Agency Summary
Mason Transit Authority (MTA) is a nationally recognized small rural public transit system with diverse services that provide our communities with world-class transit. In addition to serving the Mason County community for 25 years, MTA connects with four area transit systems. Our regional connections provide access to Grays Harbor Transit, Intercity Transit, Jefferson Transit, Kitsap Transit, Squaxin Island Transit, and Sound Transit, which in turn provides connections to the ferries, Amtrak, and Greyhound service. You can go anywhere from here!!
Funding & revenue is provided to Mason Transit Authority as a public transportation benefit area through local sales tax (6/10 %), transit fares, federal and state grants, as well as contracts for services. Transit leadership is provided by the Mason Transit Authority Board, a nine-member board made up of local elected officials: three Mason County Commissioners, one City of Shelton Commissioner, and five rotating school district board members.
MTA works with our taxpayers, Mason County, the City of Shelton, local tribal nations, Peninsula Regional Transportation Planning Organization, Lewis Mason Thurston Area Agency of Aging, other social service agencies, schools, local Chambers of Commerce and Economic Development Council, as well as area employers to increase the quality of life in Mason County by meeting the transportation needs of our community. Click here to be redirected to our history page to learn more detailed information about the agency.
We operate general services Monday through Saturday. Bus services are not offered on Sunday or major holidays. Check the Rider Alerts page on our website for the most up-to-date schedules and service alerts.
Bus Service Overview
Regular routed bus service is that which is going to the same locations at the same time. twelve routes are offered on weekdays and seven routes on Saturdays. These routes serve the core areas of Mason County (Shelton, Hoodsport, Allyn, and Belfair), and make connections to neighboring transit agencies at the Olympia Transit Center, the Bremerton Transportation Center, Brinnon at Triton Cove State Park, McCleary Transit Center in Grays Harbor, which provides access to ferries, AMTRAK and Greyhound services.
Our bus routes operate as a deviated fixed-route service, which allows a limited distance deviation off of the regular bus route. Available on most routes depending on road condition. Call the Customer Service Center a minimum of two (2) hours in advance for this service.
Other helpful links:
- Bus Schedules
- Fare Information
- ADA Accessibility
- Park & Ride
- Bike & Ride
- Regional Connections
- Weather & Holiday Closures
Dial-A-Ride Service
Dial-A-Ride (DAR) service is a demand-response service that only travels within Mason County. “Demand-response” means it’s a non-fixed route that requires advance scheduling by the customer and is a shared ride where trips are generated by said calls from customers. Typically, the vehicle will be dispatched to pick-up several customers at different pick-up points before taking them to their respective destinations and may even be interrupted en route to these destinations to pick up other customers.
Our schedulers group customers together based on time and space availability. Our goal is to meet the customers’ needs as best as possible, while still being cost-effective. DAR are available to the general public, there is no application or eligibility requirements. We will refer customers to use routed service first and foremost if it is available and accessible.
Local Tribal Partnerships
Squaxin Island Transit operates Monday through Friday on the Squaxin Reservation with connections to MTA and Grays Harbor Transit at the Kamilche Transit Center just off Hwy 101. For Squaxin Island Transit’s schedule, contact our Customer Service Center or visit their website at www.squaxinisland.org.
The Skokomish Indian Tribe was awarded federal funds under the Federal Transit Authority Tribal Grant Program for a pilot public transit service enhancement project. Mason Transit Authority was chosen to operate the service on behalf of the Skokomish Tribe, providing vehicles and drivers. The route serves Hwy 101 between Shelton, the Skokomish Reservation, Hoodsport and Lake Cushman. Click here to be redirected to the Skokomish/Cushman Pilot Route schedule page.
Worker-Driver Program
Commuter bus routes to and from Puget Sound Naval Shipyard (PSNS) for day shifts. We operate four routes that originate in Shelton and Belfair. For specific service information contact us today! Click here to be redirected to the Worker-Driver Program page with more detailed information.
Community Van Program
MTA provides ready-to-go passenger vans for lease to qualifying nonprofit groups or government agencies. Groups pay a per-mile and per-day fee. MTA maintains the vans. Call our administrative office to request an application or for additional information. Click here to be redirected to the Community Van page with more detailed information.
Transit-Community Center
Located downtown Shelton, the Center provides our community with a space that co-locates a transit center with a community center that offers multi-modal transit service and information, pass sales, multi-generational human service programs, as well as retail, event and office spaces. This project is the first of it’s kind in nation! Space is available; contact our office for more information. Click here to be redirected to the Transit-Community Center page with more detailed information.
Travel Training Program
MTA offers free travel training for anyone who may feel unsure about riding the bus. The training is customized to meet each person’s needs such as reading the schedule, boarding the bus, etc. Group presentations, in English and Spanish, are also available. Please call (360) 427-5033 or 1-800-374-3747 for information. Click here to be redirected to our Travel Training Program page with more detailed information.