WSF Weekly Report | Spring schedule available next week; appreciation from SJC

We’re [five] days away from the opening of spring season (March 24 to June 15) vehicle reservations for our Anacortes/San Juan Islands and Port Townsend/Coupeville routes. As a reminder, the two-month season release time of 10 a.m. Wednesday, Feb. 14, is three hours later than previously. For our Anacortes/San Juan Islands run, we’ll open 25% of vehicle reservations space. Another 25% will be available two weeks before each specific sailing and the final 25% two days before. Those release times remain at 7 a.m.

All vehicle reservation space for our Port Townsend/Coupeville route (80% for each sailing) will be available after next week’s two-month release.

New overhead walkway opens at Bainbridge terminal

The new overhead pedestrian walkway at our Bainbridge terminal opened on Monday. Construction began in summer 2022 to replace the 50-year-old wood-supported walkway with a seismically safe steel-fortified walkway set on concrete and steel columns. The old structure will be taken down in the coming weeks.

The wider, ADA-compliant walkway offers a more direct route to the ferry. Benches and heaters will be installed in the coming weeks.

A show of appreciation from San Juan County

Thank you to the San Juan County Council and San Juan County Ferry Advisory Committee for sending the following letter of appreciation for my colleagues working aboard the ferries and at the terminals on our Anacortes/San Juan Islands route. The thoughtful and kind message is another reminder of the important role we play in the communities we serve.

“It is without question that you, the Terminal and Vessel Staff which operate and maintain ferry service for San Juan County, are critical to the residents and visitors of our islands. The work you do daily has impacts that reach far and wide across our county. Day-in and day-out, you act as the primary conduit for commerce, healthcare, education, and numerous other aspects which are vitally important for the success of our community. There are very few parts of island living which are not directly affected by the work you do.

“As we collectively battle through the dark winter months; through weather, illness, and other seasonal challenges, more than ever we recognize the difficulties you face in the execution of your work. Not only does your work become more physically taxing, but you face an increased exposure to dangerous situations and often frustrated passengers similarly struggling under the weight of the season. You are there early in the morning, late in the evening, working through the dark and the cold to provide a vital and necessary service to our community. While your job may be as front-line representatives of Washington State Ferries, for San Juan County you are the ambassadors of the County to the thousands of travelers to, from and within our unique community.

“While there is no way to properly show our profound gratitude for the work you do daily, as representatives of the broader community, we wanted to officially recognize and convey our appreciation to each one of you that serves our route. We appreciate the impact that your effort and dedication to your work brings to our community. Thank you for continuing to being a vitally important part of what makes San Juan County the incredible place that it is.”

-San Juan County Council and San Juan County Ferry Advisory Committee

Customer kudos

“[…] Loading at the Fauntleroy ferry this morning for the 9:10 ferry to Vashon/Southworth we encountered an amazingly pleasant man at the ticket booth. I think his name is Tom [Parker, terminal employee]? Anyway he was so sweet, funny and kind and it’s important to recognize those people!”

-Fauntleroy/Vashon/Southworth customer