Kitsap Transit held a public open house at the Bremerton Ferry Terminal to display information regarding future high-capacity transit on SR303 (Warren Ave., Wheaton Way, and Waaga Way).  Below are written comments that we received from the public: 

• While initially more expensive than BRT, it has a stronger chance of surviving future capacities. A bus on the road would be limited by roadway speed limits and a bus lane can't be elevated in the future to allow turning cars to get off the roadway. To my knowledge a monorail system is limited to the track built for it, no lane change possibilities, also, no ground level service without excavation, and definitely harder to expand than a light rail system would be. A monorail system doesn't seem expandable enough for our needs- without spending another fortune anyway, not to mention the initial cost. We need expandability that doesn't require an act of Congress and money we don't have. All these factors and more seem to point toward LRT. We could always do BRT and move to LRT in the future, but in my experience it pays to do the right thing the first time. Thanks for listening.
  

• The key is level of transit service; more frequent and regular transit the higher is potential for use. Dependability counts, as well the population density and Park and Ride availability.
  

• I with many feel that making downtown Bremerton more attractive as well as other areas along SR303 (so that we will have an area to attract people to come to us) is first priority. After that is done, some ideas that could be used.  One make an agreement with DOD to use existing track between Bangor and PSNS. If that is not viable, for transit build monorail but only if we can give people something attractive to look at. If we could not finance that then elevated light rail would be a close second choice. Places that would be could transit stops would include Olympic College, Sheridan, Riddell Road, McWilliams Rd, Wal-Mart, Central Valley Road, Ridgetop, and Waaga Way.
  

• I would use any of the alternatives provided that there was an adequate link (Park and Ride, Shuttle Bus, etc.) to my neighborhood.
  

• The BRT would be appropriate provided that the issues with traffic separation can be overcome. Eventually, the rapid transit system should be separated by grade such as a subway or monorail.
  

• Please focus on running the bus well instead of making new reasons to raise my taxes.
  

• Monorail is the best out of traffic, quiet, and a real plan for Kitsap County. This is followed by light rail, then BRT in the center median.
  

• BRT – only one of the four that will get user approval, I question rider ship, even in 2030, to support cost.
  

• Elevated routes not accessible enough for handicapped individuals.
  

• I’ve a minor preference for monorail, though BRT has more flexibility.
  

• Inside median BRT preference, must have stations with easy access though.
  

• Monorail metal rail to metal rail requires a lot more maintenance what do you have with rubber on concrete or levitated rail?
  

• Monorail, low construction costs and ease of implementation will mean lower debt load and ability to expand service as needed for community growth and increased rider ship. I would use and HCT technology that does not run on ground. If my choice were to ride on ground via a car, bus or train, I would drive my car.
  

• Monorail less intrusive to cross traffic and helps reduce drive times for everyone.
  

• BRT with guide ways would be the most cost effective, as growth is fast becoming an issue a good system now should answer them.
  

• Need big parking lots or bus feeders from smaller community parking lots leading to stations on the line. Limit number of stations to speed service to end of lines.
  

• BRT cost fits in better with the more rural nature of the area.
  

• Need to get HCT off the ground to lessen traffic. Center left turn lanes need to be eliminated for safety.
  

• Economics being what they are, probably the BRT would be the most feasible HCT. We need more aggressive marketing to convince people to get out of their cars.
  

• Monorail is my first choice, as this would disrupt land usage the least.
  

• We do not need a rail system, we need better ferry service. KT needs to think about expanding bus service to Belfair, Port Orchard and Seabeck areas.
  

• Monorail has many advantages in the long run. Good service, longevity, people enjoy riding. May bring in more tourist $ etc, Plus, looks good, less congestion in elevated system then ground based.
  

• If I only have 4 choices to choose from it would be BRT. I think that any light rail or monorail service is premature and like King/Pierce County are finding out, extremely costly.
  

• Since I live in Port Orchard, which is woefully underserved transit wise, then I probably would not ride from Bremerton to Silverdale. However, if Port Orchard was included going to Bremerton transfer center and Silverdale, then I would ride everyday. The Horluck Ferry service from Port Orchard to BTC is horrible; KT needs more service from Port Orchard to BTC.
  

• Right now I would consider BRT for immediate use, it would be easier to implement.
  

• BRT with dedicated outside HOV lanes for transit only. Probably least expensive and easiest to justify. Allows for use by busses that service off main route down SR 303.
  

• Whatever is built must be convenient and affordable. Scheduling should be flexible to accommodate ferry arrivals. KT’s “Ferry Take Home” service is great idea and should be continued and or expanded.  Good mass transit keeps cars off the road, relieves surface street congestion, and protects air quality, while providing a vital community service.
  

• Why is there no talk of a buried rail (subway)?
  

• Where are the bike trails? I do not think any HCT is appropriate for this area. Just get more buses. Any HCT will cost too much capital and won’t be used. This area isn’t big enough and won’t be big enough. Bremerton is not Seattle. If you want public input, more information should be given. The input you will get back from this survey is going to be uninformed.
  

• HCT is a step in the right direction, but I think it’s imperative to run service regularly and frequently (including weekends) to fully develop rider ship within the communities. Additionally, a more intricate network of routes will help to put Kitsap County on the map for high quality public transportation, which is good for everyone.
  

• Rapid transit means that! Unless transit is not affected by traffic or stop lights it will not be any faster. Only transit that is above or below traffic will increase traffic flow already congested. Seattle-Bremerton is so far behind any other major metro area. Take a look at Portland. We are just not trying to create better transit for the problem. Get your heads out of the ground and do something.
  

• Please consider the added benefit of tourism for the elevated rail concepts. Tourist can increase revenue but won’t ride ground level HCT for fun.
  

• Do not build any more transit along 11th St or Pacific Ave North of 6th St. these are residential neighborhoods. I am a homeowner and feel strongly about this. Thank you.
  

• We need bus service along Seabeck Highway from Camp Union all along Kitsap Way.
  

• The alternative routes do not provide any useable service to anyone in South Kitsap and North Kitsap. Where are your park and rides located?
  

• Be very careful with the architectural design thru downtown areas. Need to implement good urban design strategies, watch visibility of business with raised system down center of street. Pedestrians should always come first in downtown planning.
  

• What is the evidence that we need such a system? Don’t we already have buses that serve the area? Compared to other areas such as Seattle, Spokane and Tacoma the traffic in this area is tame.
  

• Kitsap County cannot support higher dollar solutions. My assumption is that BRT would be cheapest to get going, but the others would have a lower operating cost. Get BRT running.
  

• I very much support the monorail system, NOT building more and bigger roads.
  

• I prefer a monorail system from Poulsbo with a bridge from Illahee to Bainbridge Island leading to Winslow.
  

• You have wasted a ton of money on a politically correct boon toggle.
  

• Create at least two more N/S corridors, one on each side of SR303: Central Valley and Perry or Trenton/Illahee.
  

• Why make us waste taxes on transportation that is not cost effective?
  

• I am in favor of a monorail that can run down the middle of SR303.  Bus service should also be enhanced.
  

• BRT would be the best option due to our population base.  Creating a circle of Highway 3, across 304 somehow, up 303 and around, with a series of park and rides all the way around, with stops at heavily trafficked areas, that would move people quickly.  Two-way turn lanes in the middle of Wheaton Way should be taken out.  There are enough lights to allow u-turns to get back to businesses along the other side.