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


NTSB and FHWA officials tour Seattle/Bainbridge route, Colman Dock construction

We hosted members of the National Transportation Safety Board and the Federal Highway Administration on two separate tours this week. Both groups visited our Colman Dock project site before taking a ride on our Seattle/Bainbridge route. It’s always great to share what we do with transportation professionals from across the country!

Four people posing for a photo at a construction site

With WSDOT Deputy Secretary Amy Scarton (left), Director of NTSB Office of Marine Safety Capt. Morgan Turrell (right) and Board Member Thomas Chapman (left center) in front of the Colman Dock entry building in construction on Tuesday.

Eight people posing for a photo with a ferry in the background and the Seattle skyline far in the distance

Eagle Harbor Maintenance Facility General Manager R.J. Kelly (left center), Director of Vessel Maintenance and Engineering Eric Visser (right) and I pose for a photo at the Bainbridge Island facility yesterday with FHWA officials.


Service restoration update

Although our service reliability was lower over the past two weeks, than previous weeks, our latest biweekly Service Restoration Plan (PDF 794KB) Progress Report (PDF 609KB) shows we’re still maintaining our service reliability threshold of 95% or more on our three restored routes. Because of the hard work of our dispatch team, making numerous phone calls to fill dozens of relief requests daily, even our next run up for restoration, Edmonds/Kingston, was close at 94%. Unfortunately, we still do not have the crew availability to reliably restore full service on that route.

Several people in a classroom with most of them wearing a puffy orange suit

A class of new oiler hires completed orientation and training this week. Here they are demonstrating the use of thermal protective aids at our warehouse.


Electrifying our fleet with Seattle City Light partnership

We signed a partnership agreement with Seattle City Light this week as part of our electrification efforts. We’re tapping into SCL’s ingenuity and clean energy to help transition to a hybrid-electric ferry system that will reduce greenhouse gases and improve local air quality!

Two people behind a desk signing papers

Signing the memorandum of understanding with Seattle City Light Energy Innovation and Resources Officer Emeka Anyanwu.


Riders 18 years old and under board for free starting Saturday, Oct. 1

Starting Saturday, Oct. 1, youth will board for free as a result of this year’s Move Ahead Washington transportation package. The law requires us to provide free fares for passengers 18 and under across the state. The legislation applies only to youth riding as a passenger in a vehicle and those walking onto a state ferry. It does not include teenagers behind the wheel of a motor vehicle. Drivers under 19 years old will continue to pay the adult vehicle and driver fare.

Because of this change, youth tickets are no longer available at self-serve kiosks and online. However, youth walking onto a ferry will still need a ticket or a valid ORCA card to board at terminals where one is currently needed. Terminal employees at the ticket booth can issue the free-fare youth tickets, which will be valid for two hours.


Fare changes begin Saturday, Oct. 1

You may notice some other changes in our fares in the new month. On Saturday, Oct. 1, the Washington State Transportation Commission’s rate changes go into effect. It’s also the first day with no peak season surcharge for vehicles, which will resume May 1, 2023. Use our online calendar to calculate your fares for the days you’ll be traveling.


Ferry Riders Opinion Group survey

The Washington State Transportation Commission is seeking feedback about Washington State Ferries. Casual, recreational and regular riders, as well as those who are interested in ferry issues and management are welcome to join the Ferry Riders Opinion Group to share their thoughts about all things ferries. Even if you do not wish you sign up for the FROG, you can still participate in the Summer Performance Survey. Thanks for your participation and input!


 

Customer kudos graphic

“[…] I’m in love with the person working today at the Bainbridge ferry terminal toll booth. They got us right on the boat and were so sweet to me and my doggie. I know things are really difficult right now so that was a very lovely surprise. Thank you!” -Seattle/Bainbridge customer


 

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