Planning study news
WSF is working to provide more reliable service for the 2.3 million Triangle route customers who depend on this route each year. While WSF is excited to return to three-boat service on the Triangle route this summer, due to ferry and crew availability, there may be times when WSF will need to use a two-boat schedule.
The route will remain on the current two-boat schedule until June 30, when three-boat service starts. Then the "new" two-boat schedule will become the backup schedule in the event of a service reduction.
Purpose
To provide more reliable service for Fauntleroy/Vashon/Southworth route customers, WSF is updating the two-boat schedule. 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.
While WSF is excited to return to three-boat service on the Triangle route this summer, due to ferry and crew availability, there may be times when WSF will need to use a two-boat schedule.
The route will remain on the current two-boat schedule until June 30, when three-boat service starts. Then the "new" two-boat schedule will become the backup schedule in the event of a service reduction.
We hosted a Triangle route schedule update online open house from April 7-18 to learn about the process, timeline, view proposed sailing schedules and share feedback. Review the engagement summary here.
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 the 2.3 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 two phases:
- Phase 1: Gather focused community input on adjustments to the existing two-boat schedule; communicate changes to riders ahead of Summer 2025 implementation; monitor performance of adjusted schedule.
- Phase 2: Plan for upcoming construction of the Fauntleroy ferry terminal and gather input on customer priorities to help WSF maintain essential ferry service.