Ferry Changes: New Schedule, New Rates, New Ferry

 — from Lynne Griffith, Assistant Secretary WSDOT/Ferries Division —

Plan ahead for the new spring sailing schedule and upcoming fare changes. The spring sailing schedule begins on Sunday, March 22, and annual peak-season fare surcharges go into effect May 1. The spring schedule includes the following changes:

• Opening of the Anacortes/Sidney, B.C. route with one round-trip per day
• The return of weekend interisland service in the San Juan Islands, plus an added sailing on Fridays
• The return of three-boat service on the Fauntleroy/Vashon/Southworth route on Saturdays and Sundays, and five minute sailing time adjustments during weekday morning and evening commute hours
• An additional Port Townsend/Coupeville sailing on Friday night, plus a second ferry joins the route starting Mother’s Day, Sunday, May 10

As we head into warmer weather, it’s a good idea to arrive early, plan for busier sailings and make a reservation if you’re traveling on the San Juan Islands, Anacortes/Sidney B.C. or Port Townsend/Coupeville route

I invite everyone to help us welcome the second Olympic Class ferry, Samish, to the Washington State Ferries fleet. This vessel will carry 144 vehicles and will go into service on the Anacortes/San Juan Islands route with the summer sailing schedule. Please join us at the Anacortes ferry terminal on Wednesday, May 20, for an open house as First Lady Trudi Inslee christens the Samish. I will share additional details, including the exact event time, closer to the date.