Washington State Ferries Ridership Above 2019 Levels in San Juans

Port Townsend, Coupeville Route won’t Receive Second Boat Until June 6

By Patty Rubstello, Assistant Secretary, Washington State Department of Transportation Ferries Division

Because of crewing challenges, we made the difficult decision to delay the addition of a second boat on our Port Townsend and Coupeville route until no sooner than Sunday, June 6.

We’re still planning to increase service starting Sunday, May 9, on the Fauntleroy, Vashon and Southworth routes with a three-boat service similar to previous spring and fall schedules, as well as the Anacortes and San Juan Islands routes where timetables will be similar to previous summer schedules without a fifth vessel that mainly served Sidney, British Columbia.

Crewmember relief requests have recently increased significantly, in part because vessel employees are requesting time off to get their COVID-19 vaccines.

I understand the impact this change will have on many riders and communities. That’s why we carefully analyzed recent ridership trends on the three routes where we plan to increase service.

Total riders in the San Juan Islands are already above 2019 levels and we’re experiencing daily overloads on our “Triangle” route.

In addition, Port Townsend and Coupeville vehicle reservations are relatively light before Memorial Day.

As a reminder, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention still recommends delaying travel and we continue to ask the public to limit rides on our ferries to essential purposes only.

As far as crewing, if you’re interested in working in our fleet or know someone who may be, we’re currently accepting applications for on-call deckhands, oilers and terminal attendants.

Thank you for your understanding and patience as we navigate the various effects of the pandemic.

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