WSF Weekly Report | It’s pretty much all about the weather

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

Holiday season ferry travel

Planning a ride with us this holiday season? Prepare for busy sailings and long waits if boarding in a vehicle. Riders are also encouraged to regularly check online sailing schedules, as timetables are dependent on staffing. Customers can sign up for rider alerts to receive an update each night and morning on what schedule is operating on each route. The alerts also provide updates if staff shortages lead to unexpected service reductions.

A special thank you to our employees working over the holiday season. If you get the chance, please wish them “Happy holidays!”

The busiest sailings will likely be westbound (or onto an island) now through Saturday, Dec. 24, then eastbound (or off island) Sunday, Dec. 25, and in the days after Christmas. To reduce or eliminate waiting, riders may consider taking an early morning or late-night sailing or walking on. Historically, far fewer people catch a ferry around the New Year’s holiday. On Dec. 25 and Jan. 1, all routes will operate on Sunday schedules. On Dec. 26 and Jan. 2, there will be a few schedule changes on some routes on both Mondays. Holiday sailings are marked on the online schedules for each route.

Edmonds/Kingston route begins two-boat service trial Sunday, Jan. 1

Our Edmonds/Kingston route, which is next in line for restoration in our Service Restoration Plan (PDF 794KB), will begin a trial of pre-pandemic two-boat service levels on Sunday, Jan. 1. Until then, a second boat will be added daily if crews are available. The Seattle/Bainbridge, Mukilteo/Clinton and Anacortes/San Juan Islands routes are fully restored.

Week of winter weather

From snow to frigid temperatures, we’re having a wild week of winter weather! Kudos to our terminal staffs and vessel crews for navigating the elements to get to work and keep our system running. They’re also making sure our riders remain safe by shoveling snow and salting high-traffic surfaces. I also recognize our dispatchers, who are working extra hard during this cold blast to fill shifts, finding replacements for those who can’t make it into work.

Terminal employees Rachel Keller, Emily Spencer, Ryan Fairchild and Jeb Abernathy shovel snow and lay down salt on a transfer span in Kingston.

Traffic Attendant Alex Miller treats the surface of the transfer span at Mukilteo by laying down salt.

A visit to our warehouse

I had a great time last week meeting my colleagues who work at our warehouse in Seattle’s Georgetown neighborhood. They might not be as visible as our vessel and terminal staff, but our warehouse employees are just as vital in keeping our routes operating every day. Almost everything that’s needed to run our ferry system is processed at the facility before going out to various locations. They have such an important role and it was nice to see the amazing work they do! View a video profile of one of our warehouse employees, Truckdriver Lead Nick Wakeman.

I presented a recognition plaque to our warehouse employees for their work in helping to keep our ferries running.

Virtual public meetings, Jan. 11 and 12

Save the date! We’re hosting two virtual community meetings in January 2023 to engage and update those we serve. The meetings will take place at 12:30 p.m. Wednesday, Jan. 11, and 6 p.m. Thursday, Jan. 12. Both meetings will cover the same material. Participants will be able to ask questions and provide comments. Advanced registration is required.

Governor’s budget plan supports electrification, vessel preservation and workforce development

Gov. Jay Inslee released his 2023-25 budget plan last week. His proposal includes strong support for ferry system electrification, including funding over the next 10 years to construct five hybrid-electric Olympic-class vessels, convert three Jumbo Mark II-class ferries to hybrid-electric propulsion and build the necessary shoreside power infrastructure. The plan also contains significant funding to help preserve and maintain our vessels, along with resources and better tools for hiring and training. I look forward to working with legislators next year as they consider our budget.

Gingerbread ferry

A @wsdot Instagram follower has some ferry good gingerbread decorating skills! Check out this photo of their holiday interpretation of a San Juan Islands vessel!

“I just wanted to point out the excellent customer service (and excellent human decency) I encountered the other night on the Seattle to Bainbridge ferry. I was coming home late at night from a long trip, and all of my ride options on Bainbridge had suddenly evaporated, and I was going to be stuck. I had absolutely no way to get home other than walk 6 miles in the pouring rain with all of my heavy bags from my trip, and I was despairing.

“As I was disembarking the ferry I asked a ferry employee [Ordinary Sailor Jason Moegling] if there was somewhere I could leave my bag in the terminal and get it the next day, because I had no way to get home and couldn’t possibly walk all that way with my bag, and he instantly said ‘I’ll give you a ride.’ I practically jumped for joy. He saved me. I met him after his shift was over and he gave me a ride home on his way home.

“I really don’t know what I would have done had he not helped me, and I cannot even express how appreciative I am that he helped me. What a kind and caring person.”

-Seattle/Bainbridge customer

Next Weekly Update will be Thursday, Jan. 5

There will be no Weekly Update on Thursday, Dec. 29. I wish you a happy and healthy holiday season. If you’re travelling over the holidays, safe journeys! We’ll catch up in the new year!