Community Transportation

Shuttle service between Gig Harbor and Key Peninsula isn’t just a holiday thing this year

Pierce County has provided shuttle service between the Key Peninsula and Gig Harbor during previous holiday seasons. This year, the holiday will stretch all the way into August. 

Working with the Gig Harbor Chamber of Commerce and Around the Sound Transportation, the Peninsula Transit Pilot Program launches on Black Friday. It will provide free shuttle service between the Key Peninsula and Gig Harbor through August 2026. 

“Transportation is a huge need on the Key Peninsula,” Pierce County Councilmember Robyn Denson said in a news release. “Throughout my time serving the community, I’ve heard people from all walks of life, all ages and all income-levels, express a need for transportation. I’m thrilled that we are able to provide this extended pilot program to show the region that Key Peninsula people are ready to ride!” 

Santa turned out to help launch Key Peninsula-Gig Harbor shuttle service on Saturday, Nov. 22. Photo courtesy Gig Harbor Chamber of Commerce

The county allocated $200,000 for the pilot program and a separate $25,000 for the holiday shuttle. The state transportation budget provided another $350,000. 

Schedule

From Friday through Dec. 26, the shuttle will run seven days a week. After that, it will be Monday through Saturday. 

Shuttle stops on weekdays.

Stops include: 

Key Peninsula: Longbranch Improvement Club; Key Peninsula Community Center; Red Barn Youth Center; Key IGA; Mustard Seed Project; Lake Kathryn Ace Hardware. 

Gig Harbor/Purdy: Purdy Park and Ride; St. Anthony Hospital; Gig Harbor Safeway; Skansie Brothers Park; Uptown Gig Harbor (weekends only). 

Shuttle stops on weekends.

Routes start at 5:30 a.m. and run through 4:30 p.m. on weekdays. On weekends, the buses hit the roads at 9:50 a.m. and run through 7:10 p.m. 

Some stops are by request only. Click here for detailed schedule information or to request a specific stop. 

Key Peninsula and Pierce Transit

The schedule is designed to facilitate connections with other transportation systems, like Pierce Transit and Sound Transit. The idea is to help people on the Key Peninsula make it to medical appointments, work, local events and more. 

And, during the holidays especially, shopping. 

“The addition of the shuttle will benefit all businesses by making it easier for residents and visitors to reach local shops and restaurants, increasing foot traffic and exposure,” said Paula Zenobia of Uptown Gig Harbor in the news release. “We’re pleased to have the Uptown Shopping Center as one of the stops.”  

Pierce Transit’s service area includes Gig Harbor and the Purdy Park and Ride, but not the rest of the Gig Harbor/Key Peninsula area. The transit agency contracted its service area in 2012, after voters rejected a funding proposal. 

Pierce County Councilmember Robyn Denson speaks during Saturday’s celebration. Photo courtesy Gig Harbor Chamber of Commerce