Last Friday, several Washington State Ferries officials visited the Fauntleroy ferry dock to observe loading and unloading procedures in preparation for changes to help ease the heavier summer traffic expected soon.

Ferries spokesman Brian Mannion was among those there last week, and he said it provided valuable information, especially because the Cathlamet had experienced problems earlier in the day, causing more cars to be waiting in line for the evening commute. The line of vehicles was long for awhile that evening, and some vessels left with space still remaining, angering waiting passengers.

“Those are the things we are trying to avoid and reduce,” Mannion said. “It was a useful time for us to be there since we want to learn how to make the system more resilient under those circumstances.”

Additional observers there that day included the port captain, a bosun and several Fauntleroy dock workers. As part of a different program, Director of Operations Greg Faust was in the ticket booth selling tickets that day, learning that process and gaining insight into potential improvements.

The traffic observation stems from work the citizen Triangle Improvement Task Force undertook with Ferries to develop improvements for the troublesome triangle route, including “quick fixes,” which are expected to be implemented in May and June, in time for summer travel.

Those changes, which Ferries announced earlier this month, include adjustments to staffing plans and protocols to increase traffic flow at peak time and increased attention on passengers buying tickets before they arrive at the dock.

— Susan Riemer