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Transit Advisory Group (TAG)

Jefferson Transit Authority

Transit Advisory Group Meeting Agenda

Wednesday, March 4, 2026, 5:00 PM

In-Person: Jefferson Transit Board Room, 63 Four Corners Road, Port Townsend, WA 98368

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It is the mission of the Jefferson Transit Authority (JTA) Transit Advisory Group to advocate for public transit and to serve as a resource to the Jefferson Transit Authority Board in accomplishing Jefferson Transit Authority’s mission and goals.
  1. I. Call to Order/Roll Call
  2. II. Public Comment
  3. III. Consent Agenda (action)
    • a. Approval of January 7, 2026 Meeting Minutes
  4. IV. JTA Board Update
  5. V. Staff Reports
  6. VI. Unfinished Business
  7. VII. New Agenda Items
  8. VIII. New Business
    • a. Approved TAG Bylaws Amendments (Discussion)
    • b. Proposed Service Changes Public Comment Period (Discussion)
    • c. Preparing for 2026 Special Event Season (Discussion)
    • d. How JTA Prepares for Service and Route Changes (Discussion)
    • e. Round Robin (Discussion)
  9. IX. Agenda Planning
  10. X. Public Comment
  11. XI. Adjourn

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Jefferson Transit Authority | Transit Advisory Group (TAG)

DRAFT Meeting Minutes
Wednesday, January 7, 2026 | 5:00 p.m.
63 Four Corners Road, Port Townsend, WA 98368

CALL TO ORDER/ROLL CALL

The meeting was called to order at 5:00 p.m. by Linda MacIntyre. A quorum was present.

TAG Members Present: Linda MacIntyre [Chair], Deborah Jahnke [Vice Chair], John Frasca, Becci Kimball, and Tim Caldwell.

TAG Member Excused Absences: Dave Nakagawara and Rose Harris.

Staff Present: General Manager Nicole Gauthier, Marketing and Outreach Manager Kelly Olsen, and Clerk of the Board Amanda Watkins.

Jeff Kostechka joined at 5:04 p.m.

PUBLIC COMMENT

Joyce James, a Port Townsend resident, provided comments via Zoom. Joyce, who is legally blind and relies entirely on JTA buses for transportation, expressed concern about recent cancellations on Route 11, which she regularly uses. She emphasized the importance of maintaining scheduled trips, as cancellations have personally impacted her ability to attend medical and other essential appointments. Joyce stressed the need for reliable service.

Nicole Gauthier responded that JTA takes scheduling seriously, though some cancellations are unavoidable due to mechanical issues and ongoing driver shortages. The matter will be reviewed by staff, and JTA remains committed to minimizing disruptions.

CONSENT AGENDA

Motion: Tim Caldwell moved to approve the consent agenda. Deborah Jahnke seconded the motion.

Vote: The motion carried unanimously, 6-0 by voice vote.

JTA BOARD UPDATE

Nicole Gauthier presented a summary of the December 16, 2025 Authority Board Meeting, which included updates on the approved purchase of three JTOC vehicles, adoption of the 2026 operating and capital budget, approval of a contract to implement on-demand paratransit software, procurement of new finance software, a marketing policy update,

Jefferson Transit Authority Transit Advisory Group
Meeting Minutes 01/07/2026

introduction of a new wellness committee policy, progress on the JTA rebrand project, and a proclamation honoring Ben Thomas. Nicole reported on staffing changes, noting the departure of Finance and HR Manager Miranda Nash and announcing the hiring of Veronica Lomba as the new Finance Manager, effective January 12.

STAFF REPORTS

General Manager and Marketing reports were included in the meeting packet. Nicole Gauthier summarized her report with an update on the 2026 agency work plan, which includes the Haines Place redesign, records digitization, public outreach for service changes, staffing and training initiatives, implementation of Sunday service, paratransit and financial software upgrades, the agency rebrand, resolution of a fire suppression issue in the third maintenance bay, fleet electrification strategy, bus shelter maintenance, and fuel tank system improvements. Questions were raised regarding the Gateway Visitor Center, the rebranding project, and driver recruitment, followed by discussion.

Kelly Olsen presented highlights of the 2026 marketing plan, which includes online accessibility requirements, a cybersecurity audit, a digital advertising strategy, outreach for the agency rebrand, collaboration with transit and tourism committees, and planning for 2026 community events. Questions were asked regarding the 2026 marketing plan and new TAG member recruitment.

UNFINISHED BUSINESS

There was no unfinished business.

NEW AGENDA ITEMS

There were no new agenda items.

NEW BUSINESS

Proposed TAG Bylaws Amendments (Action)

Linda MacIntyre reviewed proposed amendments to the TAG bylaws, including revised wording in Sections 3.1 and 5.3, increasing the number of unexcused absences constituting resignation from two to three, replacing the term “subcommittee” with “task force” in Section 7.4, and updating task force requirements. Questions were asked, leading to a discussion.

