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 routes from Bremerton, Kingston, and Southworth to downtown Seattle.

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

This study resulted in the development of a Preliminary Intracounty POF Business Plan and Long-Range Strategy which documents estimated costs for implementing and operating two potential intracounty POF routes and identifies next steps, opportunities, and challenges for implementation of new POF service.

Study Overview

The study was conducted in three phases, highlighted below:   

• Phase 1 - The first phase focused on compiling a list of intracounty POF route opportunities and screening potential routes based on preliminary assessment for service opportunities.
• Phase 2 - Next, the team analyzed two routes in more detail, including assessment of potential ridership, environmental considerations, potential landing sites and needed improvements, and fleet and operating requirements.   
• Phase 3 - Finally, estimated costs for the capital and operating requirements identified in the previous phase were developed, along with potential next steps toward service implementation.   

Public engagement was key in shaping the direction and goals of the study, including the following activities: 

• June 2025 Community Survey

We conducted a survey to collect feedback on the three potential intracounty POF routes and solicit ideas for up to two additional routes for the study. The summary findings were presented to the Kitsap Transit Board in July 2025.

Route Screening Preliminary Findings from Survey (July 2025)

• Advisory Group Meetings

Additional engagement involved an Advisory Group that met three times at key project stages. This group included representatives from local Chambers of Commerce, state and local officials, workforce development organizations, and economic development organizations. These group meetings provided space for sharing findings and progress of the study and for group members to share input and local insight.

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

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

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

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