Kitsap Transit – Connecting Communities

Direct Access has collaborated with Kitsap Transit, based in Bremerton and Seattle, Washington, to implement their disability ADA Transition Plan. Our dedicated network of access consultants delivered team member surveys and audited bus terminals, park-and-ride facilities, and ferry terminals across the whole agency, respectively. 

As part of the Seattle metropolitan area in Washington, Kitsap Transit provides services including 40 fixed bus routes, a vanpool system, worker-driver services, and paratransit dial-a-ride services. The Kitsap Fast Ferries provides high-speed passenger ferry service from Bremerton, Kingston, and Southworth into downtown Seattle. Local foot ferries form a vital connection between downtown Bremerton and Port Orchard across Sinclair Inlet by shuttling Puget Sound Naval Shipyard employees to and from work daily.  

Utilizing our auditors’ understanding of local relevant legislation and Direct Access’ personal experience with disability, Kitsap Transit sought to foster meaningful change in the transport sector for people with disabilities. Our final report highlighted the initial problems across Kitsap’s network of vehicles and stations and detailed realistic routes for improvement. This then allowed the transport provider to develop inclusive strategies that benefit all of their disabled travelers, whether that’s mobility-impaired individuals, deaf, blind, neurodiverse, or otherwise.

Though all facilities at the time of our audit offered lifts or ramps for boarding ease, the services had a lot of room for improvement and wanted to address  barrier-free access for people with various types of disabilities. Direct Access’ inclusive strategies not only addressed roads to accessibility for these groups but created an overall better experience for passengers, regardless of personal ability and access requirements.

As a result of our collaboration, Kitsap has meaningfully addressed systemic challenges faced by disabled individuals who use its public transportation services, working towards a more sustainable, inclusive transport environment for citizens with any disability within the state of Washington.