Motion: Becci Kimball moved to recommend the proposed TAG bylaw amendments to the JTA Board for approval. John Frasca seconded.

Vote: The motion carried unanimously, 6-0 by voice vote.

Jefferson Transit Authority Transit Advisory Group
Meeting Minutes 01/07/2026
DRAFT

2026 Meeting Topics, Goals and Workplan (Discussion)

Linda MacIntyre shared a document outlining potential meeting topics for 2026. A suggestion was made for JTA to provide advertising to the Jefferson County Beacon.

TAG members provided input on priority topics, including:

  • Outreach and marketing collaboration with Port Townsend businesses and the Production Alliance regarding community special events
  • Annual ridership review
  • Youth mobility
  • Consistent JTA marketing messaging
  • National trends in rural transit services
  • Improving access to transit
  • Potential changes to TAG meeting duration and start time

Questions were raised, leading to further discussion.

Feedback from TAG Members to JTA (Discussion)

TAG members engaged in a round-robin style discussion to provide feedback to JTA. The feedback reads as follows:

  • Suggested improvements in downtown Port Townsend marketing strategies
  • Positive feedback received on the plans for Gateway Visitor Center and Haines Place Park and Ride
  • Question was asked regarding federal funding concerns
  • Support offered for driver recruitment efforts
  • Emphasis on promoting connectivity between JTA and out-of-county routes
  • Support for continued integration of JTA in the Active Transportation Plan
  • Inclusion of JTA marketing on WA State Ferries
  • Suggestions provided for school outreach initiatives
  • Concern shared regarding bus reader board signage at Haines Place
  • Recommendation for rebranding comparisons with other transit agencies
  • Need for increased park-and-ride signage in and around Port Townsend
  • Potential JTA involvement in downtown “party bus” program
  • Promotion of transit options for the new hotel in Port Townsend
  • Positive feedback received for the agency’s accomplishments under Nicole Gauthier’s leadership

Questions were raised, leading to further discussion.

PUBLIC COMMENT

Port Townsend resident Joyce James asked how to access bus trip cancellation data and how to ensure buses remain consistently on schedule.

Jefferson Transit Authority Transit Advisory Group
Meeting Minutes 01/07/2026

Draft document

ADJOURNMENT

The meeting concluded at 6:31 p.m. The next TAG meeting will be held on March 4, 2026 at 5:00 pm.

Clerk of the Board
Date
Jefferson Transit Authority Transit Advisory Group
Meeting Minutes 01/07/2026

Fixed Route Ridership Numbers: 2025-2026

2025 Jan Feb Mar Apr May June July August Sept Oct Nov Dec Yearly Total Monthly Average
#1 Brinnon 1394 1009 1282 1429 1418 1234 1332 1238 1329 1521 1114 1325 15625 1302
#11 Shuttle 5986 5307 6318 7143 7305 7865 8293 8224 7594 7636 6280 7018 84969 7081
#2 Ft. Worden 1487 1278 1563 1710 1722 1758 1921 1800 1574 1431 1091 1214 18549 1546
#3 Castle Hill 1273 1149 1407 1399 1406 1442 1535 1332 1304 1571 1092 1309 16219 1352
#4 Upper Sims Loop 3610 3274 3988 4094 4156 4091 4459 4387 4138 3990 2934 3455 46576 3881
#6A Tri Area 1324 1182 1406 1365 1392 1218 1373 1380 1341 1452 1151 1381 15965 1330
#6B Tri Area 1226 1279 1345 1427 1365 1396 1474 1402 1300 1387 1066 1217 15884 1324
#7 Poulsbo 1393 1403 1503 1666 1572 1667 1866 1719 1548 1565 1230 1444 18576 1548
#8 Sequim 1558 1293 1624 1586 1612 1589 1777 1737 1803 1840 1371 1603 19393 1616
#14 Kingston Express 418 427 548 525 651 632 743 857 712 742 593 685 7533 628
Wooden Boat 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 6246 0 0 0 6246 0
Riders 19669 17601 20984 22344 22599 22892 24773 24076 28889 23135 17922 20651 265535 22128
Average Per Day 786.76 765.26 807.08 859.38 869.19 915.68 952.81 926.00 1155.56 856.85 779.22 794.27 873.47 872
On Time Performance 98% 98% 97% 98% 99% 98% 98% 96% 99% 98% 99% 98% 97.84% 98%
#Days In Service 25 23 26 26 26 25 26 26 25 27 23 26 304 25
Mileage 41342 37707 42431 43137 43961 43031 44908 44198 43339 50777 42036 48707 525574 43798

