As the star-spangled banners unfurl and fireworks anticipate their sparkling launch, Washington State Ferries (WSF) braces for a hefty surge of nearly 400,000 travelers over the Independence Day weekend, with visitors likely flocking to take in the majestic Pacific Northwest vistas. In a much-welcomed move, confirmed by WSF, the Port Townsend/Coupeville route will debut a second boat on July 4, operational from Friday to Monday through to October 13, the conclusion of the shoulder season – a pivotal step to restore the ferry system to its near-full domestic service capacity, marking a triumphant comeback three years ahead of schedule.
The upward trajectory of the ferry service revival had its beginnings on June 15, with the restoration of the two-boat service for Seattle/Bremerton voyagers, followed by plans to kick start a daily three-vessel lineup for the Fauntleroy/Vashon/Southworth route beginning June 30, as per WSF’s announcement, “We are pleased to have 18 boats in service for what will likely be our busiest ridership weekend of the year,” said WSF Deputy Secretary Steve Nevey, appreciating the efforts of staff working tirelessly over the holiday to deliver top-notch service.
Travelers looking to navigate the aquatic highways by car are encouraged to utilize the WSDOT mobile app or visit the WSF website for up-to-the-minute sailing schedules, terminal conditions, route-specific alerts, and vehicle reservations, to streamline their holiday plans. Predictions point to the heaviest vehicular traffic flowing westbound – toward the islands – from July 2-4, and then reversing course eastbound on July 5-6. Alternative strategies, such as early morning or late-night sailing, or avoiding wheels altogether by walking or biking onto the ferries, are being suggested to trim down waiting periods.
Modifications to the standard maritime transit timetables are in effect on July 4 with the Edmonds/Kingston route witnessing select holiday-induced changes while the Seattle/Bainbridge and Fauntleroy/Vashon/Southworth lines will operate on weekend schedules, all other routes sail as per a typical Friday, as detailed by WSF – and as a note of caution and compliance, transporting or igniting illegal fireworks on state ferries remains a prosecutable offense.
