The Triangle Improvement Task Force working with Washington State Ferries completed the first phase of its work last week and recommended two actions meant to ease traffic problems on the FauntleroyVashon-Southworth route this summer.

One of those measures, according to WSF spokesman Brian Mannion, is to incorporate changes in staffing plans and protocols at the Fauntleroy toll booth to increase traffic flow at peak time. The other step is to implement a public information campaign to help educate ferry passengers about ways they can help speed up the process, especially by purchasing tickets before they arrive at the dock.

Regarding the toll booth area, Mannion said the plan includes changing how WSF schedules staff so that one additional person will work during peak travel hours. Additionally, he noted that the Issaquah holds 124 cars and once the dock, which holds 80 cars, is empty, typically, an additional three cars per minute can travel down the dock to board the vessel. This summer, the intent is to make that four cars per minute.

“The goal is to reduce the amount of unused spaces and get more vehicles through at peak time,” he said.

The public information campaign is intended to help meet that goal, he said, and will include social media, fliers and on-board announcements.

“If a significant number of passengers pre-purchase their tickets, the wait is shorter for everyone,” he added.

Ferry passengers will likely see some of the changes in May so that procedures are operating smoothly in June.

Mannion credited the people serving on the task force with the new plans.

“None of this work was easy,” he added.

The group will continue to meet over the next nine months, focusing on mid- and long-range plans for improved service on the route.