NOTE: Service changes effective 9/29/25 (Route 1 - added mid-morning run, Route 4 - Route change, Route 11A service every 20 minutes, Route 11B Shuttle removed)

Canceled Routes 2025
Date Route Time Reason
02/05/2512:00 AMWeather
02/05/2513:25 AMWeather
02/05/2533:30 AMWeather
02/05/2544:00 AMWeather
02/07/2537:30 AMDriver shortage
03/07/2548:30 AMDriver shortage
05/22/25412:00 PMRoad Construction
08/01/2544:00 PMBreakdown
09/30/251112:40 PMRidership
10/01/251111:40 AMHelping passengers
10/16/251111:40 AMRidership
10/16/25412:00 PMDriver shortage
10/18/25116:40 PMRally on Sims Way
10/27/251112:20 PMRidership
10/28/2549:00 AMDriver and bus shortage
10/29/2548:30 AMTraffic accident
10/29/25310:30 AMTraffic accident
10/29/251110:40 AMTraffic accident
Date Route Time Reason
10/29/25112:20 PMUnforeseen circumstances
10/31/25114:20 PMParade on Sims Way
11/04/251112:40 PMMechanical Issues
11/05/251110:20 AMMechanical Issue/Driver
11/06/25146:17 PMAccident on bridge
11/06/25147:37 PMAccident on bridge
11/12/251111:40 AMUnforeseen circumstances
11/12/251112:40 PMRidership
11/12/25113:00 PMDriver shortage
11/20/251112:20 PMDriver shortage
11/21/2545:00 PMDriver shortage
11/24/25113:20 PMDriver shortage
11/24/2543:30 PMDriver shortage
11/26/2543:00 PMMechanical Issues
11/26/25113:00 PMDriver shortage
11/26/2533:30 PMMechanical Issues
11/26/2533:30 PMMechanical Issues
11/29/25111:40 PMMechanical Issues
Date Route Time Reason
12/01/251112:00 PMMulitple Ramp uses
12/02/251112:20 PMRidership
12/03/25117:00 AMDriver Shortage
12/03/251110:40 AMMechanical Issues / Driver
12/03/25113:40 PMDriver Shortage
12/06/25114:40 PMCanceled due to traffic
12/08/251112:40 PMDriver Shortage
12/09/25144:06 PMCanceled due to accident at HCB
12/09/25146:17 PMCanceled due to accident at HCB
12/13/25114:40 PMCanceled due to ridership on prev 11.
12/15/251112:40 PMRidership
12/17/25117:20 AMDriver Shortage
12/18/2549:30 AMMechanical Issues
12/22/25112:40 PMMechanical Issues
12/22/25113:00 PMDriver Shortage
12/29/251112:40 PMDriver Shortage
2026 Jan Feb Mar Apr May June July August Sept Oct Nov Dec Yearly Total Monthly Average
#1 Brinnon 1400 1400 1400
#11 Shuttle 6788 6788 6788
#2 Ft. Worden 1189 1189 1189
#3 Castle Hill 1325 1325 1325
#4 Upper Sims Loop 3070 3070 3070
#6A Tri Area 1374 1374 1374
#6B Tri Area 1358 1358 1358
#7 Poulsbo 1398 1398 1398
#8 Sequim 1751 1751 1751
#14 Kingston Express 625 625 625
Wooden Boat 0 0 0
Riders 20278 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 20278 20278
Average Per Day 811.12 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 811.12 811
On Time Performance 98% 97.65% 98%
#Days In Service 25 25 25
Mileage 46128 46128 46128
Canceled Routes 2026
Date Route Time Reason
01/14/26 11 4:40 PM Canceled due to priority access requirement on prior 11
01/28/26 11 7:00 AM Canceled due to driver shortage

JTOC Ridership Numbers: 2025-2026

Scroll horizontally to view all columns.

2025 Jan Feb Mar Apr May June July Aug Sept Oct Nov Dec Total Monthly
Average
JTOC Riders 567 503 613 785 690 700 763 590 690 639 541 513 7594 633
#Days In Service 25 22 26 26 26 25 26 26 25 27 23 26 303 25
JTOC Mileage 11926 10192 12227 12458 12006 11848 12393 11626 11597 12886 10591 12108 141858 11822
Canceled Routes 2025
Date Time Reason
02/03/25 11:05 AM Weather
02/04/25 7:00 AM Weather
05/21/25 11:05 AM Driver shortage
05/21/25 12:53 PM Driver shortage
08/15/25 8:00 PM SR101 Closed
08/16/25 7:20 AM SR101 Closed
08/16/25 9:10 AM SR101 Closed

Scroll horizontally to view all columns.

