JUNE 2019 • FOGHORN 15 FOGHORNFOCUS: OPERATIONS there is a farebox recovery goal (the percentage of operating costs recovered by revenue from fares), this estimated operating cost can be used to set fares or coordinate with the local or regional agency that determines fare levels. Ridership forecasts look at regional travel patterns and factors such as the time-competitiveness of a potential route to estimate how many riders a service will have initially and as it matures. This information informs multiple planning study elements, including quantifiable components such as how much of the operating costs the service can expect to earn from fares, and subjective features like social benefits. The Kitsap Fast Ferry operated by PVA Vessel member Kitsap Transit in Bremerton, WA provides an example of a service that was launched based on detailed analysis and planning. Beginning in 2014, Kitsap Transit began development of a business plan and long-range strategy to explore potential passenger-only ferry service between the Kitsap Peninsula and downtown Seattle. Even though other operators previously offered similar cross-sound routes, Kitsap Transit wanted to ensure that they were prepared for service with a phased business plan and long-range strategy that provided the blueprint for successful and sustainable ferry service. The plan also served to provide suffi- cient detailed information and engage- ment to gain voter approval for the creation of a taxing district to support the launch and ongoing operation of new service from three landing sites in Kitsap County. Passenger-only ferry service will continue to expand in cities and com- munities across the U.S., contributing to the resiliency of our transportation networks and the quality of our daily lives. Planning efforts that are informed by the unique requirements of passen- ger-only ferry operations are crucial to launching or expanding successful service. n PROTECTING OVER 1 MILLION LIVES EVERY DAY Survitec is the number 1 global supplier of innovative safety and survival solutions on passenger vessels. In addition to our flexible liferaft agreements we offer MES, lifeboats, rescue boats, fire safety and suppression, lifejackets, immersion suits, distress signals, electronics and much more. CONTACT US TODAY: (800) 931-3221 | (604) 278-3221 vancouver.sales@survitecgroup.com SURVITECGROUP.COM SCA0154A Ad - Foghorn 2018.indd 2 18/07/2018 16:13:30 About the Author Kelly Lesoing is with KPFF Consulting Engineers’ Marine Transit Consulting Group, a specialized practice created to provide integrated planning, design, and program management services to the ferry industry. Since its creation in 2008, the KPFF Marine Transit Consulting Group has worked with over 40 government agencies, commercial operators, and public-private partnerships across North America.