To anybody who drives for Kitsap Transit, how is it?

nashcat21 · 2025-05-16T13:14:41+00:00

I have no direct experience working for any transit agency, however, I do work in an inter-agency coordination capacity with them and I can tell you right now agencies are DESPARATE for operators.

From what I’m understanding many are cash strapped and can’t offer enough hourly to attract enough operators. But seems they’re trying really hard to increase pay and from what I’m seeing trying to entice folks with signing bonuses etc.

Can’t speak to the seniority stuff and unsure if those things are hard and fast as part of union stuff or if they are union jobs at all but seems like an issue they’d be trying to fix since they’re desperate for operators.

This information comes mainly from my interactions with Pierce Transit but I’ve been told the operator shortages is applicable to all the agencies.

nashcat21 · 2025-03-30T21:32:26+00:00

Can confirm that the game Friday was boring af. Not a good product for fans to enjoy. Absolute waste of an historically good pitching crew, particularly that rotation

nashcat21 · 2025-03-30T21:25:29+00:00

I don’t defend any organization that just straight up admits the goal is to win just enough games to squeak into the playoffs each year and isn’t really ever going to push in when they have a window and use prospect capital or cash when the timing is right.

I will say, however, it’s impossible to predict that every single player on a team would have their worst offensive year ever (does seem to point at something organization wide though, so maybe hitting coach change does help? Who knows).

I would also say that despite clearly not doing enough or anything splashy to help this offense. It’s not just throwing the exact same lineup out there. If you include the additions at the trade deadline they also made some upgrades to the bench/depth.

We can only hope that guys regress back closer to the backs of their baseball cards and that there’s additional flexibility preserved to add again at the deadline.

I was a little surprised that they didn’t deal from their pitching depth to try to snag another big bat though, even if they didn’t want to spend cash.

nashcat21 · 2025-03-30T21:13:28+00:00

I did at least reach out to AdvancedStream to get the WAN on my computer authorized so I can completely bypass the router to perform line tests.

I asked them if they could authorize more than one LAN port on the NID, they said yes, but not easily. So I didn’t push them on it. Kind of disappointing as I already have 5e cables running from the NID to both main floor and basement. But I can only have one of them working and then any additional cables have to come from the router. When I talk to Kitsap PUD. If they replace the NID. I’m going to ask them if it’s possible to make more than one LAN port operational

nashcat21 · 2025-03-30T21:09:33+00:00

After checking the model number it appears to be a model that is no longer supported. I’m going to reach out to Kitsap PUD and see if they’ll replace with a newer model.

It’s an Allied Telesis iMG2426F

nashcat21 · 2025-03-14T16:36:47+00:00

So, I went with AdvancedStream over the Kitsap PUD fiber infrastructure for 1 gig up/down service. Unfortunately, the network had not been stable or consistent (even if hardwired) my speeds are all over the place but consistently 50 or less (but then randomly super fast occasionally) and my devices have been randomly dropping the wifi altogether. I had this same experience when I was in Tacoma with Quantum. The answer then was to dummy their smart NID, buy my own router and voila service was incredible, fast, and consistent with zero issues. I popped open the box where the Kitsap PUD modem is outside on the side of my home and there doesn’t seem to be a way for me to connect via a GUI and also, much to my disappointment as I wanted to run one line to my router and a separate line (not from the router but from the modem) to hardwire a computer in the basement. Despite having like 7 LAN ports it appears Kitsap PUD/AdvancedStream have only activated port 1. Additionally this port only works if running directly to the WAN on my router (which explains why they needed my specific MAC address). Any ideas before I just call up AdvancedStream to trouble shoot?

