State ferries planning for trips into future

Last week Washington State Ferries released its draft long-range plan, outlining strategies for providing reliable, sustainable and resilient ferry service through at least 2040 for the largest ferry system in the United States. The ridership is forecast to grow 30 percent by 2040. Over half the fleet, 13 of 22 ferries will be retired and replaced by then. Plans call for expanding the fleet to 26 vessels.

The plan identifies the challenges: “an already overburdened fleet and aging infrastructure. possibility of natural disasters and the effects of climate change present challenges to WSF’s vessel and terminal infrastructure.” Over 32 million passengers are projected to ride the ferries by 2040, up from 2017’s nearly 25 million riders.

The state’s ferries play “a vital role in the economic, recreational and transportation systems of Washington state, the plan states. It points out that the system “is the only link to medical and emergency services and provides a vital lifeline” in some communities.

The 20-year cost to implement the plan has been pegged at $14.2 billion. Only slightly more than half, $7.5 billion, is projected from dedicated tax revenue and fare collection. The plan notes that, “historically the Legislature has appropriated additional revenues to cover the shortfall between dedicated WSF revenues and WSF operating and capital funding needs.” No other sources of revenue are identified in the plan.

Capital investments are needed for maintenance and growth of the fleet and terminal infrastructure. The system has routes as far south and as short as Pt. Defiance (Tacoma)-Tahlequah and as far north and as long as Anacortes-Sydney, British Columbia. There are 10 routes and 20 terminals.

The plan has four major themes: reliable service, customer experience, managing growth, and sustainability and resilience. It builds on a 2009 long range plan mandated by the Washington state legislature.

The human element, both customers and the workforce, are identified and critical to all four themes.

The plan is 125 pages; with its seven appendices it totals 199 pages.

The 45-day public comment period is through Oct. 25. Nearby public hearings are: Lopez Island, Sept. 25, 4-6 p .; San Juan Island, Sept. 26, 4-6 p.m .; and Whidbey Island, Oct. 3, 5:30-7:30 p.m. An online open house for reviews and comment on the draft plan is open through Oct. 25. The link; https://wsflongrangeplan.com/comment/

Comments will be considered in developing the final plan, which will be sent to the legislature in January.