Jefferson Transit

How To Use Jefferson Transit

 

FIRST THINGS FIRST: HOW TO READ A BUS SCHEDULE

Jefferson Transit’s bus schedules are easy to read – once you know how!

The Basics:

The schedules have information on both sides. One side has information about the routes that travel from Port Townsend to other towns. That side is labeled “Commuter Routes” The other side is labeled “Local Routes” and contains information about the routes that serve Port Townsend and about the #6 Tri-Area Route.

The Commuter Route schedules have two sets of information. One for the trip away from Port Townsend and one for the trip back. Make sure you are reading the proper one for your direction of travel. The Local Routes all start and end at the Haines Place Park and Ride, so there is no need to make sure you are checking for the proper direction.

Time-points:

Across the top of each schedule is a list of many places along that route that the bus will pass by and the times the bus is due at that point. These are called time-points. The list of time-points are not the only places the bus will stop; they are there to help you judge when to expect the bus to come by your stop.  By checking the time-point just before the stop where you want to catch the bus, you can determine when to start waiting.

Once you know which route you want to ride and which time-point is just before your stop, read the times listed in the column below your time-point. As you read down the column you will see the various times the bus is scheduled to depart that time-point.  Some routes have lots of trips each day, while others have only a few trips.

Weekends:

All the routes have fewer trips on weekends. Make sure you look for the time-points that are labeled Saturday and Sunday. Neither the #8 Sequim Route nor the #1 Brinnon Route operates on Sundays.

Friendly Drivers:

Jefferson Transit drivers are friendly and willing to help. If you have any questions, ask your driver. Remember, they must place safety before conversation. It is best to ask your questions when the bus is not moving.

You may also call our customer service representative with your schedule questions. Call (360) 385-4777.

Trips Involving More Than One Route

Sometimes to get to your destination you will need to switch from one route to another. If you are making multi-route trip for the first time, the easy way to plan your trip is to ask for help! Call our Customer Service Representative at (360) 385-4777. They will plan your trip for you. Don’t worry about fare payment when switching routes. All passengers on Jefferson Transit receive an all day pass, good on every route, upon payment of the first fare of the day. If you must switch routes to reach your destination or if you just want to ride around enjoying the scenery, you do not need to pay again. Just show your day pass to the driver of each bus you board and enjoy the ride.

THE REST:

Waiting for the bus

While it is always best to catch the bus at a designated bus stop, Jefferson Transit drivers can pick you up at safe locations on roads with a speed limit of 25 miles per hour or lower.  Keep in mind if you wait for the bus at places other than stops designated by a sign or a bus shelter, it is sometimes difficult for the driver to tell the difference between a passenger and a person who is waiting to cross the street or just standing on a street corner. Be sure you are in a safe spot with enough room for the bus and other vehicles to see you. Please let the driver know your intentions by signaling to the bus by waving up and down with your arm extended.  If it is dark out , please use a flashlight or a reflector to ensure the driver sees you.  Also, having your fare ready when you board the bus will help the driver to maintain the schedule.  Please note that due to higher road speeds, buses cannot stop safely except at designated bus stops on the #1 Brinnon, #7 Poulsbo, and #8 Sequim routes.

Bicycles

Bike racks are available on all routes on a first come, first served basis. The bike racks hold two bikes at a time and are very easy to use. People transporting bikes on the buses are expected to be able to load and unload them without assistance, although it is a good idea to ask the driver to demonstrate the first time.

Please act sensibly and courteously when using the bike racks. Inform the driver when you are loading or unloading, as it is sometimes difficult for the driver to see the area immediately in front of the bus. If your bike is the last to be unloaded, please fold the rack into its upright position against the front of the bus. If you want to transport your bike a very short distance and you see others who need to transport their bikes a much longer distance (for example there are many travelers who transport their bikes between Port Townsend and Bainbridge Island), please do the right thing and give them the opportunity. It's often the case that people going very short distances can take a bus that runs more frequently. 

Etiquette

Yes, there is such a thing as "bus etiquette". Certain behaviors are prohibited by state law, including:

1. Smoking or carrying a lit cigarette, cigar or pipe
2. Discarding litter anywhere other than designated receptacles
3. Playing any sound producing equipment (tape player, radio, disk player) except equipment that when connected to earphones limits the sound to individual listeners
4. Spitting
5. Carrying any flammable liquid, explosive, acid or other article or material likely to cause harm to others
6. Intentionally disturbing other passengers or the coach operator by engaging in loud or unruly behavior.
   

Lost and Found

Jefferson Transit saves items found on buses for 30 days. After that they are donated to a local charity. Please call (360) 385-4777.

Bus Security

FOR YOUR SAFETY, please do not touch unattended packages, handbags or backpacks you may find on the buses or in the bus shelters. Please report them to your transit driver. Also, please do not leave your own belongings unattended.

Jefferson Transit Passenger Code of Conduct

1.                   Pay the correct cash fare or show a pass when boarding

2.                   Remain seated while the bus is in motion

3.                   Hold on to a hand rail while the bus is in motion if no seats are available

4.                   Keep aisles free of all items

5.                   Ride quietly and respect the rights of other passengers (using drugs or alcohol, smoking, littering, spitting, possessing strong odors, playing audible music, swearing, or otherwise behaving in an unruly or harassing manner are all prohibited)

6.                   Keep all beverages in spill-proof containers

7.                   Refrain from eating

8.                   Not carry hazardous materials while riding with us

9.                   Keep animals, including pets and service animals, under close control or in a closed container

10.               Allow transit operators to drive their buses safely

11.               Cross behind buses, and wait until after the buses leave to cross the street

12.               Walk with bikes and carry skateboards at any Jefferson Transit Authority properties

Jefferson Transit may exclude passengers for not complying with its Passenger Code of Conduct or the Revised Code of Washington (RCW 9.91.025) which further governs passenger conduct.