Temperatures climbed last weekend as hundreds of ferry riders waited in their cars for as long as two hours at the Fauntleroy ferry terminal. It seemed to be the beginning of tourist season, and there were noticeably more people mingling about Vashon town.

There was more traffic, so it’s understandable the ferries would be struggling. But what isn’t understandable is the fact that boats were leaving partially filled — as in a few dozen cars on the Issaquah at 3 p.m.

That is, simply, unacceptable.

With a myriad of reasons why this occurs — and occurs repeatedly — change is badly needed. When the line stretches back to the elementary school on Fauntleroy Way — more than a mile from the terminal — boats should not be leaving only partially filled. All of those cars in line need to get on the dock and load the boats to capacity.

We all understand that the ferry system is faced simply — or not so simply — with an outdated, too-small dock that can’t handle the traffic it is expected to. And, currently, there’s no way to fix that, as homes and development, including roads, have sprung up all around it, leaving no room for expansion. Solutions now need to come from tweaking things that take time on the dock and pushing through more than what the dock is already equipped to handle. And there’s really only so much that can be done as it all is merely a Band-aid fix.

But something needs to be done. How much longer will ferry lines back up into traffic, weave in between parked cars and sit for hours before a crash or other emergency occurs? What about the elderly or sick who are waiting in line for hours with nowhere to go and cool down, eat or use the restroom? The current ferry issues are more than just an annoyance. They have the potential to turn into serious safety and health issues.

It’s time to find out who can make changes that are needed if the loading system doesn’t improve. Vashon Ferry Advisory Committee Head Greg Beardsley says islanders should document incidences of long waits and partially filled boats.

Take photos and write an accompanying letter and send it to wsfinfo@wsdot.wa.gov. There may not be an immediate response, but Beardsley said that this kind of documentation is necessary and could help if and when the issue is taken beyond Ferries to the Legislature or governor.