Guemes Island Service Pilot Discontinuation - September 30th
Update on the Guemes Island Pilot Service
In June 2025, Skagit Transit launched a pilot service on Guemes Island to provide connections with the Guemes Island Ferry. The pilot was scheduled to run through December, with a target of averaging 200 rides per week to determine whether the service would continue. Unfortunately, the pilot did not meet the anticipated ridership levels, and the service will conclude on September 30, 2025.
Ridership Results
Ridership during the pilot fell below this benchmark:
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June: 200 rides (0.9 rides per service hour)
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July: 376 rides (1.5 rides per service hour)
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August: 210 rides (0.8 rides per service hour)
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September (to date): 124 rides (0.9 rides per service hour)
Community Feedback
In July, we surveyed Guemes Island residents and received 76 responses. The majority of respondents shared that the service schedule did not meet their needs. Common themes included:
While this feedback was valuable, Skagit Transit is not currently able to expand the service to the level requested due to operating costs, and operator wages and benefits.
Next Steps
As a result, the shuttle service will be discontinued on September 30th. However, this pilot has provided us with critical insight into what would be necessary to make a future service successful. Expanded hours, weekend service, and stronger Anacortes connections have been identified as priorities for residents.
Skagit Transit will actively seek grant funding and other opportunities that could support the level of service the community has asked for in a financially sustainable way.
Our Commitment
We do not view this pilot as a failure. Instead, it represents an important step toward understanding and addressing the transportation needs of Guemes Island residents. We remain committed to improving mobility options and will continue working in partnership with the Guemes Island Ferry Board and residents to explore future opportunities.
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