The EDC recently launched a survey to determine economic and social impacts to San Juan County residents, from recent Washington State Ferries service disruptions.  Initial findings show that most residents responding to the survey reported negative impacts. Key findings from the survey: 447 participants from San Juan County responded to the survey.  Of those, 94%  Continue Reading

This just in from WSF… Washington State Ferries will temporarily operate reduced sailing schedules on most routes beginning this Saturday, Oct. 16. The change will help offer more predictable and reliable service systemwide in the face of crewing shortages due to a global shortage mariners that has been worsened by the pandemic. Therefore the following  Continue Reading

This just in from Washington State Ferries… Washington State Ferries will reduce the total number of reservations available during the two-week and two-day releases for the rest of the current season beginning Friday, Oct. 8. Starting Friday, only 20% of a sailing’s total capacity will open for each release rather than the usual 30%. The  Continue Reading

  The EDC invites island business owners, workers and residents to participate in a survey regarding Washington State Ferries service disruptions this past summer.  Islanders are invited to participate in the survey here:  https://forms.gle/uzXU6vy3tujUyuSR9 Anecdotal information and data derived from the survey will be used to better understand economic and other impacts from ferry service  Continue Reading

This story comes from Washington State Ferries and it may help shed some light on all the ferry sailing cancellations due to “Shortage of Coast Guard documented crew”… We’re not the only marine transportation system dealing with a lack of crewmembers. Following BC Ferries’ cancellation of a couple sailings last week due to a staffing  Continue Reading

From Washington State Ferries Vehicle reservations for travel between late September and New Year’s Day on the Anacortes and San Juan Islands and Port Townsend and Coupeville routes will be released next week. Starting at 7 a.m. Tuesday, July 27, customers can secure their spot on sailings between Sept. 26 and Jan. 1, 2022. Customers  Continue Reading

By Nicole McIntosh, Chief of Staff, WSDOT Ferries Division The state’s reopening and the start of summer are bringing us a surge in ridership. We carried almost 86,000 riders on Saturday, July 3. That beats our old pandemic high of nearly 80,000 on the Saturday of Memorial Day weekend on May 29. July 3 was  Continue Reading

From the Washington State Department of Transportation With the state lifting most pandemic-related restrictions on June 30, our ferry system has changed the following:  No longer enforcing COVID-19 capacity limits No longer advising people coming aboard in a personal vehicle to remain in their vehicles. No longer requiring tollbooth employees to use selfie sticks with self-swipe  Continue Reading

From Washington State Ferries Customers should be prepared if their travels this holiday weekend include riding aboard a ferry. Some routes will be sailing on their holiday sailing schedules. Customers can note specific holiday sailings as they are marked on the timetables for each route. However, all customers should be prepared for longer waits at the  Continue Reading

By Hayley Day, San Juan Update Sailing cancelations aboard Washington State Ferries vessels in the San Juan Islands reached a boiling point over the weekend. The interisland ferry was canceled Sunday until 11:35 a.m. due to a lack of staffing. Originally the route was canceled until 2:25 p.m. but was later updated. The No. 1  Continue Reading

From Washington State Ferries Face masks are now required only in indoor areas of our terminals and vessels for all riders and employees in compliance with the latest CDC guidelines. All customers inside terminals or vessels should continue to wear face coverings. However, passengers can remove their masks while outdoors on the sun deck, car  Continue Reading

From Washington State Ferries The 6:45 p.m. sailing from Anacortes to Lopez and the 7:35 p.m. sailing from Lopez to Anacortes Saturday have been canceled due to a crewing shortage. Passengers with reservations for those trips will be loaded onto one of the subsequent sailings to their destination and can check the Anacortes / San  Continue Reading

From Washington State Ferries Washington State Ferries is currently upgrading our phone systems and some callers may experience connection issues attempting to reach an agent. The upgrades are expected to be completed by the end of the week. If you’re unable to reach an agent, please hang up and try again. Customers can also ask questions  Continue Reading

By Patty Rubstello, Assistant Secretary, Washington State Department of Transportation Ferries Division The 144-vehicle capacity Yakima replaced the 124-vehicle capacity Cathlamet on the Anacortes and San Juan Islands route Friday, June 11. Systemwide, we’re working to build back service to pre-pandemic levels. However, this will continue to be a gradual process as we deal with  Continue Reading

WSF Evergreen State enters Friday Harbor – SJ Update photo From the Washington State Transportation Commission The Washington State Transportation Commission is required to adjust ferry fares every two years and is seeking input from the public on fare increase alternatives. Visit wstc.wa.gov for more information about the alternatives being proposed and to leave your  Continue Reading

From Washington State Ferries Customers taking a ferry as part of their Memorial Day travel plans should be prepared for a busy holiday weekend. Along with the increased traffic, most routes will be operating on different schedules than years past due to service reductions related to the pandemic and crewing and vessel shortages. Passengers are  Continue Reading

From Washington State Ferries The next Washington State Ferries spring 2021 online community webinars will be held Tuesday and Wednesday.  Join members of the ferries executive team for an opportunity to ask questions and submit comments at one of next week’s virtual public meetings. To participate, register online in advance for either 11 a.m. Tuesday,  Continue Reading

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,  Continue Reading

  From Washington State Ferries The summer surcharge fares are effective as of the start of business Saturday, May 1. A standard vehicle pass from Anacortes to Friday Harbor costs $70.90 and $14.50 for each adult passenger. Minor and senior passengers cost $7.25 for each. View the fare chart here.  The safety of our customers  Continue Reading

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.  Continue Reading

From Washington State Ferries The Samish, Cathlamet and Kaleetan vessels have been reassigned to full service on the Anacortes and San Juan Islands routes for Thursday, April 15.  The Chelan has been out of service since April 14 due to steering issues and needed repairs. This will restore full service, following earlier cancellations. Now,  M/V Samish  Continue Reading

From Washington State Ferries If you ride our ferries, consider participating in the current Washington State Ferry Riders Opinion Group survey to share your thoughts on our service. The survey is hosted by the Washington State Transportation Commission and helps us hear feedback and suggestions directly from you. Sign up to join the survey panel  Continue Reading