Island Transit

PROJECTS

Island Transit Projects

Learn about Island Transit’s commitment to provide value for our customers, communities, and our transportation partners. The Transit Development Plan (TDP) is available for public review, it includes near and longer-range goals for the agency, developed over several years. Projects currently either in progress or review stage are outlined on this page. Additional information will be made available as each project develops into their next stage.

Transition to Zero Emissions - ZEBPRO

Island Transit Maximized

Solar Panel Installations

Island Transit Provides Essential Transportation Service (see below)

Transition to Zero Emissions - ZEBPRO

Island Transit is committed to reducing our agency’s carbon footprint while we continue to help you reduce yours. Island Transit began a zero emission feasibility study in August 2022. This study will determine what kind of technologies we will use as we transition our fleet. We have created a survey to provide a better understanding of the options our agency is considering while offering you, as part of the community, an opportunity to provide feedback.

We have completed the survey and working on compiling the results. Thanks to all who particpated!

Did you know?

Taking the bus is a net reducer of carbon emissions. By eliminating one car trip and taking public transportation instead of driving, a savings of up to 30% of carbon dioxide emissions can be realized. (American Transportation Association APTA)

Click here for more info - Zero Emission Fleet Feasibility Study

Solar Panel Installation Completed

As part of Island Transit’s initiative to become more sustainable, solar panels have been installed on both the Camano and Coupeville Transit Facilities. This is part of the agency’s transition to reducing carbon consumption by gaining energy from zero or low carbon sources.

The agency received a grant award of $133,795.00 from the Washington Department of Commerce to pay for a large portion of this work.

The benefits of this installation include:

Reduction in net carbon consumption

Eco-friendly transit facilities

Cost savings on energy bills

These solar panels will help reduce our dependency on non-renewable energy further reducing Island Transit’s carbon footprint.

Click here for more info

Island Transit Maximized

Island Transit Maximized is an initiative that has evaluated all aspects of our current public transit system and identified where improvements can be made to create more accessible, convenient, safe, friendly, and sustainable bus services. These improvements have been adopted and provides all our community members greater access to jobs, education, shopping, residential areas, medical facilities, and other opportunities across Island County.

Island Transit Maximized is also the foundation as the agency begins the zero-emissions feasibility study. This will provide the agency the necessary information to determine what zero emission technologies will support existing and proposed routes and services.

Improvements include Sunday service, on-demand service, the addition of routes to unserved and underserved areas, and increasing the frequencies of existing routes.

Click here for more info

Island Transit Provides Essential Transportation Services During COVID19 Pandemic

Since 2020 and throughout the pandemic, Island Transit remained in continuous operation, even during stay-at-home orders, providing bus service and paratransit services to residents, ensuring access to jobs, school, health care and other needs. The agency immediately instituted safety practices in all facilities and buses. These health measures include complimentary masks for all passengers, installation of plexiglass to support social distancing from coach operators, hand sanitizer and disinfectant wipes for coach operators, hand sanitizer installed in all larger buses for passengers, hydrostatic disinfecting of all vehicles daily, use of gloves and masks onboard vehicles and inside transit facilities, and daily COVID-19 self-screening. Additionally, in August of 2021 the Active Air Purification System was added to all vehicles, enhancing the protocols already in place. This state-of-the-art system continually sanitizes the air and surfaces in the vehicle; reducing the risk of exposure to SARS CoV2, H1N1, Avian Flu, MRSA, E. coli, bacteria, mold, and carcinogens.

Supported with federal CARES Act funding, Island Transit customized services to react to where the needs are greatest. While routes and schedules had to be adjusted, the agency ensured its services were and continue to be accessible to everyone in the community, particularly older adults, veterans, people with disabilities, people with serious medical conditions, lower income and single-family residents, students, and essential workers. Public transit is integral in supporting our county’s community members, transporting essential workers to their jobs and providing access to essential services, like healthcare.

Island Transit has been and continues to be a progressive rural transportation agency, as noted by being the first agency in Washington State to institute a fare free system. Maintaining essential rural public transit and providing sustainable services for the future supports a healthy, equitable community.