The Kitsap Transit board approved a resolution at its May 6 meeting that will eliminate transfer credits on fast ferries, effective Oct. 1.
A 2024 study found revenue was estimated to be 19% higher without the transfer credit, or an estimated lost revenue of $810,000 for the year, per KT.
“Kitsap Transit conducted a Title VI equity analysis and determined the change in transfer credit policy would not result in a disproportionate adverse impact on minority or low-income riders,” per KT.
This follows fare increases approved by the board in 2024, which included $2 fare increases as well as $1 fare increases in 2025 for westbound trips.
“The policy change is a de facto fare increase for some fast ferry riders and their employers, but will improve the financial health of Kitsap Transit’s ferry fund,” per a KT news release. “Without more revenue, the fund is unlikely to keep up with needs projected through 2050, including about $150 million for replacing aging vessels and $145 million for ferry terminal and facility improvements.”
KT executive director John Clauson said the new policy would also better align with transfer policies of Washington State Ferries.
The board also approved a new operator contract with Amalgamated Transit Union 587, the union representing KT bus operators. The new contract covers both Routed and Access operators. The contract has a retroactive effective date of February 16, 2024, and ending February 15, 2028, per KT.
“Members voted overwhelmingly in support of ratifying this contract and seem pleased with it,” Greg Woodfill, ATU 587 president said. “The last contract expired in February 2024. And the contract negotiations before that went on so long that we just did a rollover. So it’s been years since the members had an actual new contract.”
Woodfill said the contract provides a total raise of 16.75%.
Bremerton City Council member and KT boardmember and Bremerton City Councilmember Anna Mockler shared her perspective about the new contract.
“I’m really, really happy that a contract has been ratified with the drivers, and I hope we can find a mechanism that drivers do not have to work without contract in the future,” she said. “When you’re not earning a ton of money, working without a contract for 14 months is really (nerve-wracking), making it difficult for people to make plans.”
Clauson said benefits to part-time employees as part of the new operator contract were critical for retention.
“There’s also some changes in the medical coverage for our part time employees, which I’m excited about, primarily because that will help us retain some of the operators that are just starting out, because till you get up in seniority, you may not reach the point where you can work a full 40 hour week,” he said. “So it at least provides them and their families with medical insurance while they’re in that part-time status.”
