Southworth Passenger Ferry Riders Worried About Connections
July 15th, 2009 by ed friedrichI’m working on a story over the next few days about Southworth ferry riders possibly loosing good connections to the Vashon-Seattle foot ferry.
The King County Ferry District is taking over the passenger ferry route from the state on Sept. 28. It will be changing the schedule, adding more runs but changing to departure times that don’t jibe with state car ferries arriving from Southworth, as they do now. Fares will also be changed, and a different boat leased. You can read the details on their Web site.
Fares don’t pay for the cost of the ferry route. It is subsidized by King County property taxes. I don’t imagine they’re keen about subsidizing Kitsap County riders. But the Southworth folks believe transit systems should work together to create one integrated transportation system
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July 15th, 2009 at 8:04 pm
I used to do the Port Orchard to Vashon to Seattle route. I could see the writing on the wall last year and relocated across the Sound. The Kitsap riders will be voiceless and powerless with respect to the operation of the new, Ferry District passenger-only boat from Vashon to Seattle. I could even foresee King County residents being given priority boarding over non-King County resident. This could be harsh. Plus, the King County Ferry District is within it’s rights to charge non-Ferry District users of the passenger-only ferry ACTUAL estimated cost for a ticket. Since Ferry District residents are already paying taxes, I doubt if there would be any grief on their part to charging Kitsap riders ACTUAL estimated costs. What could that be? $10.00 a trip?
I would agree with Southworth riders that transit systems “should” work together, but let’s face it, it’s who pays the taxes that even has a say in such cooperation. And Kitsap voters had an opportunity to do the same thing as King County several years ago. Kitsap voted it down and will, quite likely, have to live with the majority’s choice. I’m sorry that the Southworth commuters will bear the brunt of the inconveniences and higher commuting costs of the new situation.
July 15th, 2009 at 8:56 pm
What will stimulate the ecomony? Making transportation EASIER for people, goods, and services. Accountablity from the decision makers representing the Puget Sound region and state of Washington to make sure integration of mass transportation systems works! King County MUST think regionally, not just Vashon-DT Seattle, especially when King County tax-payers are underwriting the tab for this Passenger Only Service…. This is IMPORTANT. Thanks Ed, Carol
July 16th, 2009 at 9:37 pm
I should amend my previous blog by saying that after reading the King County Ferry site details, perhaps Southworth riders might not be held to higher tickets fees. You just buy an Orca pass and pay the same as the Vashon riders do. I’m still wondering if the new catamaran taxi boat can hold as many passengers as the Skagit and Kalama could. That’s what makes me wonder about King County residents getting priority boarding over anyone who isn’t a King County resident. Call me paranoid, but I’ve been around the block a few times.
One other thing I’m throwing into the new picture: there will only be one Vashon-to-Seattle boat with no back-up vessel to use. Maybe Southworth commuters have something in their favor as the auto-ferries will continue to run between Fauntleroy, Vashon and Southworth in spite of rough seas, PO-boat malfunctions and such.