Topic: Ferries
Reminder: No Sidney, B.C. service starting Tuesday, Nov. 12
Written on November 8, 2019 at 7:23 am, by Tim Dustrude
The only two vessels in the WSF fleet certified to sail in international waters, Elwha and Chelan, will be out of service for required maintenance starting Tuesday, November 12. This leaves no option but to suspend service to Sidney, British Columbia through December 8. During this period, WSF will maintain four-boat service on the Anacortes/San Continue Reading
Tim Eyman’s I-976 Severely Impacts Ferries
Written on October 17, 2019 at 5:56 am, by Tim Dustrude
Tim Eyman is back on the ballot with another $30 car-tab initiative, I-976. You may have seen the TV ads or visited www.no976.com on the web. Among a long list of cuts, I-976 would have an immediate effect on funding for ferry operations as well as maintenance and improvements. The repercussions of Eyman’s I-695 twenty Continue Reading
WSF International Sailings to be Cancelled Temporarily
Written on October 16, 2019 at 12:14 pm, by Tim Dustrude
Beginning Tuesday, November 12 through Sunday, December 8, international service between Anacortes/Friday Harbor/Sidney B.C. is cancelled due to required maintenance on both vessels in WSF’s fleet certified to run international service to and from Sidney B.C: M/V Elwha and M/V Chelan. During this period, M/V Kitsap will replace Elwha/Chelan and sail in the #1 vessel Continue Reading
WSF Schedule and Fare Changes
Written on September 28, 2019 at 9:45 am, by Tim Dustrude
The Washington State Ferries Fall 2019 Sailing Schedule goes into effect on Sunday, September 29th. You can pick-up a hard copy at the ferry terminals, on the vessels, view it online or use the ferry schedule portion of the WSF app to plan your trip. On Tuesday, Oct. 1, we’ll see changes to ferry fares. Continue Reading
Anacortes Terminal Survey
Written on July 5, 2019 at 5:44 am, by Tim Dustrude
The Washington State Department of Transportation is partnering with the Port and city of Anacortes to explore innovative public-private partnerships to enhance the 35-acre ferry terminal site. This could include commercial opportunities such as retail stores, lodging and food options. WSDOT would like to hear from Anacortes and San Juan Islands residents, tribes and ferry Continue Reading
All Clear
Written on July 1, 2019 at 6:39 pm, by Tim Dustrude
Apparently no bomb was found – they’re loading for Anacortes. Here’s the official word from WSF: M/V Elwha has been cleared to sail and normal operations will resume as soon as possible. Supplemental sailings will be added to help accommodate passengers going to Friday Harbor and returning to Anacortes.
Bomb Squad Arrives
Written on July 1, 2019 at 5:20 pm, by Tim Dustrude
By now you probably know there was a bomb threat this afternoon aboard the Elwha. All ferry service to and from Friday Harbor has been suspended until the ferry can be cleared. The bomb squad (including two dogs) arrived and has just boarded the vessel at approximately 5:10 pm. Updates will be posted as more Continue Reading
Ferry Fare Feedback Requested
Written on July 1, 2019 at 5:40 am, by Tim Dustrude
The Washington State Transportation Commission is looking for feedback on proposed ferry fare increases for the next two years that will take effect in October. You can learn more about the fare changes and provide comments via the Transportation Commission’s online open house You can also submit feedback by emailing the transportation commission at transc@wstc.wa.gov. Continue Reading
The Partial Fix
Written on June 22, 2019 at 5:51 am, by Tim Dustrude
Well here’s some good news, but sadly, not a whole lot… This is the fourth in the 3-part series that became a 4-part series mid-way through. Part Four: The Solution (to see Parts 1 through 3, click below) Part One: The Problem Part Two: The Cause Part Three: The Solution Problem Continues Perhaps “The Solution” Continue Reading
Hyak to Be Retired
Written on June 21, 2019 at 5:50 am, by Tim Dustrude
Well this was supposed to be the third in a 3-part series of late running ferries, but it just became the third in a FOUR part series… Part 3: The Problem Continues This just in from WSF on June 20th: Summer to Begin With Fewer Vessels in WSF fleet “The past legislative session came with Continue Reading
Where’s That Ferry?
Written on June 20, 2019 at 5:50 am, by Tim Dustrude
I’ve always loved the Washington State Ferries (well, almost always*). This is the second in a 3-part series about our late running ferry system. Many thanks to Jim Corenman, Chair of the San Juans Ferry Advisory Committee for his input on this issue. (and yes, we’ll hear from Jim in today’s article)… Part Two – Continue Reading
Which Ferry Will You Be On?