2026 Jan Feb Mar Apr May June July Aug Sept Oct Nov Dec Total Monthly
Average
JTOC Riders 489 489
#Days In Service 25 25
JTOC Mileage 11659 11659

Kingston Express Monthly Ridership (Monday-Saturday): 2025-2026

Scroll horizontally to view full table →

2025 Jan Feb Mar Apr May June July August Sept Oct Nov Dec Total
Riders
Riders 418 427 548 525 651 632 763 841 712 742 593 685 7537
Average
Per Day		 17 19 21 20 25 25 29 32 28 27 26 26 25
# Days in
Service		 25 23 26 26 26 25 26 26 25 27 23 26 304
2026 Jan Feb Mar Apr May June July August Sept Oct Nov Dec Total
Riders
Riders 625 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 625
Average
Per Day		 25 0 0 0 25 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 25
# Days in
Service		 25 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 25

Dial-a-Ride Ridership 2025-2026

Scroll horizontally to view all months, totals, and monthly averages.

2025 Jan Feb Mar Apr May June July August Sept Oct Nov Dec Totals Monthly
Average
Client Boardings 1388 1368 1584 1564 1745 1460 1602 1671 1660 1651 1428 1470 18591 1549
PCA Boardings 295 319 389 355 443 339 368 380 356 323 302 313 4182 349
Other Boardings 3 11 3 10 17 10 8 7 20 22 18 8 137 11
Riders 1686 1698 1976 1929 2205 1809 1978 2058 2036 1996 1748 1791 22910 1909
Trips 1090 1038 1192 1199 1285 1111 1226 1284 1284 1306 1108 1149 14272 1189
Service Hours 677 598 747 772 750 646 698 680 697 707 594 628 8193 683
Service Mileage 8119 7212 8860 9032 9971 8736 9004 8247 8926 8610 7781 8395 102893 8574
Avg Riders per day 67.44 73.83 76.00 74.19 84.81 72.36 76.08 79.15 81.44 73.93 76.00 68.88 75.34
Trip Productivity 1.55 1.64 1.66 1.61 1.72 1.63 1.61 1.60 1.59 1.53 1.58 1.56 1.60
On Time Performance 94% 92% 95% 95% 93% 94% 94% 94% 94% 94% 93% 92% 94%
#Days In Service 25 23 26 26 26 25 26 26 25 27 23 26 304 25

Scroll horizontally to view all months, totals, and monthly averages.

2026 Jan Feb Mar Apr May June July August Sept Oct Nov Dec Totals Monthly
Average
Client Boardings 1516 1516 1516
PCA Boardings 319 319 319
Other Boardings 35 35 35
Riders 1870 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 1870 1870
Trips 1162 1162 1162
Service Hours 578 578 578
Service Mileage 7379 7379 7379
Avg Riders per day 74.80 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 74.80
Trip Productivity 1.61 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 1.61
On Time Performance 93% 0% 0% 0% 0% 0% 0% 0% 0% 0% 0% 0% 93%
#Days In Service 25 25 25

Transit Ridership Numbers: 2025 - 2026

Fixed Route Ridership Numbers: 2025 - 2026

Bar chart titled 'Fixed Route Ridership Numbers: 2025 - 2026' comparing monthly ridership across 2025 (green) and 2026 (blue). Total ridership peaks in September 2025 at approximately 28,700.
Accessible view

Fixed Route Ridership Numbers: 2025 - 2026

Month 2025 2026
January19,50020,200
February17,200—
March21,000—
April22,500—
May22,700—
June23,000—
July24,800—
August24,200—
September28,700—
October23,100—
November17,600—
December20,500—

#1 Brinnon Ridership Numbers: 2025 - 2026

Bar chart titled '#1 Brinnon Ridership Numbers: 2025 - 2026' showing monthly ridership for route #1 Brinnon. 2025 values range from ~1,000 to ~1,520; January 2026 is ~1,400.
Accessible view

#1 Brinnon Ridership Numbers: 2025 - 2026

Month 2025 2026
January1,4001,400
February1,010—
March1,280—
April1,430—
May1,430—
June1,230—
July1,330—
August1,240—
September1,330—
October1,520—
November1,110—
December1,320—

#2 Fort Worden Ridership Numbers: 2025 - 2026

Bar chart titled '#2 Fort Worden Ridership Numbers: 2025 - 2026' showing monthly ridership for route #2 Fort Worden. Peaks in July 2025 at ~1,910; January 2026 is ~1,190 compared to ~1,490 in January 2025.
Accessible view

#2 Fort Worden Ridership Numbers: 2025 - 2026

Month 2025 2026
January1,4901,190
February1,280—
March1,560—
April1,710—
May1,720—
June1,760—
July1,910—
August1,800—
September1,570—
October1,430—
November1,090—
December1,210—