PORT TOWNSEND — Calling it the biggest route changes to roll out in Jefferson Transit’s history, the bus transportation agency’s interim general manager on Monday called it a move that will boost service downtown and uptown.
“We’re really covering the same territory, [but] we’re basically doing it more efficiently,” Mike Pollack told the noon luncheon of Jefferson County Chamber of Commerce at the Port Townsend Elks Lodge.
The route changes were rolled out Sunday.
Pollack, a nine-year transit manager filling in until the Jefferson Transit Authority board hires a new general manager this year, said the changes have resulted in higher ridership.
“It’s too early to tell, but at least for right now people are willing to try it out,” he said.
The changes basically cut four routes to two, he explained, and eliminate bus transfers.
Connector routes
The Northwest Connector route runs from transit’s Haines Place Park and Ride through downtown and uptown, then to W and Redwood streets, Admiralty Avenue, Jefferson County Fairgrounds, the Bell and Cook neighborhoods, Hastings Avenue, Castle Hill, 19th Street and back through uptown and downtown.
The Southeast Connector route runs from the Park and Ride through uptown and downtown, then up to Castle Hill, Umatilla Hill, San Juan Avenue, Fort Worden State Park and back down Fir Street, with another swing through uptown and downtown.
As an introductory offer to the new service, Jefferson Transit is offering free rides through April 24.
The routes largely target commuters and their start and finish work schedules, including City Hall, Jefferson County Courthouse and Jefferson Healthcare hospital.
No transfers
The new routes will allow commuters outside Port Townsend to ride to Brinnon, Quilcene, Poulsbo or Sequim without transferring buses.
The route changes in Port Townsend allow for frequent drop-offs and pickups downtown.
“It’s about every 10 minutes that a bus goes through downtown,” Pollack said, adding that that would be good for tourists and downtown employers.
Online assistance
Pollack and other transit officials highly recommend using Google Transit (maps.google.com) and click on “Get Directions.”
Route times and directions can be found on Google by entering the bus trip’s beginning and ending addresses, date and time to travel and choosing “By public transit” from the drop-down menu.
To get personal customer service on routes, call 360-385-4777, or see jeffersontransit.com for schedules and route maps.
New bus schedules can be obtained on any Jefferson Transit bus or at the Visitor Information Center at Haines Place Park and Ride on 12th Street at Haine Street.
The changes are the result of 17 public meetings over 18 months, Pollack said.
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Port Townsend-Jefferson County Editor Jeff Chew can be reached at 360-385-2335 or at jeff.chew@peninsuladailynews.com.
