Summer Ferries Schedule Released Today after Delay from Wenatchee Fire

Suquamish – WSF photo

By Patty Rubstello, assistant secretary, Washington State Department of Transportation Ferries Division

When we unexpectedly lose one of our largest ferries (Puyallup, Tacoma and Wenatchee), there are cascading effects across our system.

With Wenatchee out of service for several months due to a recent fire and continuing pandemic-related vessel crewing challenges for quarantines and vaccinations, we were forced to make some difficult decisions affecting service on the following routes:

We released our “peak season” sailing schedule starting Sunday, May 9, on our Anacortes/San Juan Islands route, where timetables are like previous summer schedules without a fifth vessel that mainly served Sidney, British Columbia. View the schedule here.

Seattle/Bainbridge: Smaller 188-vehicle Walla Walla, 144-vehicle Kaleetan or 124-vehicle Issaquah on route through at least July 25. Temporarily operating out of Slip 3 at Colman Dock starting Thursday, May 13, for about seven weeks.

Seattle/Bremerton: Slower and smaller 64-vehicle Salish on route starting Thursday, May 13, requiring a schedule adjustment that eliminates an early afternoon round trip until at least June 27. Temporarily operating out of Slip 1 at Colman Dock starting Thursday, May 13, for about seven weeks.

Mukilteo/Clinton: Smaller 124-vehicle Kittitas or Chelan on route for most of summer.

Fauntleroy/Vashon/Southworth: At least June 7 for restoration of three-boat service. Smaller 90-vehicle Sealth on route starting Thursday, May 13, and continuing until at least June 27.

Port Townsend/Coupeville: At least June 27 for start of two-boat service.

Wenatchee used one of its four engines with a tug assist to return to our Eagle Harbor Maintenance Facility last month following an engine room fire.

I understand these changes will affect many riders and communities at a time when our ridership is increasing. Later this month, we will be discussing these service changes during our virtual public meetings, which we will have more details on in the coming week. Thank you for your understanding and patience.

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