WSF Weekly Update | Common cold takes hold in employees

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

Service restoration update

We had a small setback in our service restoration efforts this week because of an unusually high number of relief requests among our employees, likely due to a common cold affecting many in our workforce. This is an unfortunate example of why this process will be a slow turn of the dial. While our Service Restoration Plan (Plan) details our steps to restore service to pre-pandemic levels on a route-by-route basis, we can’t provide a set timeline for each run because of unpredictable factors like this, as well as the amount of new employees we’re able to recruit, then complete required training to ultimately come on board with us.

Ten new terminal employees completed orientation and training last week and are now out working throughout our system

Because our service restoration efforts are dependent on this uncertain crewing availability, we also cannot guarantee that we’ll be able to move quickly down the Plan’s route prioritization list, one after another. We may need to briefly pause our efforts before moving on to the next run. As outlined in our latest progress report, we’re currently focused on our Seattle/Bainbridge route, which is in its trial service stage (Stage 3). Most of our other routes remain in the alternate service stage (Stage 2), running alternate service schedules with sailings added daily if crewing is available. Knowing that this is challenging and frustrating for so many riders, we are committed to keeping you updated throughout our service restoration process.

WSP honors two WSF employees for life-saving efforts

Washington State Patrol recognized two of our employees this week for their response to a medical emergency at our Fauntleroy terminal on Nov. 9. Chief Engineer Marc Marcotte and Ticket Seller Lois Kaestner received a WSP Commendation Award for life-saving efforts after a customer started having trouble breathing. Lois was first to notice the emergency and immediately got the attention of Trooper Samantha Metcalf. Marc, who was reporting to work aboard Kittitas, volunteered to help Lois and the trooper with medical assistance until paramedics arrived. Kudos to everyone involved for stepping up to in a life-threatening situation!

WSP Capt. Christina Martin presents Chief Engineer Marc Marcotte with a WSP Commendation Award.

Ticket Seller Lois Kaestner was presented her WSP Commendation Award at our Fauntleroy terminal.

Ferry Riders Opinion Group survey

Share your thoughts about us in the latest Ferry Riders Opinion Group survey hosted by the Washington State Transportation Commission. Casual, recreational and regular riders, as well as those who are interested in ferry issues and management are welcome to take the current survey now through April 18, or sign up to join the survey panel to ensure you’re included in this and all future surveys. Thanks for your participation and input!

Seattle/Bainbridge run late-night sailings return April 10

Following last month’s successful restoration of late-night sailings on our Seattle/Bremerton route, we’re now ready to restore our Seattle/Bainbridge run’s final roundtrip of the day, which was suspended early in the pandemic. Beginning Sunday, April 10, we’ll resume weekend 1:25 a.m. sailings out of Bainbridge and 2:10 a.m. Seattle departures each Saturday and Sunday. On weekdays, the 12:55 and 1:35 a.m. roundtrip is returning. April 10 also marks the start of our spring sailing season. This year, the season change will bring schedule changes only to our Anacortes/San Juan Islands route timetables.

Added weeknight service for Vashon to Fauntleroy starting April 11

The weekday two-boat schedule we’re operating on our “Triangle” route because of continuing crewing challenges has a significant gap in Vashon to Fauntleroy service from 6:40 to 10:05 p.m. To address rider concerns, we will load Fauntleroy-bound vehicles on the 8:15 p.m. Vashon to Southworth weekday sailing starting Monday, April 11. That vessel then departs for Fauntleroy at 8:35 p.m.

Longest-tenured captain retires

Commodore William Torsen, our longest-tenured captain, retired last week after serving nearly 48 years with us. Bill worked most recently on our Fauntleroy/Vashon/ Southworth route. Greg Sugden is now our “Commodore,” the title our crews give the longest-serving captain in the fleet. Congratulations Bill!

“[…] Bremerton folks we’re sharing the lane with the [Bainbridge Island] folks. Tempers we’re starting to flare and several kept yelling at the attendant [Nate Beutel] to try to help them get on the boat. I could tell he was overwhelmed and flustered, but he remained professional and kept directing traffic, communicating about the backlog, and interacting with the public – all at the same time. He’s a credit to WSF, and kudos to his trainers, too. And hopefully, kudos to the WSF recruitment team to get more folks hired and trained!” -Seattle/Bremerton customer