PORT TOWNSEND — Jefferson Transit officials let out a collective sigh of relief after learning they won’t have to provide bus service on the Kitsap County side of Hood Canal when the state Highway 104 floating bridge is closed May 1 to replace its east half.
Becky Hixson, Hood Canal Bridge project communications and business manager, said the state was about to formally accept a request for proposals application from Seattle-based Starline Luxury Coaches, which was test-running its buses Thursday between the bridge closure’s temporary Port Gamble Park and Ride and Lofall water shuttle landing.
The state’s hire of Starline got Jefferson Transit, which has had to hire 25 temporary drivers and lease buses from several different counties, off the hook.
“The last fallback was for us to provide the service,” said Dave Turissini, Jefferson Transit general manager, who along with Jefferson Transit’s Mike Pollack has been helping the state Department of Transportation plan temporary bus service to water shuttle docks at South Point in Jefferson County and Lofall in Kitsap County.
Relieved
Turissini added that Pollack, who already faced a big challenge organizing added Jefferson County bus service, was especially relieved that Kitsap County transportation during the six-week Hood Canal Bridge construction closure is no longer a concern.
Jefferson Transit had agreed in principle to provide temporary bus service in Kitsap County during the May-June Hood Canal Bridge construction closure after Kitsap Transit declined to provide the service.
Kitsap Transit union employees refused to take on the additional transportation duty during the bridge closure, which left Jefferson Transit wondering if it would be left responsible.
The state put out a request for proposals to area private transit providers, seeking a transportation remedy in Kitsap.
As planned, Jefferson Transit will still provide bus service, the No. 7 route to Poulsbo, and shuttle service from the temporary 1,500-space Fred Hill Materials Shine Pit park and ride to the temporary dock being set up at South Point, about 3 miles south of state Highway 104 in Jefferson County.
Port Angeles-based Victoria Express will water shuttle passengers across the Hood Canal between South Point and Lofall.
Right for job
Hixson said DOT found Starline to be the right company, being flexible and having enough drivers and buses available.
“It would have definitely been a stretch for them to accommodate both sides of the canal,” Hixson said of Jefferson Transit. “They’ve done everything they could to work with us.”
Turissini said Jefferson Transit is ready to roll on the west side of the canal.
“We’re psyched. We started training this week for contractors,” he said those hired for the six-week project.
Jefferson Transit has had to scrounge for buses to lease from transit agencies including Everett and Clallam, Mason, Grant and Thurston counties.
Jefferson Transit has contracted with the Inn at Port Ludlow to provide temporary housing for drivers.
________
Port Townsend-Jefferson County Editor Jeff Chew can be reached at 360-385-2335 or at jeff.chew@peninsuladailynews.com.
