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Community participation

Community participation is at the core of decision making at Washington State Ferries. Riders and members of the public may attend virtual community meetings, reach out to their Ferry Advisory Committees with feedback or direct questions and comments to our communications staff at WSFComms@wsdot.wa.gov.

Community meetings

Each year, we host three rounds of community meetings to engage and inform those we serve.

January 2026

We hosted two virtual community meetings in January 2026. WSF leaders recapped 2025, shared updates on new boats and construction projects and took questions from the public. Both meetings covered the same material. 

Recordings:

Wednesday, Jan. 21 12 p.m. Recording
Wednesday, Jan. 21 6 p.m. Recording

October 2025

We hosted two virtual community meetings in October 2025. WSF leaders recapped the busy peak service season and provided an update on electrification and new boats. Both meetings covered the same material. 

Recordings:

Tuesday, Oct. 14, 1 p.m. Recording
Tuesday, Oct. 14, 6 p.m. Recording

May 2025

We hosted two virtual community meetings in May 2025. WSF leaders outlined plans for the busy summer season, provided updates on new projects and invited public input on the Washington State Transportation Commission’s fare proposals at the meetings. Topics also included an updated service plan and progress on building new ferries. Both meetings covered the same material. 

Recordings:

Wednesday, May 21 Recording
Thursday, May 22 Recording

February 2025

We hosted two virtual community meetings in February 2025. Both meetings covered the same material. WSF leadership updated the public on the latest information from the organization, including workforce development and electrification.

Recordings:

Seattle/Bainbridge Island and Seattle/Bremerton sailing schedule update

The Seattle/Bainbridge Island and Seattle/Bremerton routes have seen significant changes over the last 20 years. From the construction of the new flagship terminal to the assignment of different classes of ferries, the assumptions that formed the original schedule are out of date and have resulted in consistent delays in recent years. Small delays accumulate throughout the day, often leading to a schedule reset (when a boat gets so far behind schedule, we cancel a sailing to get it back on schedule, providing predictability for customers). WSF will build the new schedules based on realistic crossing and dwell times, employee feedback and customer input. For more information, check out our project page.

WSF is currently recruiting task force members for this project. If you're interested in serving on the task force, please apply.

San Juan Islands schedule improvement

The San Juan Islands sailing schedule has been updated to improve on-time performance and reliability and to align with the reservations program that started in 2015. WSF has rolled out the updated winter, spring/fall and summer sailing schedules. We launched a schedule update process that includes broad community engagement and established a task force to provide advice and recommendations on sailing schedule changes. For more information, check out our project page. 

Fauntleroy terminal project

Community participation and engagement are important in guiding our early planning efforts for our SR 160 - Fauntleroy Terminal - Trestle & Transfer Span Replacement project.

Triangle two-boat schedule update

To provide more reliable service for Fauntleroy/Vashon/Southworth route customers, WSF relies on community participation as we update the two-boat schedule.

Ferry Advisory Committees

Under state law, Ferry Advisory Committees are appointed by local elected officials to:

  • Provide us input on problems experienced by riders and by ferry communities (RCW 47.60.310)
  • Participate in reviews of allocation of vessels to runs, schedules, and the adequacy of terminals (RCW 47.60.310 and RCW 47.60.300)
  • Participate in developing fares and fare policies (RCW 47.60.290 and RCW 47.60.300)
  • Review plans for changes to route service levels (RCW 47.60.330)
  • Participate in developing rider surveys with the Washington State Transportation Commission (RCW 47.60.286)
  • Review rider survey responses (RCW 47.60.290)
  • Participate in developing plans for capital and operating investments (RCW 47.06.050)
  • Meet with us twice each year as an executive committee to review ferry system issues (RCW 47.60.310)

Contact the FAC chair representing your community with suggestions or concerns about ferry service.

Speaking engagements

If you would like someone from WSF to come speak to your group or event, email WSFComms@wsdot.wa.gov. Our speakers include WSF Executive Team members, vessel and terminal management staff, design engineers, planning specialists and communications personnel.

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Slow down on ice and snow.

It's easier to skid or lose control traveling at higher speeds. Give yourself more time to stop.

Carry chains, practice installing them.

Winter conditions could mean chains are required on your route. Practice putting them on your vehicle ahead of time.

Pack your winter car kit.

Carry extra supplies like warm clothing, ice scraper and brush, jumper cables and other emergency items.