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May 1, 2025
A message from Steve
Seeing my colleagues in action every day reminds me that the strength of our ferry system lies in the people who make it work. Their skill, commitment and teamwork are what keep us moving
forward and delivering for the public we serve. Next week is Public Service Recognition Week <https://links-1.govdelivery.com/CL0/https:%2F%2Fourpublicservice.org%2Four-solutions%2Frecognition%2Fpub
lic-service-recognition-week%2F/1/010001968d39cf2e-e6977f79-f320-4c73-84b4-e1b776a499bf-000000/kdowuyIhz5pyXffmcZHgo_uu_OF97-o3G4V_x4O66Lc=403> . The Office of Financial Management coordinates
our Washington state celebration <https://links-1.govdelivery.com/CL0/https:%2F%2Fofm.wa.gov%2Fstate-human-resources%2Fpublic-service-recognition-week/1/010001968d39cf2e-e6977f79-f320-4c73-84b4-e1b7
76a499bf-000000/jCQ5BQ-ShZ8knlvvwq1GmZUnOMSYv46g22jsmGNVSUM=403> . This is a good reminder to pause and acknowledge those who serve in government roles. But my appreciation goes far
beyond a single week on the calendar.
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One of our skilled machinists changes out injectors on a main engine aboard Spokane <https://links-1.govdelivery.com/CL0/https:%2F%2Fwsdot.com%2Fferries%2Fvesselwatch%2FVesselDetail.aspx%3Fvessel_id=
30/1/010001968d39cf2e-e6977f79-f320-4c73-84b4-e1b776a499bf-000000/VvzSd03q1V-M6RXC1O9tWQvxKG-MUcUloHUwmL32Uzg=403> during a recent layup at our Eagle Harbor Maintenance Facility. Their
behind-the-scenes expertise keeps our vessels running smoothly and showcases the dedication that powers our ferry system.
Every one of our employees plays a vital role in keeping the nation’s largest ferry system running each day. They navigate rough waters, make critical repairs, manage vessel schedules,
support customers and so much more. Their work matters. It matters to the millions of people who rely on us every year. It’s not always easy – but their professionalism, resilience
and problem-solving show how proud they are to serve the public. Please join me in thanking our employees for all they do – not just next week, but all year long.
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Several new crew members recently completed Deck New Employee Orientation. They are now working out in the fleet, joining our proud team that is committed to serving the public. Welcome
aboard!
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Online community meetings, May 21 and 22
We’re hosting two online community meetings <https://links-1.govdelivery.com/CL0/https:%2F%2Fwsdot.wa.gov%2Fabout%2Fnews%2F2025%2Fwashington-state-ferries-detail-summer-service-during-may-21-and-22-o
nline-community-meetings/1/010001968d39cf2e-e6977f79-f320-4c73-84b4-e1b776a499bf-000000/AQVETTMWOISJ3jHSEa_6dmIPBeoHLzfxfXRRJ5bKYsw=403> this month to share what’s ahead for the busy
travel season. We’ll provide updates on service plans, new vessel construction and upcoming projects. Most of the time will be for questions and comments from the public. Participants
can also provide feedback on the Washington State Transportation Commission’s fare proposals. Advance registration is required to attend via Zoom at noon Wednesday, May 21 <https://links-1.govdelive
ry.com/CL0/https:%2F%2Fwsdot-wa.zoom.us%2Fwebinar%2Fregister%2FWN_y9AlEgbbTDCvKywB88BP-Q/1/010001968d39cf2e-e6977f79-f320-4c73-84b4-e1b776a499bf-000000/M5U2KU3cO7h-2Db0zrJIbSsenF7CbwGxhFamP3Ou2X4=403
> , and 6 p.m. Thursday, May 22 <https://links-1.govdelivery.com/CL0/https:%2F%2Fwsdot-wa.zoom.us%2Fwebinar%2Fregister%2FWN_N2bG-VvIRBSjBdT3_tbupw/1/010001968d39cf2e-e6977f79-f320-4c73-84b4-e1b776a49
9bf-000000/buxpiTx61796Tl93ZYNX66zjIjQiiyWTJdM-mkQq8sg=403> . If you’d like to submit a question ahead of time, feel free to email us <mailto:wsfcomms@wsdot.wa.gov> . Can’t make it?
Recordings will be posted on our community participation page <https://links-1.govdelivery.com/CL0/https:%2F%2Fwsdot.wa.gov%2Ftravel%2Fwashington-state-ferries%2Fabout-us%2Fcommunity-participation/1
/010001968d39cf2e-e6977f79-f320-4c73-84b4-e1b776a499bf-000000/Y7RX-aGHMvmWpMoBtT_Sn3DR-ZSVgqn4d_P-3Z0q53I=403> .
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Both online community meetings will cover the same information.
