This isn’t so much an editorial opinion on Kitsap Transit’s passenger-only proposal as it is a hope to open discussions on something that is inevitable as taxes — the need for improved transportation. With the state shoving off on it’s own foot ferries next week, the KT plan is certainly one worth considering.

The pros on this are pretty impressive.

For the majority of North Kitsap and the Olympic Peninsula, the concept means easier travel to and from Seattle. Instead of having to drive from Hansville, Indianola, Port Gamble and other northern communities, residents could simply drive to Kingston and hop on a foot ferry.

Poulsbo and Suquamish residents (who would still primarily use the Bainbridge boats out of habit and proximity) would have another cross Sound transportation option as well. (We won’t delve too deeply into routes for Bremerton and Southworth, where runs would also be impacted, because you don’t live there).

Traffic congestion would be lessened on existing runs and along roads in Kitsap County to boot. Foot ferry passengers who want to get to Seattle could simply hop on the Kingston boat and avoid Bainbridge altogether.

For commuters, this thing would be terrific. But what effect will it have on North Kitsap residents who are already driving to areas in the east side beyond Edmonds and Seattle? Not much.

Some folks in our society ride buses all the time, others, no matter, how bad traffic is, don’t. They’d rather wait in line than wait at a stop. Despite our best efforts to be a bus friendly society, we’re still failing in this regard. How else does one explain why so many cars on the highway have single occupants?

People who ride buses get dropped off at the dock or walk from nearby will definitely benefit though. And while $9 per round trip ticket is almost double what passengers are paying currently, many will make the financial sacrifice to save some time in their commutes.

Speaking of money, the lynch pin in this whole thing isn’t whether or not foot ferries are a great idea for Kingston, Bremerton and Southworth — they are. Whether or not they’re a good enough idea to sway the stingy taxpayers here has yet to be determined. Keep in mind that well over half of county voters shot down Referendum 51.

The 3/10ths of a cent increase on sales tax would bring Kitsap County to 8.8 cents on the dollar. For every $100, that’s $8.80. That’s the first major hurdle. The second is a 3/10ths of a cent increase on our Motor Vehicle Excise Taxes for annual car license renewals. For a $20,000 car, it’s $60 on top of the $37 or so you’re already paying for new tabs.

The financial weight of the KT proposal could sink the whole thing but a strong show of support could float it.

Kingston finally has its shot at getting passenger-only boats and after Bremerton and Southworth, Poulsbo’s next in line. It has been for some time.

The plan would make travel across the Sound for North Kitsap much easier — albeit slightly more expensive for the average citizen. It also allows east side residents improved access to local ports of call. But will daytripping families from Seattle really plunk down $9 a kid to arrive in Kitsap County and then catch a KT bus to see the sights? Or will they decide to drive or maybe just drop $5.40 a person and visit Bainbridge Island?

There are lots of questions that need to be answered on this one and hopefully a true pro and con dialogue will get going on this one before late October. Or early November.This isn’t so much an editorial opinion on Kitsap Transit’s passenger-only proposal as it is a hope to open discussions on something that is inevitable as taxes — the need for improved transportation. With the state shoving off on it’s own foot ferries next week, the KT plan is certainly one worth considering.

The pros on this are pretty impressive.

For the majority of North Kitsap and the Olympic Peninsula, the concept means easier travel to and from Seattle. Instead of having to drive from Hansville, Indianola, Port Gamble and other northern communities, residents could simply drive to Kingston and hop on a foot ferry.

Poulsbo and Suquamish residents (who would still primarily use the Bainbridge boats out of habit and proximity) would have another cross Sound transportation option as well. (We won’t delve too deeply into routes for Bremerton and Southworth, where runs would also be impacted, because you don’t live there).

Traffic congestion would be lessened on existing runs and along roads in Kitsap County to boot. Foot ferry passengers who want to get to Seattle could simply hop on the Kingston boat and avoid Bainbridge altogether.

For commuters, this thing would be terrific. But what effect will it have on North Kitsap residents who are already driving to areas in the east side beyond Edmonds and Seattle? Not much.

Some folks in our society ride buses all the time, others, no matter, how bad traffic is, don’t. They’d rather wait in line than wait at a stop. Despite our best efforts to be a bus friendly society, we’re still failing in this regard. How else does one explain why so many cars on the highway have single occupants?

People who ride buses get dropped off at the dock or walk from nearby will definitely benefit though. And while $9 per round trip ticket is almost double what passengers are paying currently, many will make the financial sacrifice to save some time in their commutes.

Speaking of money, the lynch pin in this whole thing isn’t whether or not foot ferries are a great idea for Kingston, Bremerton and Southworth — they are. Whether or not they’re a good enough idea to sway the stingy taxpayers here has yet to be determined. Keep in mind that well over half of county voters shot down Referendum 51.

The 3/10ths of a cent increase on sales tax would bring Kitsap County to 8.8 cents on the dollar. For every $100, that’s $8.80. That’s the first major hurdle. The second is a 3/10ths of a cent increase on our Motor Vehicle Excise Taxes for annual car license renewals. For a $20,000 car, it’s $60 on top of the $37 or so you’re already paying for new tabs.

The financial weight of the KT proposal could sink the whole thing but a strong show of support could float it.

Kingston finally has its shot at getting passenger-only boats and after Bremerton and Southworth, Poulsbo’s next in line. It has been for some time.

The plan would make travel across the Sound for North Kitsap much easier — albeit slightly more expensive for the average citizen. It also allows east side residents improved access to local ports of call. But will daytripping families from Seattle really plunk down $9 a kid to arrive in Kitsap County and then catch a KT bus to see the sights? Or will they decide to drive or maybe just drop $5.40 a person and visit Bainbridge Island?

There are lots of questions that need to be answered on this one and hopefully a true pro and con dialogue will get going on this one before late October. Or early November.