WashingtonFerryTalk.com was born of frustration expressed by ferry riders and local elected officials who were unconvinced that the two long-range plans presented by Washington State Ferries were the final answers.

In January WSF presented two scenarios: Plan A, which would maintain existing service and add 10 new boats over the next 22 years, at a cost that is $3.5 billion more than is expected to be available; and Plan B, which would cut car ferries on the Bremerton-Seattle, Port Townsend-Keystone and Southworth-Vashon-Fauntleroy routes, reduce night service from Kingston to Edmonds, end service entirely between Anacortes and Sidney, B.C., and ask counties to bridge any gap needed in service by providing passenger-only boats.

In response, Rep. Larry Seaquist, D-Gig Harbor, invited ferry riders to collaborate on a "Plan C", and scheduled a public meeting for Jan. 17 to begin that process.

The forum portion of this site, http://washingtonferrytalk.com/forum/, is intended to foster conversation between riders, other taxpayers, elected officials and those with Washington State Ferries. The wiki will compliment that project by housing information and analysis about the ferry system, including costs, run details and more in an easily searchable format.

Join the conversation between riders, other tax payers, state legislators and members of the ferry system

• Ferry line cutters citable even if just a few cars are waiting
  The driver of a car heading for a ferry who cuts into the line of waiting cars is subject to a $124 fine, regardless of the number he or she may have passed before moving right. [Road Warrior Blog]
• WSF to host ferry meeting in Clinton
  General discussion of current ferry issues. [SouthWhidbeyRecord.com]
• Tahlequah ferry service won't be reduced
  Last ferry back to Vashon (10 p.m.) will remain, thanks to an agreement with the Coast Guard and a later sailing is even possible. [VashonBeachcomber.com]
• Ferries pay Vashon Island Fire & Rescue for fire protection
  Common practice, but agencies are trying to work out a deal where fire & rescue vehicles would ride ferries for free & WSF would get free fire protection. [VashonBeachcomber.com]
• Seattle-Bainbridge ferry service back to two boats
  A ferry has been moved from the Kingston-Edmonds run to cover for a Seattle-Bainbridge boat that was damaged in a crash Sunday. [seattlepi.com]

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