Jefferson: Transit board setting wheels in motion for new bus headquarters

Published 12:01 am Wednesday, September 22, 2004

PORT TOWNSEND — As ridership grows, Jefferson Transit will need a new and bigger bus garage to handle the demand, the transit authority board was told.

The board discussed plans to replace the aging and undersized garage during a meeting Tuesday afternoon.

The total amount of riders this year increased by more than 7 percent, according to a recent Jefferson Transit operations report.

“The trend would continue, absolutely,” said General Manager Dave Turissini.

“Jefferson County is a very transit-friendly community.”

In response to the growth, the transit authority launched a new facility expansion project.

Mainly funded by the Federal Transit Administration, the project will provide space for administrative needs, vehicle repair and maintenance.

Jefferson Transit already has secured $2 million in federal funds, and local officials expect to receive an additional $4 million from the federal government.

Up to $3 million would come from local reserves.