Clallam Transit seeing ridership increase – Moment of silence for former board member

Published 1:30 am Thursday, March 26, 2026

Clallam Transit Agency’s new service schedule, launched Monday, is already showing increased ridership at some stops as staff monitor the rollout and make adjustments.

“We’re working with the drivers to make sure that it’s sustainable for both the employees and the public,” Operations Manager Taron Lee said.

At the new Deer Park stop, boardings rose from 38 on Monday to 158 on Tuesday. Lee said the stop was quickly adopted, with riders using it by the second day. A temporary stop on Eighth Street was also relocated after a nearby business owner raised concerns.

Commissioners reviewed the agency’s 2026–2030 Transit Development Plan, highlighting recent route changes, facility upgrades, vehicle purchases and technology updates. A proposed project to install driver safety barriers could cost about $200,000, with grant funding to be pursued.

Other ideas included adding storage lockers near transit facilities to reduce delays caused by large carts on buses, and installing electronic reader boards at Gateway Transit Center to provide real-time updates for riders. Long-term needs such as replacing aging diesel fuel tanks were also discussed.

The meeting concluded with a moment of silence for former board member Juanita Weissenfels, who died Feb. 19. She served 13 years representing the Forks City Council and was known for her dedication, regularly traveling to Port Angeles for meetings. Active in many civic groups, including Friends of Forks Animals, she was remembered as “a huge advocate for the West End,” board member Mike French said.

A celebration of life will be held at 1 p.m. April 4 at Forks Congregational Church, 280 S. Spartan Ave.