BREMERTON — Voters have rejected Kitsap Transit’s plan for passenger-only ferries, but at least two private ferry operators are seriously considering limited foot-ferry service in Kingston and Bremerton.
They’ll face many of the same problems that have always hindered privately operated foot ferries. And the ball is still in Kitsap Transit’s court.
Clipper Navigation, a Seattle company that runs excursion trips to Victoria, British Columbia, is gearing up to revive long-held plans to offer peak-hour runs from Kingston to downtown Seattle.
"We believe people have been waiting too long for this," said Darrell Bryan, general manager for Clipper.
The company conducted a market survey three years ago for foot ferries in Kingston. The results were positive, and the company applied for a state permit. But the state had not yet lifted restrictions that prevented competition with state ferries, so Clipper shelved its plans and backed off.
Voters rejected the state’s transportation-oriented Referendum 51 last year and on Tuesday, Kitsap County voters turned down the transit agency’s proposal to finance foot ferries with local tax increases, the stage may be set for private options.
"We’re ready to provide the service," Bryan said. Clipper envisions three to four runs in the morning and evening with ticket prices ranging from $8 to $10.
Bainbridge-based Pacific Navigation is considering the same type of service for Bremerton.
The company has not yet fully researched the possibility, says its president, Greg Dronkert. But it has appropriate vessels, and he says he doesn’t think it would be too difficult to get started.
Dronkert said he would run the boats slowly enough to prevent wake damage in Rich Passage, but that would mean a crossing time of about 45 minutes — not much faster than the state’s car ferries.
Under state law, Kitsap Transit has about 18 months to try to provide service before the private sector can step in, unless the agency relinquishes that right. Its executive director, Richard Hayes, said the agency hasn’t decided what to do.
Kitsap Transit’s plan, which would have levied a sales and vehicle tax to run boats from Kingston, Bremerton and Southworth, was rejected by 61 percent of voters. One agency option is to retool the plan and offer it again.
"All of us need to wait and see what their proposals are," Hayes said of the private alternatives. "We would need to see a lot more details."
Bryan said he intends to move quickly to clear the way for his ferries to start running. He said his operation could be up in about six months.
Dronkert said he has his sights set on spring.
Talk to us
> Give us your news tips.
> Send us a letter to the editor.
> More Herald contact information.
