Bringing successful passenger-only ferry service in Kitsap County will involve a phasing plan that introduces service in an incremental way and then builds upon its successes. The plan will build upon existing infrastructure, including terminal, vessel, and staff expertise, both in-house and in partnering agencies, to bring a safe, efficient and reliable travel option to Kitsap County residents.
How we helped
The team is evaluating the feasibility of three proposed routes: Bremerton to Seattle, Southworth to Seattle and Kingston to Seattle. Steer is providing the analysis of ridership and revenues through the development of a forecasting model based on existing ferry ridership and journey to work data.
Steer’s work includes developing a series of revenue estimates for each route under varying fare and service assumptions. In addition, a spreadsheet-based forecasting tool was also developed for the client to develop their own scenario analysis.
Steer also developed a detailed analysis of the economic benefits of the proposed service as well as its potential real estate value impacts.
Successes and outcomes
Kitsap Transit developed a business plan and long-range strategy for cross-sound passenger-only ferry service between Kitsap County and downtown Seattle. Kitsap Transit's Board of Commissioners approved the plan on April 5, 2016, placing it on the November 8, 2016 ballot. On November 29 election results were certified with Proposition 1 tallying 51.7% support.