WSF has changed the Fauntleroy/Vashon/Southworth “Triangle” sailing schedule several times over the years, most recently through an extensive community engagement effort from 2016 to 2019. WSF operated on the revised three-boat schedule for nearly one year before the COVID-19 pandemic began impacting service. Recent crew and vessel shortages have caused WSF to continue reduced, two-boat service on the Triangle route nearly continuously since 2020. This two-boat schedule has not been updated in a decade and was designed for very occasional use during emergencies.
WSF is working to provide more reliable service for more than 3 million Triangle route customers who depend on this route each year. WSF will update the two-boat Triangle route schedule and consider future service changes needed to construct the new Fauntleroy ferry terminal. As part of this effort, WSF will also identify service options for unscheduled service using an additional ferry, sometimes called a "bonus boat" or “ghost boat,” based on vessel and crew availability.
This engagement effort will happen in three phases:
- Phase 1a: Gather focused community input on near-term schedule adjustments to the existing two-boat alternative schedule to implement during the 2025 spring season.
- Phase 1b: Monitor performance of adjusted schedule and communicate any additional adjustments well ahead of the busy summer 2025 travel season.
- Phase 2: Plan for upcoming construction of the Fauntleroy ferry terminal and gather input on customer priorities to help WSF maintain essential ferry service.
