Washington's ferry system steers toward less choppy waters

[Yo_Mama_Been_Loggin]

Leaders of Washington State Ferries know their navigation of the nation’s largest public ferry system is frustrating those most reliant upon it.

Riders want stable service at levels they enjoyed before the pandemic. It’s not been possible with a lack of boats and too few workers continuing to cause delays and canceled sailings.

But in a community meeting Monday afternoon, the agency’s top brass sought to convey hope to 200 participants that the collective ship is moving, slowly, in a better direction.

Hiring of new employees is outpacing those retiring or leaving and a process for building five new hybrid-electric vessels is finally launched.

https://washingtonstatestandard.com/2024/06/17/washingtons-ferry-system-steers-toward-less-choppy-waters/

[LisaM]

1. Before the pandemic? It was already bad then.

I remember it in the 1990s, when it was wonderful. They had full galley service ON the ferries, if you were in line before the last ferry was scheduled they would run extras, and they had full crews. Now they keep crews down to the bare minimum (so they are often short), they baked in some rule that ferries had to be built in Washington so now they can't get boats built (not to mention they are now fixated on electric boats) and they've outsourced the galleys for years, so the food has gotten progressively worse and more expensive (this was all due to Prop 696). That may not sound like a huge deal but when you have to scramble to catch a ferry on a Friday night and the stores are closed when you get to your destination it matters.

They did finally loosen up on built in Washington at least.

[RainCaster]

2. I remember the "good old days" in the ferry system

I remember being able to drive right down, assured that I would get on the next boat. Even 7 minutes prior to departure. I also remember when the ferry system paid a living wage to everyone. The IBU was a great union to be part of. Decent coffee, plus biscuits & gravy for my breakfast on the way to work. Employees I had known for many years working in the galley, ticket booth and on the deck.