Written on June 19, 2019 at 5:50 am, by Tim Dustrude
When my wife asks “Which ferry will you be on?” I can pretty reliably say “the late one”, which used to mean the last run of the day. Sadly, these days it can mean almost any one of them. This is the first in a 3-part series about our late running ferry system. Many thanks Continue Reading
Siri’s Summer Ferry Schedule
Written on June 14, 2019 at 5:47 am, by Tim Dustrude
The WSF Summer 2019 Sailing Schedule is now online to help you plan any upcoming trips. Print versions will be available on vessels and at terminals soon. The summer schedule runs from Sunday, June 23, through Saturday, Sept. 28. The cover features a poem written by Friday Harbor High School student Siri Lindstrum, the #WSFHaiku Continue Reading
WSTC Hosts Community Meeting
Written on May 29, 2019 at 5:41 am, by Tim Dustrude
Come join us tonight to share your thoughts and learn more about possible ferry fare changes. To provide San Juan Islands residents opportunity to comment on potential changes to fares, the Washington State Transportation Commission (WSTC) will host a public meeting in Friday Harbor, which will include a brief presentation by WSTC and WSF staff Continue Reading
Action Plan for a Sustainable Ferry System Released
Written on May 2, 2019 at 5:34 am, by Tim Dustrude
Washington State Ferries is excited to announce that in honor of Earth Day, they launched a two-year Sustainability Action Plan (PDF) that outlines goals and actions for greener ferries and terminals. It includes initiatives to protect orca whales, reduce greenhouse gas emissions, improve air quality, reduce waste, and other ways to make the ferry system Continue Reading
WSF Community Meetings
Written on May 1, 2019 at 5:35 am, by Tim Dustrude
Mark your calendars – WSF and local Ferry Advisory Committees are hosting nine upcoming community meetings. Come learn about the future of ferries, proposed changes to fares, and local projects on your route. Kingston: Monday, April 29, 6 p.m., Kingston Village Green Community Center, 26159 Dulay Road NE, Kingston Coupeville: Wednesday, May 1, 6 p.m., Continue Reading
Parking Lot Repaving
Written on April 12, 2019 at 2:40 pm, by Tim Dustrude
The Anacortes Terminal Parking Lot A will be closed for about one month starting Saturday, April 13. Construction crews will repave the parking lot during the closure. The work is anticipated to be completed by mid-May. Lot A is directly adjacent to the passenger terminal and vehicles will not have access to the 15 min. Continue Reading
Upcoming FAC Meetings
Written on April 4, 2019 at 5:46 am, by Tim Dustrude
Mark your calendars! WSF and local Ferry Advisory Committees are hosting nine upcoming community meetings! Come learn about the future of ferries, proposed changes to fares, and local projects on your route. Kingston: Monday, April 29, 6 p.m., Kingston Village Green Community Center, 26159 Dulay Road NE, Kingston Coupeville: Wednesday, May 1, 6 p.m., Island Continue Reading
Ferry spring schedule starts Sunday
Written on March 29, 2019 at 5:46 am, by Tim Dustrude
Don’t get caught by surprise! Peruse the new schedule online, and see these new changes to our area sailings: Anacortes/San Juan Islands will have four vessels in service, similar to the fall schedule Anacortes/Sidney, BC will have one daily roundtrip via Friday Harbor Two-boat service resumes for Port Townsend/Coupeville on Sunday, May 12
WSF Haiku Contest Winner!
