Washington State Ferries seeking input

Ferry ridership is expected to surge 30 percent by 2040. Washington State Ferries (WSF) is developing a Long Range Plan to better understand and plan for the changing needs of the system through 2040.

“The plan will serve as our blueprint for the next 20 years. It will outline service changes and recommend investments in vessels and terminals for resilient, efficient, and sustainable ferry service for years to come,” said Assistant Secretary Amy Scarton.

WSF is hosting nine open houses to share information about the Long Range Plan and gather input on community priorities. Attendees will have the opportunity to meet project staff, ask questions, and provide early input about issues to be addressed in the plan.

An online open house will run from April 10 - May 24. It includes the same information that will be shared at the in-person meetings and an online comment form.

Open houses

Tuesday, April 17, 5:30 - 7:30 p.m.
• Bainbridge Island Senior Center, 370 Brien Drive SE., Bremerton

Thursday, April 19, 5 -7 p.m.
• Cotton Building, 607 Water St., Port Townsend

Tuesday, April 24, 6 - 8 p.m.
• Vashon Island High School, 9600 SW 204th St., Vashon Island

Wednesday, April 25, 5:30 - 7:30 p.m.
• Kitsap Conference Center, 100 Washington Ave., Bremerton

Thursday, April 26, 6:00 - 8:00 p.m.
• John Sedgwick Jr. High, 8995 SE Sedgwick Road, Port Orchard

Tuesday, May 1, 5:30 - 7:30 p.m.
• Clinton Community Hall, 6411 South Central Ave., Clinton

Wednesday, May 2, 3:30 – 6 p.m.
• Brickworks, 150 Nichols St., Friday Harbor

Tuesday, May 8, 6 – 8 p.m.
• Kingston Village Green Community Center, 26159 Dulay Road NE, Kingston

Thursday, May 17, 6 – 8 p.m.
• Fauntleroy Church, 9140 California Ave. SW, Seattle

Details: The open houses will feature displays boards that explain the planning process and highlight key plan elements. Staff will be available to answer questions and attendees will be encouraged to provide input on issues to be addressed in the plan. Drop by anytime during the open house – there will not be a formal presentation.

Washington State Ferries, a division of the Washington State Department of Transportation, is the largest ferry system in the U.S. and safely and efficiently carries 24.5 million people a year through some of the most majestic scenery in the world. For breaking news and the latest information, follow WSF on Twitter.

Hyperlinks within the news release:
• Washington State Ferries project page: www.wsdot.wa.gov/ferries/planning/long-range-plan/the-plan
• Washington State Ferries 2040 Long Range Plan online open house: www.WSFLongRangePlan.com
• WSF Twitter: twitter.com/wsferries