Leaders will answer questions as WSF prepares for expanded service

As Washington State Ferries expands its service for the busy summer season, it will host two virtual community meetings in May to provide updates and answer questions. At the meetings, WSF leaders will outline plans for the busy season ahead, provide updates on new projects and invite public input on the Washington State Transportation Commission’s fare proposals. Topics also will include an updated service plan and progress on building new ferries.

Participants need to register for the online meetings scheduled for noon Wednesday, May 21, and 6 p.m. Thursday, May 22. WSF systemwide community meetings information

When: Noon Wednesday, May 21, and 6 p.m. Thursday, May 22

Where: Online via Zoom

Details: Prior registration is required for these virtual meetings. Each community meeting will cover the same material and is designed to give participants the option to join the meeting that best fits their schedule. Meeting participants will be able to ask questions, and anyone can also provide comments ahead of time via email. After the meetings, video recordings will be available online on WSF’s community participation page.

After a lengthy process of writing a new schedule for the San Juans' routes, the SJC Ferry Advisory Committee would love to know what you thought of the revised winter schedule. We have created a five-question survey to gather your feedback. The results will be shared with Washington State Ferries.

To take the survey, click the 'Provide Feedback' tab or click here: https://engage.sanjuancountywa.gov/san-juan-county-ferry-information/surveys/winter-schedule-survey

View the 2024/2025 Winter Schedule here: https://engage.sanjuancountywa.gov/24192/widgets/80942/documents/67399

Governor Ferguson made a major announcement regarding ferries on March 6th, which will affect San Juan service: WSF will "delay hybrid-electric conversion for two of the state’s largest ferries, putting Washington on the path to restoring full domestic ferry service by this summer. As a result of this plan, Washington State Ferries will have 18 operating vessels in the water for the first time since 2019….The Governor also plans to continue meeting directly with communities affected by reduced ferry service levels. Ferguson is planning to meet with residents in the San Juan Islands on July 15….Ferguson also announced that he is exploring innovative options for procuring new electric vessels after the state receives the next set of up to five vessels. After the new electric vessels are procured, Washington State Ferries will need to replace an additional 11 vessels before 2040 to keep the fleet modern and operating at full capacity.”

Is should be noted that Sidney service (Anacortes–Friday Harbor–Sidney) adds to San Juan service, though this announcement, which also includes recognition of ferry staffing issues, should help reduce disruptions to our currently scheduled service.

Full announcement: https://governor.wa.gov/news/2025/making-things-happen-ferries-governor-ferguson-announces-plan-restore-washington-state-ferries-full

Jumping right into this year’s state legislative session, eight members of the County government, business, and resident community made the trek to Olympia, joining with a larger ferry lobbying effort, to meet with legislators and advocate for funding our ferries—both WSF and locally initiated passenger-only service. With the help of the County’s lobbyist, the delegation was able to meet with about a dozen lawmakers (including our supportive LD40 contingent: Senator Lovelett and Representatives Lekanoff and Ramel), sometimes in hallways, and sometimes in offices for “full” 15-minute meetings. The reception was mixed, with some legislators pointing to the transportation budget’s estimated billion-dollar shortfall, while others voiced their strong support for the funding levels recommended by both past governor Inslee and current governor Ferguson, especially by our representatives. Some even suggested additional funding to fill in critical gaps. This effort was also very ably assisted by the Fix our Ferry’s consultant and Vashon resident, Amy Drayer. The San Juans had the largest contingent of advocates with: Ken Burtness, FAC Member & former WSF Captain; Victoria Compton, Executive Director, SJC Economic Development Council; Becki Day, Executive Director, SJI Chamber of Commerce; Jane Fuller, SJC Councilmember (Lopez) & former FAC Liaison; Donald Kane, San Juan Island resident; Justin Paulsen, SJC Councilmember & FAC Council Liaison; David Robison, owner of Electric Lexicon LLC; Tom Starr, former owner of Star Surveying & former SJC Councilmember.

More info on San Juans Today: "MIXED REACTIONS’ IN OLYMPIA THURSDAY: San Juans citizens lobbied for improved WSF inter-island service”

WSF states: "Community participation is at the core of decision making at Washington State Ferries. Riders and members of the public may attend virtual community meetings." Each year they host three rounds of public meetings. The next round will be February 12th at 12PM and February 13th at 6PM. You must register in order to attend a meeting. You can register at: Community participation | WSDOT.

The opening of spring season (March 23 to June 14) vehicle reservations for our Anacortes/San Juan Islands routes is set for Wednesday, January 29th at 10 AM. Like summer and fall, WSF will be using a virtual waiting room to avoid website overload and ensure fair access during this busy time. For these routes, WSF will open 30% of vehicle reservations space on Jan 29. Another 30% will be available two weeks before each specific sailing and another 30% two days before. The two-week and two-day release times are at 7 AM.

After nearly two years of work by Washington State Ferries staff and SJI communities the winter season sailing schedule for the Anacortes/San Juan Islands route has been updated. The new schedule begins Dec. 29 with vehicle reservations available on Oct. 29. Please visit the project website to learn more about this Schedule Update Process.