As the traffic continues to slow and drivers’ frustration levels rise, imagine spending your morning reading the paper, or catching up on your work, while drinking a cup of coffee and enjoying the scenery from the luxury of a warm ferry boat.
In the upcoming session, the Legislature has the unenviable task of seeking solutions to our transportation problem. Currently, the citizens in Snohomish County who work in Seattle have been offered only rail and widening roads as solutions. Why not consider adding a passenger-only ferry from Everett to Seattle with stops in Clinton, Mukilteo and Edmonds? The state would be the sole operators of the boats, thus eliminating the stumbling block of competition. The boats can carry approximately 300 passengers, which translates to 150 to 300 cars off the highways, and can make the trip in roughly one hour (depending on stops).
It has been reported that the governor is considering a gas tax increase with the revenue to be allocated for transportation. This would be the logical time to establish a budget for the purchase of a specified number of boats.
Initially, runs could be limited to specific times, with the goal of increasing trips and boats to meet rider demand.
I encourage our elected representatives to be open to researching this mode of transportation.
Mukilteo
Talk to us
> Give us your news tips.
> Send us a letter to the editor.
> More Herald contact information.