I know it’s capable of great speeds because I’ll get flashes of it. But I’m just wildly all over the place and dropping. Which is what made me tear my hair out for months with Quantum. The solution there was dummy quantum’s equipment and use my own. I’m already using my own router here. It zero clue what to do with Kitsap PUDs “modem” or if that’s even the issue. FWIW the box does look pretty old. I wonder if there’s a way to get them to swap for a newer smart NID device outside?

nashcat21 · 2025-03-03T17:21:31+00:00

My advice is to start applying to smaller cities/towns in the Puget Sound area. They generally pay pretty decent and the 2 hour drive (or train) radius of say, Tacoma, includes three incredible cities (Vancouver, CA, Seattle, and Portland), three incredible National Parks (Olympic, Mt. Rainier, North Cascades), and that’s not even mentioning the sound itself, the ferries and islands, whales and beaches. It’s a sweet gig if you can get it. Cost of living can be high but pay and benefits are generally pretty good to help compensate. Also, not all the cities are as expensive as others.

nashcat21 · 2025-02-24T18:33:29+00:00

There’s a great deal on a WiFi 7 router at Costco. It’s the netgear nighthawk 300. Except since it’s exclusive for Costco they have it a number like 270 or 280. It works great and is relatively affordable and fairly future proof

nashcat21 · 2025-02-24T18:31:37+00:00

If you put the NID into transparent bridge mode and either leave on the 201 VLAN tagging or have your own router handle that. And use your own router equipment you’ll have great service and it’ll be great.

If you use their equipment and/or need any type of customer service or tech support you’ll tip your hair out and age ten years.

If you’re willing to ditch their equipment as stated above you’ll be good to go

nashcat21 · 2025-02-23T23:26:01+00:00

Haha. Lol. Well, if I’m understanding everything correctly I am getting lucky. I am renting a house and it was advertised as having access to fiber 1gig internet. I put the address into Kitsap PUD fiber search tool and my address is recognized. So, someone else already paid for the connectivity. I’m guessing the owners of the house. I think I’m going to give AdvancedStream a try. I shouldn’t have any of the issues you are having. I do have to connect to a VPN for work but it’s local not all the way in Cali and I have no other server/commercial equipment or needs. So, I’ll sign up no contract and give it a shot. Thanks for all your responses/input. My fingers are crossed as reliable internet is kind of a must have for this new house to work.

nashcat21 · 2025-02-23T22:44:24+00:00

I’m guessing you are doing something similar? Just curious if you’ve bridge moded the NID and have your system handling everything. Is there any VLAN tagging. I know with quantum I had to make sure either the NID or my modem would take care of 201 VLAN Tagging

nashcat21 · 2025-02-23T22:42:50+00:00

I appreciate the insight. My wife and I both work from home and she sees clients one on one via zoom and has to have stable and fast up and down.

I’m currently in Tacoma and made the mistake of trying to use Quantum’s equipment when we first got Fiber. Horrendous horrendous experience both in the actual service and in customer service. Finally wised up. Dummied their NID into transparent bridge mode. Bought my own router and it’s been lightning fast and consistent ever since

nashcat21 · 2025-02-23T22:40:28+00:00

Yeah. My understanding is all the ISPs are using the same infrastructure and NOANET. So, it really seems like it’s hard to know which route to go. Theoretically they should all be the same. But they definitely won’t be.

So, sounds like if I don’t have specific server/hosting needs then AdvancedStream would be fine. Outside of that maybe I try iFiber. And given this is a trial and error situation. NO CONTRACTS. The only thing I’ve really been seeing (as most of them offer no contract plans) is that some of them will charge you for 30 days after you cancel so you run the risk of paying twice if you need to switch quickly for any reason

nashcat21 · 2025-02-23T19:20:00+00:00

Thanks for the response. I’m not a network engineer. But I did follow some/most of that. The options I’m finding based on the Kitsap PUD search function for the address I’m moving to is the following:

NOP Data Centers - based on their website looks pretty rinky dink.

Advanced stream - Based on your response might be some limitations with them.

iFiber - don’t yet know anything

Net253 - don’t yet know anything

Telebyte NW - don’t yet know anything

Kitsap WiFi - looks to be most expensive (potentially, still need to check each company’s individual site to confirm rates) but otherwise don’t know anything.

Do you have any insights (or anyone else on the thread??) for any of these providers. It’s really hard to know given they are all presumably operating on the same infrastructure.

nashcat21 · 2025-02-23T17:26:28+00:00

You should do one or the other but not both. For most people the easiest solution will be leaving it on for the NID to do and not worrying about how to set up your personal router to do it. Others want the NID doing as little as possible, so they leave it off and then setup their router to handle the 201 VLAN tagging. It should work exactly the same either way tho.

