Island Transit launches free bus service for Whidbey and Camano

Visitors arriving on Whidbey and Camano islands can now traverse the two landmasses without a car, thanks to a new fare-free bus network operated by Island Transit.

The service links the primary ferry terminals in Clinton and Coupeville to a wide array of destinations. Buses operate on a schedule that ranges from every 30 to 60 minutes. The system covers Central, North, and South Whidbey, as well as Camano Island. Routes are designed to stop at specific landmarks, including state parks, wineries, and historic sites. The transit authority promotes the network as a convenient and environmentally friendly alternative to driving.

The rollout follows a period of expansion for public transit in the Puget Sound region. The service was structured to serve four distinct geographic zones. Central Whidbey is designated as the site of the first western settlement on the island. North Whidbey includes the city of Oak Harbor and a U.S. Naval Air Station. South Whidbey features old-growth forests and commercial galleries. Camano Island offers access to coastal preserves and trails. Each zone has six specific locations that are easily reachable by bus. The transit authority has produced downloadable guides for each region to help travelers plan their routes.

The network integrates with existing regional infrastructure for commuters and tourists. Drivers walking onto the ferries from Port Townsend or Mukilteo can leave their vehicles in free parking areas within one mile of the terminals. In Port Townsend, the Haines Place Park & Ride at 440 12th Street offers daytime and pre-approved overnight parking. Jefferson Transit Shuttle #11 connects this lot to the ferry dock. In the Mukilteo area, Everett Station at 3201 Smith Avenue provides free all-day and overnight parking seven days a week. Everett Transit Route 18 runs from this station to the ferry terminal, though it currently operates only Monday through Friday. The route is scheduled to resume weekend service in October 2020. City of Mukilteo street parking is available on West Mukilteo Boulevard, east of the Trails and Tales Dog Park, for 24 hours.

Travelers arriving by boat have dedicated connection points. Oak Harbor Marina and Langley Marina on Whidbey Island are accessible via Zone 3, Route 1, Route 6, or Route 60. The Coupeville Wharf is one block from Southbound Route 1 or Route 6. On Camano Island, the Camano Yacht Club on Sunset Drive is serviced by southbound Camano Route 1 and Route 2. Boaters alighting north of Dallman Road can walk to South Camano Dr., West Camano Dr., Elger Bay Road, or East Camano Dr. to catch the Camano Route 2 bus. These connections allow boaters to access grocery stores, retail shops, and dining areas without transporting a vehicle across the water.

The system includes specific provisions for accessibility and active transport. The West Camano Route stops near Utsalady Vista Point Park and the Elger Bay Preserve trails. Upon request, the bus can stop at Cama Beach State Park and Can Ku Road, which is half a mile from the Camano Ridge Forest Preserve trails. Clinton Beach Park is listed as an ADA-accessible destination. The transit authority advises that most buses serving the Park and Ride locations in Everett and Lynwood accommodate bicycles. A hotline at 360.678.7771 is available to assist travelers in planning trips to barrier-free parks and trails.

Island Transit serves all Park and Ride locations on Whidbey and Camano islands from Monday through Saturday. These locations include Skagit Station in Mt. Vernon, March’s Point Park and Ride in Anacortes, and Stanwood Park and Ride. The Coupeville Park and Ride, also known as Prairie Station Transit Park, is located at 201 S. Main St. The Clinton Park and Ride is situated at SR 525 and Deer Lake Rd. Terry’s Corner Park and Ride is located at the intersection of North Camano Dr. and Sunset Blvd. The network aims to reduce the need for private vehicles by providing direct access to major retail centers, including the Prairie Center Market in Coupeville. The service is currently free for all passengers.