry?
Animals, other than those assisting the disabled are required to be in an approved carrier. Approved carriers include any type of enclosure from which the animal may not escape. A paper or plastic bag does not qualify - a secured cardboard box does.
Can large groups use Kitsap Transit?
Yes. Please notify Kitsap Transit seven days in advance when you have a group of ten or more riding on the bus or foot ferry. Advance notice allows us to make every effort to accommodate the largest number of riders safely. Click here to fill out the form or call Maranda Schooler at 360-478-6913 or 1-800-501-7433 ext.1062 to notify us of your large group travel.
Please know that we can’t guarantee that all members of the group will get a seat or be able to board the same vehicle, but we’ll do our best to meet the needs of your group.Some riders may need to stand, and our buses can carry up to 20 standing passengers safely, depending on the size of the bus.When capacity on the bus or ferry will not safely accommodate both the individuals and the group waiting to board, preference is given to individual riders.This minimizes the number of missed connections and transit services impacted by the overload. Coast Guard regulations and the availability of children’s life vests may require large groups catching the foot ferry to split up into two different trips.
Children under six ride free, but must be accompanied by at least one fare-paying adult per five children. Ask about reduced fare when you call to notify us of your large group trip.
Groups can make a single payment for the group with an ORCA card or each rider can deposit their fare into the farebox.To speed bus/ferry boarding, a single payment is preferred for larger groups and groups with children under six who may have difficulty reaching the fare box.
Where can I purchase a monthly pass?
To purchase a Kitsap Transit monthly bus pass you must first obtain an ORCA card. The $5 ORCA card fee has been waived through January 2010. Currently, there is no cost to get an ORCA card. Starting February 1, 2010 the fee for a standard ORCA card will be $5. Customers who hold a current Regional Reduced Fare ID card can exchange their current card for an ORCA Regional Reduced Fare card at any time at no charge. New Regional Reduced Fare ORCA card customers pay a $3 fee. Regional Reduced Fare ORCA cards can only be issued in person at Kitsap Transit’s Customer Service Office or at any of the regions ORCA Customer Service Offices. Here’s how to start:
Does Kitsap Transit operate limited service on holidays?
Kitsap Transit does not operate on the following holidays or days of observance: New Year’s Day, Memorial Day, 4th of July, Labor Day, Thanksgiving Day or Christmas Day. Limited service is provided on the following holidays or days of observance: Martin Luther King Day, President’s Day, Columbus Day and Veterans Day.For specific holiday service please see the schedule or contact us at 360-373-2877 or 1-800-501-7433.
Does Kitsap Transit operate limited service in bad weather?
During adverse weather conditions (ie. snow, ice, etc.), Kitsap Transit takes measures to avoid hilly and historically tough-to-travel roads.For each routed bus we operate, we’ve identified areas that can’t safely be served in poor weather.We will do our best to inform riders during these unexpected conditions by opening our phone lines at 4am to take calls as well as provide updates via our website. Schedules may also be impacted during these periods, so please be patient and allow extra time to get to your destination.Snow routes
LOST AND FOUND
What do I do if I lose something on the bus or foot ferry?
Lost and found items are tagged and turned in to our Customer Service Office. If you lose an item on the bus, the Kitsap Transit Foot Ferry or at a transfer center, please call Kitsap Transit's Customer Service Office at 360-373-2877 or 1-800-501-RIDE.Kitsap Transit takes extra measures to ensue a quick return of wallets, purses and medications that are found.
Items lost in South Kitsap and Central Kitsap areas will be available for pick up the following day after 2pm at the Bremerton Customer Service Office (10 Washington Ave - Bremerton Ferry Terminal).Please call us before coming down to claim your item to make sure we have it.If your item was lost in North Kitsap or Bainbridge Island, please call us for details on retrieving your item.
Kitsap Transit is not responsible for lost or stolen items. Perishable items are disposed of after 24 hours. All other items that are not claimed after 30 days are turned over to charity.
Are bikes allowed on Kitsap Transit buses?
You can take your bike along when you ride the bus. All buses in our Routed Service and many of our Worker/Driver buses have bike racks.You load and unload your bike yourself. For safety reasons, the driver can't leave the bus to help you, but can offer verbal instructions. Unfolding the rack and loading the bike safely takes only a few seconds, once you are familiar with it. To unload your bike you simply reverse the loading procedure. There is no extra charge for the bike; you pay only the regular fare.
Can I take my gas-powered scooter on the bus?
No. Carrying any flammable liquid, explosive, acid or other material likely to cause harm is strictly prohibited on Kitsap Transit vehicles, within or upon Kitsap Transit facilities and properties. For a complete list of prohibited items please read our Rules of Conduct or contact us at 360-373-2877 or 1-800-501-7433.
Does Kitsap Transit offer assistance to riders who may need help learning to ride the bus?
Yes. Kitsap Transit's Bus Travel Training program is a free, self-paced training service for people who want to learn to travel independently using the regular accessible fixed route bus system.
Kitsap Transit is committed to providing the information and support you need to feel comfortable and successful using our transportation services.
Contact ACCESS at 360-479-7272 for details.
Does Kitsap Transit operate vanpools?
Yes. A vanpool is a group of 5 -15 commuters who ride together in a van provided by Kitsap Transit. Vanpools generally follow a set schedule and route, but unlike a bus, these are set by the riders. Fares are based on the size of the van and the daily round-trip mileage. Fares cover all fuel, maintenance, insurance and vehicle washing. Kitsap Transit vanpools must begin in Kitsap County. Visit our vanpool section for more information
| Updated:
October 19, 2010
Phone: (360) 373-2877 or 1-800-501-RIDE |
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