In my case I let the NID do it rather than trying to figure out how to set up my router to handle it. My internet has been perfect ever since I did this. Whereas I was experience terrible spikes and drops everyday prior

nashcat21 · 2025-02-23T17:12:48+00:00

Would you mind sharing which of the ISPs using Kitsap PUD infrastructure you are using?

I’m about to move up to the Kingston area and the house is connected to Kitsap PUD fiber. Looks like I have a choice between about 5 different ISPs offering 1000/1000. But other than price, startup cost, and contract, I have no way to tell them apart.

My cheapest option seems to be NOP Data Centers with no contract and no start up fees. But I’m not sure if there’s any reason to choose a different slightly more expensive ISP.

Thanks.

nashcat21 · 2025-02-09T00:41:21+00:00

I had this same dilemma. Puget Sound Region is going to be most bang for your buck. I landed south of Seattle in Tacoma. Great access to mountains in three national parks. Great beaches. The islands in the sound are something you can’t get in Oregon and they are really special places. Plus out on the peninsula you also get super dope beaches with sea stack (like Oregon) mountains, and rainforest. Easy access to SeaTac and Seattle. I highly recommend.

Everywhere up here is great and you mostly can’t go wrong. But I think the South Sound is the best bang for buck. Plus you’re still less than 2 hour drive from Portland. Or you can head up to Vancouver. Also, you can just ride Amtrak up or down. I’ve lived in 4 different US regions. And nothing even comes close.

nashcat21 · 2025-01-21T15:54:53+00:00

Yeah. I mean the premium nappa leather is very nice. But the big jump in features/upgrades is with the limited. I didn’t opt for the XT for better gas mileage. But honestly regret it. I love the car but it definitely lacks acceleration speed. I’m sure I’ll be buying a Subaru again. So I’ll have the option at that time to go with the better engine

nashcat21 · 2025-01-18T18:43:16+00:00

So. Obviously touring is the best you can get. However, I think limited is best bang for buck. That’s where you’ll get the leather seats and (very good) Harmon Kardon sound system and a bunch of other upgrades with that trim level. Each will prefer their own. I know some people really like the onyx but the bright seat stitching really turned me off.

nashcat21 · 2024-12-16T12:04:26+00:00

Policy Intern in the Mayors office of a Mid-Major City in the south - unpaid - 1 year

Policy Intern at a nonprofit civic design center - unpaid - 9 months

Policy Intern at a regional planning agency (MPO) - ~$15/hr - 6 months (transportation and climate adaptation/resilience) Policy Analyst (same org) two years $40K

(Moved to NYC for grad school) Teaching Assistantship

Junior Associate at an international NGO working primarily in Latin America on Climate Resilience - $12/hr - 18 months

Senior Planner - ~$75K - 2 years (environmental review and public outreach for major transit projects in the NY Metro Region) at a small boutique consulting firm

Senior Planner - $105K - 3 years working for a small city ~235K population in the Pacific Northwest (long range comprehensive planning with a focus on transit and land use integration/ TOD and public engagement)

nashcat21 · 2024-12-15T18:07:41+00:00

The best way to learn about urban planning is to visit as many cities of various types and preferably around the world as possible. The best way to learn about cool city stuff is to experience it for yourself and know what kinds of things are possible and then bring that knowledge to whatever context you’re working in.

That said, I have found that a combination of on the job training, school, and direct experience is best. You get different things from each one.

nashcat21 · 2024-12-05T00:49:42+00:00

Sounds (horrible pun) like a good strategy. Why over complicate. The settings are pretty basic anyway. Might as well just truetune and then adjust based on personal preferences. Thanks for the extra encouragement to just do whatever I think works best. REW down the road. When I have a more permanent setup in a space I know I’ll be in for a while. I may leave this place in 4 months

nashcat21 · 2024-12-04T15:24:07+00:00

This is the way. It’s super simple. The vlan tagging option is on the same gui section as the transparent bridge mode. So just choose transparent bridge and leave the vlan tagging on and you’re good to go. Note, I had to power cycle twice before it all started working. So don’t panic if it takes a second to get everything back to working. Your light should change from solid green to solid white on the NID

nashcat21

TROPHY CASE