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Fare setting process
Every two years, the state Legislature sets an amount of money that must be raised from our passengers. The Washington State Transportation Commission <https://links-1.govdelivery.com/CL0/https:%2F%2
Fwstc.wa.gov%2F/1/010001968d39cf2e-e6977f79-f320-4c73-84b4-e1b776a499bf-000000/IcdCH7wPqWbHnuTAu6BND-b_R0PCFzT2ijAaU1sJHOc=403> is then tasked with setting fares <https://links-1.govdelivery.com/CL0
/https:%2F%2Fwstc.wa.gov%2Fprograms%2Fferry-fares-policies%2F/1/010001968d39cf2e-e6977f79-f320-4c73-84b4-e1b776a499bf-000000/14hnK8_Y0zIQdAdgVIUa3VVDeXmcxU5qA5bovPDoYFY=403> to reach
that target. We do not set our own fares. As part of WSTC’s process, we work with a subset of our Ferry Advisory Committees to develop proposals for the Commission. The FAC on Tariff
has a meeting next week at 4 p.m. Thursday, May 8. The public is invited to listen to their discussion. Advance registration <https://links-1.govdelivery.com/CL0/https:%2F%2Fwsdot-wa.zoom.us%2Fwebin
ar%2Fregister%2FWN_MI8ixcKJRnSuR9anMQaW1Q%23%2Fregistration/1/010001968d39cf2e-e6977f79-f320-4c73-84b4-e1b776a499bf-000000/s7z_TVX7tl0DLidV5UhAucIq1D1QTV4n7tKulXLcxaE=403> is required
to attend via Zoom. The public can also provide during WSTC’s fare-setting process public comment period this summer.
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Helm Operations to modernize our dispatching system
We kicked off a project this week to modernize our dispatching system with the selection of Helm Operations <https://links-1.govdelivery.com/CL0/https:%2F%2Fwww.helmoperations.com%2F/1/010001968d39cf
2e-e6977f79-f320-4c73-84b4-e1b776a499bf-000000/LsMAI8SOxbtitnQYDx6zy2aoZwvATUP2Ztmam2KvayU=403> as our vendor. A new web-based platform made for maritime operations is expected to be
in place in 2027. The new system will bring much-needed upgrades that will help us serve our customers better. They include the key functions of crew scheduling, dispatching, bidding
for positions and vacations, training and tracking compliance.
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Ferry communities get EV fast-charging stations
Some of our ferry-served communities are getting a boost in clean transportation options. It’s all thanks to our agency’s Zero-Emission Vehicle Infrastructure Partnerships grant program
<https://links-1.govdelivery.com/CL0/https:%2F%2Fwsdot.wa.gov%2Fbusiness-wsdot%2Fgrants%2Fzero-emission-vehicle-grants%2Fzero-emission-vehicle-infrastructure-partnerships-grant/1/010001968d39cf2e-e6
977f79-f320-4c73-84b4-e1b776a499bf-000000/zSgZNWM3-4WHQmCprzbRwd9VT_L2WvPcn1n2HHjgBVE=403> . EVCS is one of the biggest electric vehicle fast-charging networks on the West Coast. It
recently completed a major expansion <https://links-1.govdelivery.com/CL0/https:%2F%2Fwww.evcs.com%2Fblog%2Fevcs-completes-major-washington-expansion-with-new-fast-charging-sites-ultra-fast-chargers
-and-service-to-10-new-cities/1/010001968d39cf2e-e6977f79-f320-4c73-84b4-e1b776a499bf-000000/wzPDXF-iUFSp-TywYD4CNYiMa-OldExLlfId8yoT-os=403> that includes six new charging locations
as part of the West Sound Ferry Cluster project. Four stations – Bainbridge Island <https://links-1.govdelivery.com/CL0/https:%2F%2Fafdc.energy.gov%2Fstations%23%2Fstation%2F372853/1/010001968d39cf2
e-e6977f79-f320-4c73-84b4-e1b776a499bf-000000/H-Zp88Ho7DEizHD564Tw2ODjSE7c6a70JnFtD_PdBN4=403> , Poulsbo <https://links-1.govdelivery.com/CL0/https:%2F%2Fafdc.energy.gov%2Fstations%23%2Fstation%2F333
237/1/010001968d39cf2e-e6977f79-f320-4c73-84b4-e1b776a499bf-000000/8GCkbVUJYcolwLJdWQ1vlPfneQLqLXrbPDq8Jsj-qm4=403> , Gig Harbor <https://links-1.govdelivery.com/CL0/https:%2F%2Fafdc.energy.gov%2Fsta
tions%23%2Fstation%2F354804/1/010001968d39cf2e-e6977f79-f320-4c73-84b4-e1b776a499bf-000000/O75re0SaFaBpRKazIz7A8zD4Gl5Ed39VRPZVJ0pd0qQ=403> and Port Townsend <https://links-1.govdelivery.com/CL0/htt
ps:%2F%2Fafdc.energy.gov%2Fstations%23%2Fstation%2F333330/1/010001968d39cf2e-e6977f79-f320-4c73-84b4-e1b776a499bf-000000/0aMgJERWx0jQc24qARMXL_kR1wUVewYGWUDhumyIOpY=403> – are open
to the public. Each offers at least 600kW of fast-charging capacity. Two more, at the Kitsap Bank in Port Orchard and Kingston, will open later this month. This project supports our
commitment to cleaner, quieter ferry communities and a lower-emissions future.
