WSF weekly report

||| FROM PATTY RUBSTELLO for WASHINGTON STATE FERRIES |||

Tour of Maritime High School

Director of Operations Steve Nevey and I joined Gov. Jay Inslee on a tour of Maritime High School in Des Moines on Friday. We helped develop the curriculum ahead of their inaugural 2021-22 year and we continue to offer our facilities as learning spaces for these bright and passionate youth. The governor’s 2023-25 budget proposal (PDF 52KB) includes a new program that allows us to offer some of these students scholarships if they come work for Washington State Ferries. The school is accepting applications for incoming ninth, 10th and 11th graders for the 2023-24 school year. Students do not need to live within Highline Public Schools boundaries. This is a great opportunity for teens curious about a career in maritime!

Gov. Jay Inslee in a discussion with faculty, staff and students at Maritime High School, one of our workforce pipelines.

Presentation to House Transportation Committee

Chief of Staff Nicole McIntosh and I presented to the House Transportation Committee in Olympia last Thursday. I provided state legislators with details on our Service Restoration Plan (PDF 794KB), current and future vessel availability, and what’s ahead in terms of system electrification  and terminal improvements, including our projects in Seattle, Bainbridge and Fauntleroy. Nicole focused on workforce development, specifically on what we’re doing to be an employer of choice. We look forward to working with legislators as they consider our budget.

Chief of Staff Nicole McIntosh and I presented to the House Transportation Committee in Olympia last Thursday. I provided state legislators with details on our Service Restoration Plan (PDF 794KB), current and future vessel availability, and what’s ahead in terms of system electrification and terminal improvements, including our projects in Seattle, Bainbridge and Fauntleroy. Nicole focused on workforce development, specifically on what we’re doing to be an employer of choice. We look forward to working with legislators as they consider our budget.

Colman Dock tour for transportation professionals

Staff from the UW’s Mobility Innovation Center and Commute Seattle pose for a group photo on the elevated walkway at Seattle’s Colman Dock.

Staff from the University of Washington’s Mobility Innovation Center and Commute Seattle toured our Seattle Multimodal Terminal at Colman Dock Project on Friday. They were greatly interested in the multimodal elements being implemented at the facility, including upcoming features for bicyclists and improved access for passengers walking and rolling, as well as our system electrification program. It’s always great to share innovative ideas with transportation professionals!

Release of spring season vehicle reservations delayed

We are delaying our two-month release of vehicle reservations for our spring season (March 26 to June 17, 2023) on our Anacortes/San Juan Islands or Port Townsend/Coupeville routes. They were scheduled to be available at 7 a.m. today, but due to an ongoing IT issue with those making bulk reservations (mostly business customers), we will wait until our IT team resolves the problem. We’ll provide an update when the system is ready for the release.

Performance report for fiscal year 2022

We recently submitted our annual performance report to the Washington State Legislature, as required by state law (RCW 47.64.360). The report is a summary of our progress to meet the goals and measures established in RCW 47.64.355, focusing on key performance areas of safety, service delivery, cost containment and capital program effectiveness.

“Quick shoutout and thanks to the gentleman working in the Fauntleroy side of the terminal [Ticket Seller Tom Parker]. Very friendly. Now on the Issaquah home to Vashon. Thanks for all the ferries team do to keep us safe and to cross the water. Always a pleasure to ride with you. And neat to see stockings and decorations on the boat!!”

-Fauntleroy/Vashon customer