The launch of the Pierce Transit Runner service in Gig Harbor has brought up the question: “Why not the Key Peninsula?”
The answer is simple: the Runner is a Pierce Transit program and the KP is not in the Pierce Transit Public Transportation Benefit service area.
The Pierce Transit service area is the Gig Harbor City limits. Most of the Gig Harbor peninsula does not get the Runner either. But the Pierce Transit service area does include the Purdy Park and Ride and Peninsula High School, so people could travel to and from there on the Runner for $2 or free if they are under 18 and have the free Orca card (www. myorca.com).
I have been working hard to get some transportation services on the KP. Last year (2023 was my first year as your County Councilperson) I worked with the county to give $50,000 to the Partnership for a Healthy Community to do a transportation study (we need data to go after bigger grants for a long-term solution), and to provide the free Key Peninsula Holiday Shuttle (remember me begging people to ride last year?).
For the 2024-25 budget, I worked with colleagues to secure $600,000 for three rural transportation pilot programs, one of which will be on the KP. This is unprecedented. I hope to have an update from county staff by May, so stay tuned to my Facebook page or newsletter.
Big thanks to the KP for advocating for itself and helping me bring additional services to the community.
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