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Boating season opens this Saturday, May 3
I extend a warm welcome to all recreational boaters gearing up for Opening Day of Boating Season <https://links-1.govdelivery.com/CL0/https:%2F%2Fseattleyachtclub.org%2Fweb%2Fpages%2Fopening-day/1/01
0001968d39cf2e-e6977f79-f320-4c73-84b4-e1b776a499bf-000000/uAmEXc_S2DecrAKTrbB5ATF6NUEvhis1BWVhMi26fTg=403> Saturday, May 3. This yearly event marks the return of more recreational
boats on our waterways. With that comes a renewed focus on safety and respect on the water. Stay alert, watch out for our ferry routes and listen to VHF radio for updates. Opening Day
is a time to celebrate our maritime traditions. Let’s make it a safe and enjoyable start to the season for everyone on the water.
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Large vessels like our ferries can’t turn or stop quickly. We ask recreational boaters to stay far away, stay visible and not cross too close in front or behind.
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National Bike Month
May is National Bike Month <https://links-1.govdelivery.com/CL0/https:%2F%2Fbikeleague.org%2Fevents%2Fbike-month%2F/1/010001968d39cf2e-e6977f79-f320-4c73-84b4-e1b776a499bf-000000/tHch8nUYNHKwKC2Cxa42
WRp3bTBli2SlIFXqfeGaQGo=403> and our agency celebrates the occasion with Bike to Work Month <https://links-1.govdelivery.com/CL0/https:%2F%2Fwsdot.wa.gov%2Ftravel%2Fbicycling-walking%2Fbicycling-was
hington/1/010001968d39cf2e-e6977f79-f320-4c73-84b4-e1b776a499bf-000000/VyoYL_zUvSdesZTVikCbus02fZWOgs3mXK4Xwei66jc=403> . Opting to ride instead of driving for even some of our trips
can boost our mood and our health, cut down on transportation costs and reduce pollution for everyone. And for those who don’t or can’t drive, bikes offer transportation freedom. Plus,
when you bring your bicycle on our ferries <https://links-1.govdelivery.com/CL0/https:%2F%2Fwsdot.wa.gov%2Ftravel%2Fwashington-state-ferries%2Frider-information%2Fwhat-you-can-bring-aboard%2Fbicycle
s/1/010001968d39cf2e-e6977f79-f320-4c73-84b4-e1b776a499bf-000000/7Apne25M5rgnM7047STKIEiDbdEbzxCusb_je_J4UEM=403> , you get some nice perks. Bikes get priority loading and unloading
on most of our sailings.
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We carry hundreds of thousands of bicycles on our sailings each year.
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Sailing stats for week of April 21-27
For the week of April 21-27, we completed 99.2% of our 2,763 scheduled sailings. This figure is separate from on-time performance <https://links-1.govdelivery.com/CL0/https:%2F%2Flinks-1.govdelivery.
com%2FCL0%2Fhttps:%252F%252Flinks-1.govdelivery.com%252FCL0%252Fhttps:%25252F%25252Fwsdot.wa.gov%25252Ftravel%25252Fwashington-state-ferries%25252Fabout-us%25252Fferries-accountability-and-service-da
ta%25252Ftime-performance-reports%252F1%252F01000194dcf5b09a-1cc58bac-e8d1-4dd5-a5fa-e5d050f4318c-000000%252FEcn6XrKNrhddxOG9p_FpkHxJr5Ppac-nFAHMCUT6_Uc=391%2F1%2F01000195b4eeeb33-7b313ff4-110c-4362-
809e-307f18b913f7-000000%2FqwTzuXUO60Sp74uBRhNHYZSaLUQs3ccH2ePWR6d7x68=397/1/010001968d39cf2e-e6977f79-f320-4c73-84b4-e1b776a499bf-000000/MNSqgof-pWo2fZF4RPDnT6-PDZtjEm2dPnadNPFRWlw=403>
. Of the 23 cancellations, eight were due to crewing, six because of tidal currents, four for schedule resets (when a boat is so far behind schedule, we cancel a sailing to get it back
on schedule, providing predictability for customers), four due to terminal-related issues and one because of vessel-related issues.
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Customer kudos
“All WSDOT Ferry System employees are very friendly, courteous, and helpful. I have never had an unpleasant experience or encounter with any toll booth.”
________________________________
Steve Nevey
WSDOT Deputy Secretary for Washington State Ferries
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