Recent ferry confusion calls for better communication
Published 1:30 am Wednesday, June 1, 2016
On May 23, Washington State Ferries officials changed the loading and ticketing procedures at the Fauntleroy Ferry dock. Not long after the changes were implemented, Vashon commuters voiced their frustration with the new systems and the fact that the changes did not seem to be making the loading process any more efficient.
In March, Greg Beardsley, head of Vashon’s Ferry Advisory Committee (FAC), told The Beachcomber that Washington State Ferries (WSF) had announced a plan to implement a bypass lane for pre-ticketed cars at the Fauntleroy dock.
Shortly after Beardsley’s comments, WSF officials met with islanders and presented a plan for a bypass lane that would allow pre-ticketed vehicles to bypass the tollbooths. The idea was that the lane would speed up loading at the Fauntleroy dock and solve the longstanding problem of boats leaving with empty spaces. The plan was controversial, as it seemed non-commuters would likely not be able to use the lane and be penalized.
A flyer distributed to commuters before the May 23 change, and as recently as Sunday, illustrates a bypass lane that goes around the toll booths. However, on the front of that same flyer is an announcement stating that all vehicles need to go through tollbooths.
Confusion has ensued, and Vashon commuters have taken on the FAC’s Facebook page to post that boats are still leaving with empty spaces.
WSF Communications Manager Brian Mannion told The Beachcomber last week that, contrary to the plan presented at the March meeting and the flyer illustration, the bypass lane does not allow pre-ticketed cars to go around the tollbooths. The “lane” is instead a designated tollbooth for pre-ticketed vehicles.
It is not clear how the plan changed from a bypass lane to a bypass tollbooth, but WSF has acknowledged that the system does not seem to be working as hoped. A recent ferry alert explained that WSF is “painfully aware of the challenges” on the triangle route. But being aware of challenges is only the beginning of the problem. Communication was clearly lost somewhere along the line and resulted in mass confusion and frustration. WSF needs to ensure that when it presents information, especially at public meetings, that it be clear. Eliminating mixed messages, such as the conflicting statement and illustration on the flier, would also go a long way in preventing anger and complaints down the road.