Written on March 28, 2019 at 5:29 pm, by Tim Dustrude
Here’s a note from Washington State Ferries… The cover of the Washington State Ferries’ Summer 2019 Sailing Schedule will feature a haiku written by Friday Harbor’s own Siri Lindstrum. Out of nearly 200 entries in the #WSFHaiku Twitter contest, Siri’s poem received the most “likes” of the three finalists on the @wsferries page. Here’s the Continue Reading
Sealth to Replace Yakima
Written on March 28, 2019 at 3:11 pm, by Tim Dustrude
Beginning Friday, March 29, there will be reduced vehicle capacity on the Anacortes/San Juan Islands route when the 90-car Sealth begins service as vessel #2, replacing the 144-car Yakima. Effective today, the Yakima replaces the 144-car Hyak, moving from position #2 position #3, beginning with the Anacortes 2:10 pm to Friday Harbor. The Sealth carries Continue Reading
Letter from OPALCO
Written on January 12, 2019 at 5:53 am, by Tim Dustrude
WSF: Electrify the San Juan Islands Ferry Routes FIRST Don’t delay protection of the Salish Sea The current WS Ferries Long range plan for deploying electric ferries puts the San Juan routes last on the list. Why lose decades in our efforts to protect the Salish Sea – and all of the species who depend Continue Reading
Reminder: No Sidney, B.C. service starting Tuesday, Nov. 12
Written on November 8, 2019 at 7:23 am, by Tim Dustrude
The only two vessels in the WSF fleet certified to sail in international waters, Elwha and Chelan, will be out of service for required maintenance starting Tuesday, November 12. This leaves no option but to suspend service to Sidney, British Columbia through December 8. During this period, WSF will maintain four-boat service on the Anacortes/San Continue Reading
Tim Eyman’s I-976 Severely Impacts Ferries
Written on October 17, 2019 at 5:56 am, by Tim Dustrude
Tim Eyman is back on the ballot with another $30 car-tab initiative, I-976. You may have seen the TV ads or visited www.no976.com on the web. Among a long list of cuts, I-976 would have an immediate effect on funding for ferry operations as well as maintenance and improvements. The repercussions of Eyman’s I-695 twenty Continue Reading
WSF International Sailings to be Cancelled Temporarily
Written on October 16, 2019 at 12:14 pm, by Tim Dustrude
Beginning Tuesday, November 12 through Sunday, December 8, international service between Anacortes/Friday Harbor/Sidney B.C. is cancelled due to required maintenance on both vessels in WSF’s fleet certified to run international service to and from Sidney B.C: M/V Elwha and M/V Chelan. During this period, M/V Kitsap will replace Elwha/Chelan and sail in the #1 vessel Continue Reading
WSF Schedule and Fare Changes
Written on September 28, 2019 at 9:45 am, by Tim Dustrude
The Washington State Ferries Fall 2019 Sailing Schedule goes into effect on Sunday, September 29th. You can pick-up a hard copy at the ferry terminals, on the vessels, view it online or use the ferry schedule portion of the WSF app to plan your trip. On Tuesday, Oct. 1, we’ll see changes to ferry fares. Continue Reading
Anacortes Terminal Survey
Written on July 5, 2019 at 5:44 am, by Tim Dustrude
The Washington State Department of Transportation is partnering with the Port and city of Anacortes to explore innovative public-private partnerships to enhance the 35-acre ferry terminal site. This could include commercial opportunities such as retail stores, lodging and food options. WSDOT would like to hear from Anacortes and San Juan Islands residents, tribes and ferry Continue Reading
All Clear
Written on July 1, 2019 at 6:39 pm, by Tim Dustrude
Apparently no bomb was found – they’re loading for Anacortes. Here’s the official word from WSF: M/V Elwha has been cleared to sail and normal operations will resume as soon as possible. Supplemental sailings will be added to help accommodate passengers going to Friday Harbor and returning to Anacortes.
Bomb Squad Arrives
Written on July 1, 2019 at 5:20 pm, by Tim Dustrude
By now you probably know there was a bomb threat this afternoon aboard the Elwha. All ferry service to and from Friday Harbor has been suspended until the ferry can be cleared. The bomb squad (including two dogs) arrived and has just boarded the vessel at approximately 5:10 pm. Updates will be posted as more Continue Reading
Ferry Fare Feedback Requested
Written on July 1, 2019 at 5:40 am, by Tim Dustrude
The Washington State Transportation Commission is looking for feedback on proposed ferry fare increases for the next two years that will take effect in October. You can learn more about the fare changes and provide comments via the Transportation Commission’s online open house You can also submit feedback by emailing the transportation commission at transc@wstc.wa.gov. Continue Reading
The Partial Fix
Written on June 22, 2019 at 5:51 am, by Tim Dustrude
Well here’s some good news, but sadly, not a whole lot… This is the fourth in the 3-part series that became a 4-part series mid-way through. Part Four: The Solution (to see Parts 1 through 3, click below) Part One: The Problem Part Two: The Cause Part Three: The Solution Problem Continues Perhaps “The Solution” Continue Reading
Hyak to Be Retired
Written on June 21, 2019 at 5:50 am, by Tim Dustrude
Well this was supposed to be the third in a 3-part series of late running ferries, but it just became the third in a FOUR part series… Part 3: The Problem Continues This just in from WSF on June 20th: Summer to Begin With Fewer Vessels in WSF fleet “The past legislative session came with Continue Reading
Where’s That Ferry?
Written on June 20, 2019 at 5:50 am, by Tim Dustrude
I’ve always loved the Washington State Ferries (well, almost always*). This is the second in a 3-part series about our late running ferry system. Many thanks to Jim Corenman, Chair of the San Juans Ferry Advisory Committee for his input on this issue. (and yes, we’ll hear from Jim in today’s article)… Part Two – Continue Reading
Which Ferry Will You Be On?
