UPDATE: New Schedule and Stops for Free Public Transit Between KP and Gig Harbor Until August

A new public transit program that began Nov. 28 to provide free weekday and Saturday transportation between the Key Peninsula and Gig Harbor through August 2026 has updated its schedule with more frequent return trips and expanded, off-route service options.

The service will run six times a day, Monday through Friday, starting at 5:30 a.m. at the Longbranch fire station, with the last run leaving at 2 p.m. and returning at 5:30 p.m. The shuttle will run the same route on Saturdays from 8:30 a.m. to 8:30 p.m.

In addition, anyone within three-quarters of a mile of the route can schedule a ride from their location to another that is also within three-quarters of a mile of the route. To schedule a ride, call 253-858-7088 (option 1) 24 hours ahead.

The Peninsula Pilot Transit Program is a collaborative effort by and among Pierce County, Around the Sound Transportation, and the Gig Harbor Chamber of Commerce. The new service will connect the KP with Pierce Transit and Sound Transit, at least for the time being.

“I hope showing excellent ridership for this pilot transportation program will help us build the case that we need permanent transportation services on the Key Peninsula, as well as other unserved areas of unincorporated Gig Harbor,” Pierce County Council Member Robyn Denson (D-7th) told KP News. “Transportation is expensive, but it’s sorely needed in rural areas. … I have worked hard to scrape together funds to do ‘something’ to meet this need.”

Denson said she sponsored legislation in the county council to allocate $600,000 for three rural transportation pilot programs, including one on the KP. Pierce County also requested $350,000 from the state legislature in 2025 for the KP program.

“Thanks to our 26th legislative district delegation (Sen. Deb Krishnadasan and Reps. Michele Caldier and Adison Richards), we received those funds from the Washington State Department of Transportation,” Denson said.

Those funds will enable the partnership behind the KP pilot program to run it longer than initially planned, to August, and perhaps increase its ridership.

“Personally, my hope is that Pierce Transit will someday offer the community the opportunity to consider rejoining the Pierce Transit service area,” Denson said. “Being part of the Pierce Transit service area is likely the best, most reasonable chance at having permanent transportation on the Key Peninsula.”

For a complete schedule, go to www.piercecountywa.gov.