Archived Blog

Thank you for visiting this website. It is no longer being updated, but we will maintain it for archival purposes as long as possible.

The Cost of Building Ferries in WA

The 1993 law requiring that WSF ferries must be built in WA is a bone of contention for many who wonder what the overall cost for this requirement actually is. A recent report from the Washington Institute of Public Policy looks at the pros and cons of current law. Learn more here.

Annual Ferry Community Partnership Meeting in Anacortes

The following message comes to you from Adam Brockus of the Ferry Community Partnership. The meeting is at the Anacortes Public Library (directions linked below) and begins at 9:30 a.m.

Ferry Riders,

If you’ve already mailed in your ballot and you’re looking for somewhere to go, come join us in Anacortes for the October FCP Meeting.  We plan to talk about the Reservations system, how the Samish is running, the FAC Reform Bill, and other ferry issues in the San Juans and Anacortes.

Website with Directions to the Anacortes Library:

http://library.cityofanacortes.org/client/en_US/default   

Come Join Us!

Adam C. Brockus

Be sure your web browser is up-to-date!

If you don’t keep up with updates for your web browser, it’s time to rectify that if you want to make a ferry reservation. Here’s the notice from WSF:

Please be advised that as of November 1, WSF’s reservations website will no longer be compatible with older versions of some browsers, including Microsoft Internet Explorer version 10 or lower; Safari version 6 or lower; or old versions of Chrome and Firefox on PCs with automatic updates disabled. This is because the older version of these browsers do not properly support the secure HTTPS communication protocols required to make our website compliant with Payment Card Industry security standards. Please make sure your browser is updated to the latest version.

Weather warning: 10-12-16 through the weekend

Looks as though there’s a walloping storm headed our way. Here’s an important bulletin from WSF.

The National Weather Service is predicting severe storms in our region starting tonight and lasting throughout the weekend. These storm systems are expected to bring heavy rain and high winds to Western Washington. Safety is the number one priority of Washington State Ferries, so in the event of extremely severe weather, customers can expect WSF to take precautions that will affect the sailing schedule.

To assist our customers in making travel plans, here are some of the possible service disruptions customers may experience in bad weather. Please keep in mind that these are only predictions, and WSF will be monitoring the situation in real time to make appropriate adjustments to schedules and service:
•       Anacortes/San Juan Islands: Customers can expect delays on this route while the ferries move at slower speeds and take alternate storm routes.
•       Mukilteo/Clinton: Sailings between Mukilteo and Clinton may experience choppy waters and a bumpy ride.
•       Port Townsend/Coupeville: Service on the Port Townsend/Coupeville route may be suspended in the event of strong southwesterly winds.
•       Central Puget Sound/South Sound routes: These routes are not likely to experience many impacts from the storm, though it’s possible that heavy traffic will delay service.

In addition, in inclement weather boats may be “shortloaded”—not loaded to full capacity—to stabilize the vessels and keep more weight on the boat’s stern (back end).

WSF is fortunate to have many highly-trained and capable captains, crews, and staff who are prepared for any situation. We ask that customers please extend their patience and cooperation to them as delays and cancellations are likely. WSF will closely monitor the situation and provide updates as necessary.

Thank you for your time and attention!