Written on June 19, 2019 at 5:50 am, by Tim Dustrude
When my wife asks “Which ferry will you be on?” I can pretty reliably say “the late one”, which used to mean the last run of the day. Sadly, these days it can mean almost any one of them. This is the first in a 3-part series about our late running ferry system. Many thanks Continue Reading
Siri’s Summer Ferry Schedule
Written on June 14, 2019 at 5:47 am, by Tim Dustrude
The WSF Summer 2019 Sailing Schedule is now online to help you plan any upcoming trips. Print versions will be available on vessels and at terminals soon. The summer schedule runs from Sunday, June 23, through Saturday, Sept. 28. The cover features a poem written by Friday Harbor High School student Siri Lindstrum, the #WSFHaiku Continue Reading
WSTC Hosts Community Meeting
Written on May 29, 2019 at 5:41 am, by Tim Dustrude
Come join us tonight to share your thoughts and learn more about possible ferry fare changes. To provide San Juan Islands residents opportunity to comment on potential changes to fares, the Washington State Transportation Commission (WSTC) will host a public meeting in Friday Harbor, which will include a brief presentation by WSTC and WSF staff Continue Reading
Action Plan for a Sustainable Ferry System Released
Written on May 2, 2019 at 5:34 am, by Tim Dustrude
Washington State Ferries is excited to announce that in honor of Earth Day, they launched a two-year Sustainability Action Plan (PDF) that outlines goals and actions for greener ferries and terminals. It includes initiatives to protect orca whales, reduce greenhouse gas emissions, improve air quality, reduce waste, and other ways to make the ferry system Continue Reading
WSF Community Meetings
Written on May 1, 2019 at 5:35 am, by Tim Dustrude
Mark your calendars – WSF and local Ferry Advisory Committees are hosting nine upcoming community meetings. Come learn about the future of ferries, proposed changes to fares, and local projects on your route. Kingston: Monday, April 29, 6 p.m., Kingston Village Green Community Center, 26159 Dulay Road NE, Kingston Coupeville: Wednesday, May 1, 6 p.m., Continue Reading
Parking Lot Repaving
Written on April 12, 2019 at 2:40 pm, by Tim Dustrude
The Anacortes Terminal Parking Lot A will be closed for about one month starting Saturday, April 13. Construction crews will repave the parking lot during the closure. The work is anticipated to be completed by mid-May. Lot A is directly adjacent to the passenger terminal and vehicles will not have access to the 15 min. Continue Reading
Upcoming FAC Meetings
Written on April 4, 2019 at 5:46 am, by Tim Dustrude
Mark your calendars! WSF and local Ferry Advisory Committees are hosting nine upcoming community meetings! Come learn about the future of ferries, proposed changes to fares, and local projects on your route. Kingston: Monday, April 29, 6 p.m., Kingston Village Green Community Center, 26159 Dulay Road NE, Kingston Coupeville: Wednesday, May 1, 6 p.m., Island Continue Reading
Ferry spring schedule starts Sunday
Written on March 29, 2019 at 5:46 am, by Tim Dustrude
Don’t get caught by surprise! Peruse the new schedule online, and see these new changes to our area sailings: Anacortes/San Juan Islands will have four vessels in service, similar to the fall schedule Anacortes/Sidney, BC will have one daily roundtrip via Friday Harbor Two-boat service resumes for Port Townsend/Coupeville on Sunday, May 12
WSF Haiku Contest Winner!
Written on March 28, 2019 at 5:29 pm, by Tim Dustrude
Here’s a note from Washington State Ferries… The cover of the Washington State Ferries’ Summer 2019 Sailing Schedule will feature a haiku written by Friday Harbor’s own Siri Lindstrum. Out of nearly 200 entries in the #WSFHaiku Twitter contest, Siri’s poem received the most “likes” of the three finalists on the @wsferries page. Here’s the Continue Reading
Sealth to Replace Yakima
Written on March 28, 2019 at 3:11 pm, by Tim Dustrude
Beginning Friday, March 29, there will be reduced vehicle capacity on the Anacortes/San Juan Islands route when the 90-car Sealth begins service as vessel #2, replacing the 144-car Yakima. Effective today, the Yakima replaces the 144-car Hyak, moving from position #2 position #3, beginning with the Anacortes 2:10 pm to Friday Harbor. The Sealth carries Continue Reading
Letter from OPALCO
Written on January 12, 2019 at 5:53 am, by Tim Dustrude
WSF: Electrify the San Juan Islands Ferry Routes FIRST Don’t delay protection of the Salish Sea The current WS Ferries Long range plan for deploying electric ferries puts the San Juan routes last on the list. Why lose decades in our efforts to protect the Salish Sea – and all of the species who depend Continue Reading