Whidbey Island will see the state’s newest ferry return to its route next week. The ferry Tokitae is set to return to the Clinton-to-Mukilteo route Sunday.
The date is also the start of state ferries’ spring schedule.
Currently, Clinton-Mukilteo service is handled by the Kittitas and Chelan, both Issaquah 130-class ferries with a maximum vehicle capacity of 124. The Tokitae holds 144 cars.
“It’s the slower season of the year so we can handle the Clinton-Mukilteo traffic no problem,” said Susan Harris, a ferries spokeswoman.
Since late January, the Tokitae has served the Edmonds-to-Kingston route. Typically that run is handled by the Tacoma, a Jumbo Mark II-class vessel that holds up to 202 vehicles. The Tacoma broke down July 29 with 400 passengers. Tug boats took it to Bainbridge Island.
A design flaw was blamed by ferry officials, and the Tacoma underwent repairs at the Eagle Harbor shipyard.
The Tokitae, which began service last June, was rerouted to Edmonds-Kingston because of the larger volume of freight on the route.
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