HomeMy WebLinkAbout040725 email - WSF Monday Matters (April 7)ALERT: BE CAUTIOUS This email originated outside the organization. Do not open attachments or click on links if you are not expecting them.
Monday Matters
Fauntleroy/Vashon/Southworth two-boat schedule update
We are updating the two-boat backup schedule <https://wsdot.wa.gov/construction-planning/search-studies/fauntleroy-vashon-southworth-2-boat-schedule-update> for our Fauntleroy/Vashon/Southworth
“Triangle” route. We plan to finish before the busy summer season.
Gov. Bob Ferguson also recently announced WSF’s intention to restore as much pre-pandemic domestic service as possible this summer. This is an important step in providing more reliable
service for the 2.3 million passengers who rely on our Triangle route. However, because of ferry and crew availability, we may still need to use the two-boat schedule at times. That’s
why it’s important to have a backup schedule that provides as much service as possible.
We’ve changed the Triangle route schedule several times over the years. The most recent changes came from a robust community engagement effort between 2016 and 2019. We used that revised
three-boat schedule for almost a year before the pandemic disrupted service.
Since 2020, ferry and crew shortages have forced us to mostly run the two-boat schedule. For the past year, we added a third, smaller “bonus” boat to help. The current two-boat schedule
was made for rare emergencies and hasn’t been updated in 10 years.
To get feedback on a better two-boat schedule, we’re holding an online open house <https://engage.wsdot.wa.gov/triangle-route-schedule-update-project/> through April 18. We invite you
to take part.
Once the new summer schedule begins, we’ll work with the community to see how well it’s meeting your needs. We’ll keep sharing important updates as we have them.
WSF Weekly Media Highlights
WA House passes $15B transportation budget backed by gas tax hike Washington State Standard
https://washingtonstatestandard.com/2025/04/02/washington-house-passes-15b-transportation-budget-backed-by-gas-tax/
As WA lawmakers, we often disagree. But not on the transportation bill The Seattle Times (PDF included)
https://www.seattletimes.com/opinion/as-wa-lawmakers-we-often-disagree-but-not-on-the-transportation-bill/
Washington state proposes $1.9 billion for ferry services and Kitsap County infrastructure hoodline
https://hoodline.com/2025/04/washington-state-proposes-1-9-billion-for-ferry-services-and-kitsap-county-infrastructure/
ATMS for Kingston ferry route to be implemented by late summer Kitsap Daily News (PDF included)
https://www.kitsapdailynews.com/news/atms-for-kingston-ferry-route-to-be-implemented-by-late-summer/
New summer ferry schedule announced for Anacortes-San Juan Islands route starting June 15 hoodline
https://hoodline.com/2025/04/new-summer-ferry-schedule-announced-for-anacortes-san-juan-islands-route-starting-june-15/
Customer Service
For the week of Mar 31 – April 6 - our customer service team sent 101 rider alerts, received 1,759 customer calls, and fielded more than 200 written comments and emails related to reservations,
schedules, and fares.
Service Reliability
For the week of Mar. 31 – Apr. 6 – we completed 98.48% of our 2,763 scheduled sailings. Of the 56 cancellations, 20% (11) were due to crewing, 16% (9) were due to vessel-related issues,
23% (13) were due to schedule resets (when a boat is so far behind schedule, we cancel a sailing to get it back on schedule, providing predictability for customers), 21% (12) were due
to tidal currents, and 20% (11) were for other miscellaneous reasons.
Vessel Availability
We’re operating at our 15-vessel current service level, adding a 16th “bonus” boat seven days a week on the Fauntleroy/Southworth/Vashon “Triangle” route when crewing and vessel availability
allows.
Hybrid Conversions/New Vessels/Terminal Electrification
Hybrid Conversions – The Wenatchee is dry docked for required underwater hull inspections and cleaning. Upgrades to the Wenatchee propulsion system and installation of electric power
equipment is expected to be completed and return to service in summer 2025. Significant work has been completed to date to include removal of two propulsion diesel generators, installation
of electric power conversion and distribution equipment, upgrades to obsolete propulsion control equipment, reconfiguration of piping systems, and build-out of two new battery rooms.
New Vessels – The contracting process for new hybrid-electric 160-auto ferries continues. We received three pre-qualification packages from shipyards across the country and recently
released design drawings and other information required to prepare bids. Bid opening is scheduled for May 12.
Terminal Electrification – WSF is in the process of planning and designing charging infrastructure at 16 of our ferry terminals. This effort begins with ensuring that each terminal will
be able to secure sufficient energy through collaboration with local utilities. Community engagement and predesign work is underway for the first four terminals that will be equipped
with vessel charging.
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