Dial-a-Ride bus service to begin next week on Bainbridge

Published 2:59 pm Tuesday, June 3, 2014

Bainbridge residents can begin riding Kitsap Transit’s expanded service next week.

The bus service, called B.I. RIDE, will offer more island-wide stops and dial-a-ride pick ups starting June 9.

“It gives students a way to get to summer activities while their parents are at work,” said City Manager Doug Schulze.

“It will also give our visitors who walk-on the ferry another transportation option for seeing the amazing attractions we have on Bainbridge Island,” he said.

Currently, Kitsap Transit offers weekday routes to and from the ferry during the morning and evening commute hours.

B.I. RIDE will serve Bainbridge during weekday non-commuter times and on Saturdays.

Passengers will now be able to hop on one of two additional buses that will run during the afternoon hours.

Buses are scheduled from 9:15 a.m. to 2:50 p.m. Monday through Friday and 10:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Saturdays.

Residents and visitors to Bainbridge can either catch a ride at one of the scheduled stops and let the driver know their destination and be on their way, or they can call to schedule a ride.

The bus will pick up anywhere on the island with a two-hour notice.

At their drop-off point, riders can also let the driver know if they will need to be picked up later in the day at the same place.

Fares for the new service will be $2.

Drivers will accept exact cash, ORCA cards, a Kitsap Transit monthly bus pass or regional Puget Pass.

Those who qualify as seniors, disabled, youth, low-income ORCA card holders or reduced-fare card holders can board the bus for a reduced fare of $1.

Children under 6 years old ride free.

The new service is made possible through a collaborative effort between Kitsap Transit, the city of Bainbridge Island and the Chamber of Commerce.

For more information or to schedule a ride, call 1-844-4BI-RIDE.