Kitsap Transit faces a tough sell

Published 1:00 pm Wednesday, August 16, 2006

If the fate of Aqua Express hinges on a proposed 3/10ths of a cent sales tax hike and that alone, the return of passenger-only service from Kingston to Seattle will be facing choppy waters — to say the least. But officials with both agencies seem to be hinting that no tax, no ferry.

Finding support for the increase, which would raise Kitsap’s sale tax rate to one of the highest in Washington, in a climate where folks are typically shelling out $3 for a gallon of gas won’t be easy. The tax would reportedly impact KT’s coverage area, which stretches to Bainbridge Island, Silverdale, Bremerton and Port Orchard. The further south you get, the less folks are likely give a rip as to whether or not Kingston gets the service. How many North Kitsap residents would support a sales tax hike to support commuting options in Port Orchard after all?

Supporters of the tax and the service have their work cut out one way or the other. But for those backing Aqua Express and KT on the ferry route — which essentially was sunk “temporarily” due to low ridership — now’s the time to show your support.

From 4-7 p.m. today at the Kingston Yacht Club residents can chime in on the service and have their questions answered. The informational meeting (the first of several throughout Kitsap) will help transit officials gauge how to proceed in restarting the Kingston-Seattle route. As a result, high turnout at this session is a prerequisite.

This is already a tough sell to the voters but be assured that it will be even tougher if North End residents and commuters who will benefit from the service opt not to attend. Having only a handful of residents there will send a message to the rest of the county that even the service’s hometown is lukewarm on the idea. If this is the case, why should the rest of the county ante up?