— from Amy Scarton, Assistant Secretary, WSDOT/Ferries Division —
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| Making a joyful noise nightly for frontline workers As part of a community and worldwide movement to make a joyful noise in appreciation of workers on the front line of the COVID-19 response, all our ferries underway at 8 p.m. are sounding their whistles nightly through the end of the month. This is a way for us to recognize essential workers throughout the region including first responders, healthcare workers, our crews and staff, and many more that are working tirelessly in these concerning times.  All of our ferries underway at 8 p.m. are sounding their whistle with three long blasts night through April 30 to cheer on frontline workers near and far. Innovations allow customers to self-swipe credit cards Thanks to the innovative spirit of IT Revenue Manager Roger Hair, as well as the diligent work of our IT team, we now have a safer way for our ticket sellers and customers to complete transactions. In just 24 hours last weekend, our IT team assembled, tested and installed new credit card readers on the outside of ticket booth windows and on selfie sticks for our tollbooth operators so customers can now self-swipe. Please join me in thanking our IT team for their hard work in supporting our frontline employees in these challenging times.  Terminal Attendant Nicholas Chastain at Coupeville terminal with our new self-swipe credit card reader attached to a selfie stick. Recognizing our frontline employees To help recognize the hard work and dedication of WSDOT’s frontline heroes, the agency began highlighting employees this week who support our transportation system. On Monday, Terminal Attendant Bob Essex was the first WSDOT worker to be featured on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.  Terminal Attendant Bob Essex says it has taken some getting used to wearing gloves all the time and that he misses seeing all the regular commuters. Thank you Bob, as well as all of our frontline terminal staff and vessel crews! I want you to know that your work to keep our passengers and each other safe is appreciated every day, and especially during these trying times. |
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