FERRIES’ FUTURE: Online meetings this week, Fauntleroy dock-project open house soon

| Fauntleroy | Transportation | West Seattle news

(File photo, WSF’s Fauntleroy dock)

ONLINE MEETINGS THIS WEEK: Noon tomorrow (Wednesday, February 12) and 6 pm Thursday bring WSF’s periodic online systemwide community meetings, with a variety of updates and an opportunity for Q&A. They’re planning to present the same information in both meetings, and you can register for either (or both) by going here.

FAUNTLEROY DOCK REPLACEMENT UPDATES: The plan to replace the Fauntleroy ferry dock by the end of this decade is likely to get a mention at the systemwide meetings. But for those following the project closely, here are two dates to set your calendars for: February 24, when WSF will launch an online “open house” about where the project stands, and 6 pm March 11, when WSF plans a “virtual information session” about it. The open house isn’t ready to go yet, so there’s no link for that, but you can register now for the info session – go here. As we reported in coverage of the project Community Advisory Group‘s last meeting two months ago, WSF is focusing on a “hybrid” option for the new dock’s size and shape. It’s described in the latest announcement as “a longer dock concept to provide more space to load and unload passengers — holding between 124 and 155 vehicles on the dock.”

Jim February 11, 2025 (7:31 pm)

The fact that they won’t even consider adding a second slip is laughable. Just a few days ago I saw a boat sitting offshore waiting well behind schedule but was loading and unloading They could make the dock 100 times wider but if they can’t get the boats loaded and unloaded what’s the point

Pamela February 12, 2025 (8:05 am)

Even “little old” Vashon has two slips (and one for tie ups). What up WSF? Look to Mukilteo’s new dock for the correct path for the triangle route dock at Fauntleroy. And here’s a shout out to all you people in West Seattle who have opposed a new Dock at Fauntleroy for so long. The ferry is not going anywhere so wouldn’t it be better to make it more efficient thereby decreasing the traffic snarls in your neighborhood? And here’s a shout out to WSF. Hey, please remember that Vashon Island is one of the few Islands in Puget Sound that is ferry bound. We do not have the luxury of taking a bridge when the ferry service is out. Ferry service is the ONLY way for islanders to access the mainland and that should be considered when looking at the triangle route. Islanders deserve timely access to the mainland to get to their jobs on time, medical appointments, and other important appointments that can’t be done on island. I have lived on Vashon Island and used the ferry system for nearly 50 years now. As a young girl I lived on Whidbey island, and my sister still lives there. Needless to say on a day I visit my sister there are four ferry rides involved. And the difference I see between the efficiency of the Mukilteo dock and it’s crew and the absolute inefficiency of the Fauntleroy doc is staggering. After 50 years of my time here, I think I would see some improvements but I have to say very honestly that the situation has only gotten worse not better. The fares continue to be raised as the service and efficiency continues to decline. And to my wisened eye the training of the crew appears to be failing miserably. Washington State Ferry Crews deserve to be trained properly so they can do their job efficiently. I have attended many of the ferry meetings and I am a member of the Frog panel and the biggest problem I see with the triangle route, other than the failing dock and poor crew training, is that the people who are trying to schedule it don’t have to use it. Maybe if they had to live on Vashon for a month and commute to work, not Southworth where they can drive around, they might have a better idea of what it’s like to be ferry bound. Like I said before, 50 years of ferry boats, plus Whidbey boats as a girl, and yet I am still cautiously optimistic for a positive change at Fauntleroy dock. Are you listening WSF?

Gary Englis February 12, 2025 (9:16 am)

Unfortunately there are many reasons boat might behind schedule. This delays the following boat from docking such as was observed. The critical metric is dwell time, i.e., length of time boat is at a terminal to unload and load. With larger dock, all waiting cars have paid and can load without delay. Improving interface with vehicles entering Fauntleroy will speed up unloading. Lots of pieces to this puzzle. Attend meetings, ask questions. Thanks for concern.

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