Ferries pass on a crossing between Mukilteo and Whidbey Island in August. (Andy Bronson / Herald file)

Ferries pass on a crossing between Mukilteo and Whidbey Island in August. (Andy Bronson / Herald file)

Ferries, fares and facts: Mukilteo-Clinton ferry is virtual meeting topic

Edmonds-Kingston is the topic June 1 in a series of Washington State Ferries meetings for updates and public comment.

MUKILTEO — Get into the know before you go.

The first of six Washington State Ferries virtual meetings to update riders and answer questions on Tuesday will address the Mukilteo-Clinton and Port Townsend-Coupeville routes.

The meetings run through June 7. The Edmonds-Kingston route is the focus on June 1.

Topics include service restoration, new vessels and proposed fare changes.

The ferry system is holding the public meetings ahead of peak summer sailings, when waits get long and tempers can get short.

Ferry traffic has rebounded since the pandemic, when sailings were decreased, often due to crew shortages. Galleys were closed, riders were told to remain in their cars and stay-home orders kept people home.

Now, people are back to riding the ferry for fun and travel. Youth 18 and under ride free.

Even with two-boat service restored on the Mukilteo and Edmonds routes, riders need to pack patience and snacks. Bring a jacket, too, to enjoy a breeze from the deck.

“We’re excited to be hosting meetings for all of our routes to hear from each of our ferry-served communities,” agency head Patty Rubstello said in a news release. “We’re looking forward to hearing from ferry riders, partners and other interested parties.”

Meetings will start at 6 p.m. with a brief presentation on systemwide topics then cover route-specific topics. Most of the time will be devoted to answering questions from participants. Attendees can provide written public comment during and after the meeting.

Also, the Washington State Transportation Commission has an online survey until June 9 for opinions on adjustment options of passenger, vehicle and peak season fares at transc@wstc.wa.gov. The ferry fare revenue requirement set by the Legislature in the 2023-25 Transportation Budget is $418.6 million.

After each meeting, a recording will be available online.

■ Other route-specific meetings are:

■ Seattle-Bainbridge, May 25.

■ San Juan Islands-Anacortes, May 31.

■ Seattle-Bremerton, June 6.

■ Point Defiance-Tahlequah and Fauntleroy-Vashon-Southworth, June 7.

Preregistration is required to participate. More at wsdot.wa.gov/ferries.

Andrea Brown: 425-339-3443; abrown@heraldnet.com; Twitter: @reporterbrown.

Talk to us

More in Local News

Students arriving off the bus get in line to score some waffles during a free pancake and waffle breakfast at Lowell Elementary School on Friday, May 26, 2023, in Everett, Washington. (Ryan Berry / The Herald)
800 free pancakes at Everett’s Lowell Elementary feed the masses

The annual breakfast was started to connect the community and the school, as well as to get people to interact.

Marysville Mayor Jon Nehring speaks at the groundbreaking event for the I-5/SR 529 Interchange project on Tuesday, May 23, 2023 in Marysville, Washington. (Olivia Vanni / The Herald)
$123M project starting on Highway 529 interchange, I-5 HOV lane

A reader wondered why the highway had a lane closure despite not seeing work done. Crews were waiting on the weather.

Justin Bell was convicted earlier this month of first-degree assault for a December 2017 shooting outside a Value Village in Everett. (Caleb Hutton / Herald file)
Court: Snohomish County jurors’ opaque masks didn’t taint verdict

During the pandemic, Justin Bell, 32, went on trial for a shooting. Bell claims his right to an impartial jury was violated.

Gary Fontes uprights a tree that fell over in front of The Fontes Manor — a miniature handmade bed and breakfast — on Friday, May 12, 2023, at his home near Silver Lake in Everett, Washington. (Ryan Berry / The Herald)
Everett’s mini-Frank Lloyd Wright builds neighborhood of extra tiny homes

A tiny lighthouse, a spooky mansion and more: Gary Fontes’ miniature world of architectural wonders is one-twelfth the size of real life.

Will Steffener
Inslee appoints Steffener as Superior Court judge

Attorney Will Steffener will replace Snohomish County Superior Court Judge Janice Ellis, who is retiring in June.

News logo for use with stories about Mill Creek in Snohomish County, WA.
Police: Mill Creek man fatally stabbed wife amid financial woes

After quitting his job at Amazon, the man amassed about $50,000 in debt, triggering a discussion about finances, he told police.

Outside of the current Evergreen Recovery Centers' housing to treat opioid-dependent moms with their kids on Thursday, May 25, 2023 in Everett, Washington. (Olivia Vanni / The Herald)
$8M in behavioral health grants to benefit children, youth, families

Snohomish County awarded one-time federal funding to five projects that will reach at least 440 new people each year.

A PUD vehicle drives along Lovers Road under newly-erected power poles that will eventually connect Stanwood and Camano Island on Tuesday, May 30, 2023, in Stanwood, Washington. (Ryan Berry / The Herald)
To keep Camano lights on, PUD builds a new power line

The new line establishes a second electrical connection to Camano Island, which will help maintain power in windstorms.

Highway 9 is set to be closed in both directions for a week as construction crews build a roundabout at the intersection with Vernon Road. (Washington State Department of Transportation)
Weeklong closure coming to Highway 9 section in Lake Stevens

Travelers should expect delays or find another way from Friday to Thursday between Highway 204 and Lundeen Parkway.

Most Read