By Pepper Fisher
PORT ANGELES – Starting New Year’s Day, riding nearly every bus Clallam Transit operates will be free of charge for the entire year.
Clallam Transit is implementing a one year Zero Fare program on their fixed route, dial a ride, Clallam Connect and Interlink Microtransit services effective January 1.
The only exceptions will be the Strait Shot Route 123, and the seasonal Hurricane Ridge Shuttle will continue to charge regular fares, as well as out-of-corridor trips on Clallam Connect.
The Zero Fare program is initially a one year pilot program. It’s intended to make it easier and more affordable to ride Clallam Transit, and to encourage people to use public transportation during the upcoming fish passage work that will be taking place on Highway 101 starting next year.
Clallam Transit already offers Zero Fares to people 18-and-under, as well as to honorably discharged veterans, through the
Move Ahead Washington program. Transit General manager Jim Fetzer told KONP they received a Transit Support Grant of an additional $1.9 million, which made it possible to implement the Zero Fare pilot next year.