WSF Weekly Update

||| FROM STEVE NEVEY for WASHINGTON STATE FERRIES |||

A message from Steve

It’s an exciting time at Washington State Ferries as we gear up for our busy summer season. This week, we released our updated Service Contingency Plan (PDF 2.4MB). It explains how we’ll add service on three routes starting next month – three years earlier than planned. This is all thanks to Gov. Bob Ferguson’s direction and the hard work of our vessel maintenance and engineering employees. Because of their efforts, 18 of our 21 vessels will be in service this summer. That’s the most since 2019.

Here’s what’s happening in the coming weeks:

• Seattle/Bremerton returns to its two-boat schedule starting Sunday, June 15.
• Fauntleroy/Vashon/Southworth “Triangle” route resumes a three-boat schedule daily beginning Monday, June 30.
• A second ferry will operate on our Port Townsend/Coupeville run every Friday through Monday from July 4 through the end of the route’s shoulder season on Oct. 13.

Starting Sunday, May 11, our Port Townsend/Coupeville route moves into its shoulder season. We’ll be adding a late evening round trip at 10 and 10:40 p.m. Fridays, Saturdays, Sundays and holidays.

Thanks to recent and ongoing hiring and training, we are in a better position to staff the three boats needed for this added service. But with more vessels operating, we’ll have no dedicated backup ferry. We’ll also have fewer crew available for last-minute relief requests. This raises the risk of cancellations due to staffing, equipment or terminal issues. Our updated Service Contingency Plan (PDF 2.4MB) outlines how we’ll respond if a boat becomes unavailable. Our goal is to be transparent with riders by setting realistic expectations and showing how we’ll deliver as much service as possible.

Thank you to our crews, dispatchers, engineers and support teams. Your work makes this progress possible. I’m confident we’re ready to deliver not only more, but improved service this summer.

Have a question? Ask us at online community meetings

Mark your calendar – we’re hosting two online community meetings two weeks from now. We’ll share what’s ahead for the busy travel season, including updates on service plans, new vessel construction and upcoming projects. Most of the time will be for questions and comments from the public. Participants can also provide feedback on the Washington State Transportation Commission’s fare proposals. Advance registration is required to attend via Zoom at noon Wednesday, May 21, and 6 p.m. Thursday, May 22. Email us if you would like to send in questions ahead of time.

Both online community meetings will cover the same information.

New pay-by-plate system at Southworth parking lot

A new pay-by-plate parking system is coming to our Southworth terminal. This will make it easier to extend time using U-Park’s scan-to-pay mobile option via QR code signage at the lot. Along with this update, parking rates at our Southworth terminal will increase starting Monday, May 12. The current $5 flat fee will change to $7 for up to 12 hours and $10 for up to 24 hours.

The first parking rate adjustment at our Southworth terminal in more than 5 years takes effect Monday, May 12.

Filipino maritime history on display at Colman Dock

May is Asian & Pacific American Heritage Month and we’re proud to feature the rich stories and lasting contributions of Filipinos in our region’s maritime history.  A new traveling exhibit is on display in our terminal building at Colman Dock. Filipinos and Washington’s Waterfront includes 10 tall banners that explore the many ways Washington’s Filipino community is connected to water. It was created by the Filipino American National Historical Society and the Maritime Washington National Heritage Area. The exhibit will be on display through June in our terminal building on Seattle’s waterfront, where many of these stories began.

A new travelling banner exhibit inside our Seattle terminal shows how Filipino Americans helped shape our region’s maritime culture and economy through their hard work, service, foods and traditions.

Sailing stats for week of April 28 to May 4

For the week of April 28 to May 4, we completed 97.8% of our 2,763 scheduled sailings. This figure is separate from on-time performance. Of the 67 cancellations, 23 were due to vessel-related issues, 15 for schedule resets (when a boat is so far behind schedule, we cancel a sailing to get it back on schedule, providing predictability for customers), 14 because of tidal currents, 13 due to miscellaneous reasons and two for crewing.

Customer kudos

“The tollbooth attendants at Fauntleroy are always friendly and my carpool buddy and I always enjoy our interactions with them all.”

-Fauntleroy/Vashon/Southworth route customer