HomeMy WebLinkAbout092222 FW_ WSF Thursday Service Disruptions
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From: Vezina, John
Sent: Thursday, September 22, 2022 5:01:02 PM (UTC-08:00) Pacific Time (US & Canada)
Subject: WSF Thursday Service Disruptions
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Ferry Legislators,
Good afternoon.
Like last night, this evening we are facing significant crewing challenges on routes across the system. While our terrific dispatchers are working to fill vacancies, there will be likely
service disruptions on three routes:
* The Suquamish, currently assigned to the Clinton/Mukilteo route, is short an engine room crew member, forcing it to tie up at 6:40pm. This is due to the crewmember following COVID
protocols. This means the route will be on one-boat service with the Tokitae running for the rest of this evening. Because the Tokitae fueled last night, there won’t be a service suspension.
* Earlier today, the Chelan and the Yakima, currently assigned to the Anacortes/San Juan Islands routes, were both out of service due to a lack of available crew. The Yakima was able
to return to service in the late morning, but the Chelan will still be out of service this evening. Operations staff are working with terminal supervisors on the route to adjust schedules
for the rest of the day, ensuring as many reservation holders as possible are accommodated. There are also outstanding relief requests for the vessels tomorrow, which dispatchers are
working to fill. We have suspended reservations on the routes so if we do have cancellations, there are few reservation holders to accommodate.
* The Issaquah, one of the two boats assigned to the Fauntleroy/Southworth/Vashon “Triangle” route, is short an engine room crew member, forcing it to tie up at 5.40pm. This means the
route will be on one-boat service with the Kitsap running for the rest of the evening.
* The Walla Walla, currently assigned to the Seattle/Bremerton route, is short a Chief Mate for its last two sailings this evening. We are looking at options, including asking a Chief
Mate from a Seattle/Bainbridge boat to move over to the Walla Walla for at least its second-to-last roundtrip (before his Coast Guard hours for the day expire), which would put the
Seattle/Bainbridge route on one-boat service late this evening. If we have to cancel Bremerton sailings, we will work with Kitsap Transit on getting people home to Bremerton through
Bainbridge.
We are sending passenger alerts to affected routes and updates on social media, giving customers as much time as possible to plan for these last-minute service disruptions.
As I wrote last night, we know these service disruptions cause hardships for our passengers and work hard every day to avoid them. Most often we do, without the public being aware of
how close we came to reduced or suspended service. We’re working hard to build back the crewing necessary to restore normal service. For the reasons we’ve explained, that will take
time, but that’s not due to a lack of care or diligence from WSF staff.
Best,
John
John B. Vezina
Director Planning, Customer and Government Relations
Washington State Ferries