LEARN KITSAP TRANSIT

Intracounty Passenger-Only Ferry Project

Overview

Kitsap Transit currently operates five passenger-only ferry (POF) routes: Two intracounty routes connecting Bremerton to Port Orchard and Annapolis, as well as three intercounty ones from Bremerton, Kingston, and Southworth to downtown Seattle.

Kitsap Transit's Intracounty Passenger-Only Ferry (POF) Project seeks to explore alternatives for adding new POF ferry routes within Kitsap County.

This study will result in the development of an Intracounty POF Business Plan and Long-Range Strategy that will become the blueprint for the implementation of local intracounty POF services. Kitsap Transit has initially identified three routes to be included in this evaluation:

  • Bremerton to Silverdale
  • Bremerton to Manchester
  • Bremerton to Bainbridge Island

Up to two (2) additional routes will be identified through public engagement, drawing upon comments heard through the Long-Range Transit Plan (2022) process, potential demand, and review of routing opportunities and constraints.

What's Happening Now?

June 2025 Community Survey

We've launched a survey to collect feedback on the three potential intracounty POF routes and solicit ideas for up to two additional routes for the study.

Please take our June 2025 survey: CLICK HERE.Survey closes at noon on June 25, 2025.

History and Background

This project is beginning with a thorough effort to understand existing local and cross-sound ferry services and previous POF studies, including:  

  • King County POF Policy Study (2005) 
  • King County Metro Long Range Plan (2021)  
  • Kitsap Transit POF Business Plan and Long-Range Strategy (PH 1, 2014) (PH 2, 2015)  
  • Joint Transportation Committee Task Force Report (2006)  
  • PSRC Regional Passenger-Only Ferry Study (2021)  
  • Kingston Business Plan (2006)  

This phase of the study will conclude with a summary of needs, constraints and potential routing and landing site locations for future analysis.  

Community Engagement  

Early community engagement with local community leaders will help identify additional routes to be considered as a part of the site screening and evaluation process. Future engagement with jurisdictions, Tribal governments, community members, and interested parties will be conducted throughout the study process.  

The study team will be seeking input throughout the project, during the three key phases listed below:  

  • Phase 1: Service Opportunities and Route Analysis (We are here!) 
  • Phase 2: Operations and Facility Requirements  
  • Phase 3: Funding Alternatives and Strategy 
Mosquito Fleet Map

Mosquito Fleet Map (Seattle Post-Intelligencer, 1908)
Courtesy of Kitsap History Museum

Project Contact 
Steffani Lillie
Service & Capital Development Director
E-mail: KTplanning@kitsaptransit.com
Phone: (360) 478-6931

News Media Contact 
Sanjay Bhatt
Marketing & Public Information Director
E-mail: sanjayb@kitsaptransit.com
Phone: (360) 824-4926

Subscribe to the Intracounty Passenger-Only Ferry Project e-mail list

whitecollarsched-1920-cropped.png

Kitsap County Transportation Co. ferry schedule,
circa 1920, Courtesy of Kitsap History Museum

Next Steps

Phase 1: Service Opportunities and Route Analysis

The study will evaluate landing site locations and routing based on analysis criteria such as potential demand, multimodal access, water depth, and available space for vessel programming and land use compatibility. With routes identified, review of alternatives will outline the risks and operational considerations for each proposed route at a high level, including terminal facilities, vessels, operations, and financial considerations.  

Study Timeline  

Scheduled completion of this study is programmed for the end of 2025, with a final report documenting the analysis conducted and the proposed business plan and long-range strategy for Kitsap Passenger Only Ferry Service.

Project Timeline

pof-timeline_0521.jpg

 Get e-mail updates on the project by subscribing to the Intracounty Passenger-Only Ferry (POF) Project topic.


Reliance from Mosquito Fleet era

M/V Reliance from Mosquito Fleet era (Courtesy of Kitsap History Museum)

Reliance from today's fleet

M/V Reliance in today's Puget Sound area fleet (Photo by Kitsap Transit)

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