Date:  Thursday, March 06, 2008

Contact: Traci Brewer-Rogstad, WSDOT Ferries Division Deputy, 206-515-3410; Susan Harris-Huether, Senior Customer Service Manager, 206-515-3460

SEATTLE - WSDOT Ferries Division is keeping its commitment to inform customers well in advance of anticipated service disruptions.  Today, the ferry system announced a revised service plan that includes necessary vessel maintenance and inspections for spring and summer 2008. While the plan does include reduced vehicle capacity on some routes for periods in spring and early summer, WSDOT expects fewer service effects than originally anticipated.  The Ferries Division worked closely with the U.S. Coast Guard to plan vessel assignments that will minimize service disruptions and complete necessary inspections, maintenance and repairs on the ferries.

"In my first week on the job I've worked with staff to ensure capacity on all our routes is optimized throughout the system," said David Moseley, new Assistant Secretary of the WSDOT Ferries Division.  "I am aware of the frustration that service disruptions over the last few months have caused and I'm committed to finding creative ways to minimize capacity reductions as we move into the summer season."

As Ferries continues to move vessels into dry dock for planned maintenance, customers on some routes will experience temporary reductions in vehicle capacity, while other routes will see increases in capacity for a short time.  

"Many of the changes reflected in this version of the spring and summer maintenance and dry-docking plan have come as a direct result of suggestions from customers, Ferry Advisory Committee members and local communities," said Moseley.  "We'll be fine-tuning this plan as we move forward and adjusting schedules to ensure that we offer the best service possible with the vessels we have available."

For detailed information on the maintenance and inspections schedule and related service impacts, please visit www.wsdot.wa.gov/ferries/service.  Maintenance schedules and service plans are always subject to change based on emerging needs, actual time required to complete work in the shipyard, and vessel availability.  The Web site is updated regularly, so customers are encouraged to check back often for the latest information.

Upcoming service changes planned starting March 10

Seattle/Bremerton
The 87-car Tillikum will operate on the Seattle/Bremerton route from Monday, March 10 through Friday, March 14, replacing the 124-car Kitsap while it is out for a week of scheduled maintenance. During this time the 188-car Walla Walla will operate with the Tillikum on Seattle/Bremerton. The Tillikum is slower than the Kitsap, so the Seattle/Bremerton schedule will be adjusted slightly to accommodate the smaller vessel.  Both vessels have Wi-Fi service.

Anacortes/San Juan Islands
The 34-car Hiyu will replace the 87-car Klahowya on the San Juan Islands inter-island route beginning Monday, March 10. Even though the winter and spring months see less inter-island traffic than in summer, customers should expect some sold out sailings due to the reduced capacity of the Hiyu. The down-sizing is expected to last until mid-May.

Anacortes/Sidney, BC
International service from Anacortes to Sidney, BC begins on Sunday, March 30. Reservations for spring schedule (March 30 - June 21) are now available on-line or by phone at 206-464-6400 or 1-888-808-7977 (WA and BC only). Reservations should be made at least one day prior to sailing.

WSDOT will continue to provide updates on near-term service adjustments before they occur.

Since vessel and service changes often cause ferry customers to alter their commuting habits, the normal policy of no refunds for frequent user multi-ride tickets is waived.  Customers requesting a refund should call Susan Harris-Huether at (206) 515-3460 or e-mail her at Sharris@wsdot.wa.gov.

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