Topic: Ferries

Larger Yakima Added to San Juan Ferries Route, but Vessel, Crew Shortage Shortens Schedules

Written on June 12, 2021 at 5:30 am, by

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

Tell Washington State Transportation Commission what Ferry Fares Should be by June 10

Written on June 6, 2021 at 4:30 am, by

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

Expect Increased Washington State Ferries Traffic this Memorial Day Weekend

Written on May 30, 2021 at 4:30 am, by

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

Join Washington State Ferries Online Meetings Tuesday, Wednesday

Written on May 23, 2021 at 4:30 am, by

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

Summer Ferries Schedule Released Today after Delay from Wenatchee Fire

Written on May 9, 2021 at 5:30 am, by

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

Summer Washington State Ferries Rates Start Today

Written on May 1, 2021 at 12:13 pm, by

  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

Washington State Ferries Ridership Above 2019 Levels in San Juans

Written on April 18, 2021 at 4:30 am, by

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

Washington State Ferries Returns to Full Service April 15 on Anacortes and San Juan Islands Routes

Written on April 15, 2021 at 7:12 am, by

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

Give Service Feedback To Washington State Ferries

Written on April 11, 2021 at 9:56 am, by

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

Ferry Workers Eligible For Vaccine, WSF Reminds Travelers To Limit Trips

Written on March 22, 2021 at 4:30 am, by

From Washington State Ferries Please continue to limit ferry travel to essential trips. Despite increasing COVID-19 vaccinations and lower case numbers, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention still recommends we delay travel if possible. That’s why we continue to ask the public to limit rides on our ferries to essential purposes only. If you  Continue Reading

Islands Ferries Routes On Severe Weather Schedules Through Monday

Written on February 14, 2021 at 5:32 pm, by

From Washington State Ferries All routes, including the Anacortes/San Juan Island route, will remain on their severe weather schedules through the end of the sailing day on Monday, Feb. 15. The Anacortes/San Juan Islands route will be running on its weekday severe weather schedule Monday. Travelers should continue to plan ahead and check the adjusted  Continue Reading

Attend Washington State Ferries Virtual Meetings

Written on January 29, 2021 at 4:30 am, by

From Washington State Ferries Washington State Ferries will host a series of upcoming virtual public meetings. On Feb. 9 and 10, staff will be available to answer questions and give an update on Washington State Ferries. For more information about how to participate, go to http://bit.ly/WSFCommunityParticipation. The safety of our customers and crew is WSF’s  Continue Reading

Timeline Of Ferries’ COVID-19 Response in 2020

Written on January 23, 2021 at 4:30 am, by

  From Washington State Ferries As COVID-19 began to impact our region, we took steps to ensure the safety of our passengers and employees. Many of these actions happened swiftly, and, like everyone, we had to adapt to changing information and guidance. March Closed the galleys to limit passenger contact. Started offering ticket refunds and  Continue Reading

Pandemic Drops Ferry Ridership To Lowest In 50 Years

Written on January 17, 2021 at 5:00 am, by

Annual Riders Down 10 million From 2019  From Washington State Ferries Annual ridership aboard Washington State Ferries plunged by nearly 10 million customers in 2020 – a drop of 41% from the previous year – to roughly 14 million. Stay-at-home orders, remote work and decreased tourism because of COVID-19 are the main reasons for the  Continue Reading

Holiday Ferries Ridership 43% Lower Than In 2019

Written on January 9, 2021 at 5:00 am, by

From Washington State Ferries Washington State Ferries had roughly 267,000 riders from Tuesday, Dec. 22, through Monday, Dec. 28. That’s 43% lower than the number of people we carried during the same time frame last year, though vehicle ridership was down only 9%. Thank you for following statewide restrictions to limit travel over the holiday season. Wednesday,  Continue Reading

Washington State Ferries New Website, Survey

Written on October 23, 2020 at 4:30 am, by

By Washington State Ferries Website Customers will notice that Washington State Ferries’ website has a new look. Not only does it look better, but it is now easier to navigate. Check out the changes at www.wsdotferries.com. If you have questions or need help finding information on the website, contact our customer call center at 206-464-6400  Continue Reading