WA ferries are almost back to pre-pandemic rider levels, expecting a busy holiday weekend
Washington State Ferries officials say they have seen an increase in riders coming back since the height of the COVID-19 pandemic, and expect a busy Labor day weekend for holiday travelers, according the Washington State Department of Transportation.
Thus far, during the ferry’s peak summer season, the vehicle count is at 91% of pre-pandemic levels. The Anacortes/San Juan Islands, Mukilteo/Clinton and Point Defiance/Tahlequah routes are closest to reaching their 2019 numbers.
Walk-on passengers numbers have been slower to return to pre-pandemic levels, only reaching 62% of past ridership levels. Walk-on and vehicle summer season total ridership from June 19 through Aug. 28 is at 82% of pre-pandemic levels.
Washington State Ferries is aiming to bring ridership grow closer to pre-pandemic levels as they restore services back to normal route-by-route.
“Unfortunately, our crewing levels are not at a point yet where we can begin adding full service back to our next route – the Edmonds/Kingston route – even on a trial basis,” stated Patty Rubstello, head of Washington State Ferries, in a press release.
Labor Day weekend travel
The Washington State Department of Transportation also warns of busy travel times aboard ferry boats during Labor Day weekend.
Those who are driving on to the ferries will have the longest wait times.
The busiest sailing times will be on westbound or island routes from Thursday, Sept 1. Through Saturday, Sept. 3. Eastbound and off-island routes are expected to be busy from Sunday, Sept. 4 through Tuesday, Sept. 6.
To avoid long lines and wait times, WSDOT suggests riders walk on to the ferry or consider taking an early morning or late night ferry.
On Monday, Sept. 5 some ferries will have alternate sailing times for the Labor Day holiday. Holiday schedule changes are marked on each route’s schedule online.
People using state highways to travel to ferry terminals should also expect traffic and potential delays, so consider arriving early to avoid missing your ferry.
This story was originally published September 2, 2022 at 5:00 AM with the headline "WA ferries are almost back to pre-pandemic rider levels, expecting a busy holiday weekend."
