Washington State Ferries officials will come to Vashon next week and discuss a range of topics relevant to island ferry passengers.

Subjects will include the next phase of construction at the north-end dock, upcoming changes to ticket processing at Fauntleroy, an emergency boat deployment plan and a revised summer schedule, according to Greg Beardsley, who heads Vashon’s Ferry Advisory Committee.

The next phase of the Vashon dock construction project will have a fairly substantial effect on how people get on and off the boat, Beardsley said, as frequently only one slip will be available, making it impossible for two boats to dock at the same time. He added that it is not clear when that phase will begin, as dry weather is needed for paving to happen first.

Also significant is that in April, ticket holders will be able to bypass the ticket booths during the afternoon commute and possibly on Saturdays and Sundays.

“That will be a big change back to what we used to have,” he added.

Regarding emergency deployments of replacement boats, Beardsley said that members of the Washington House and Senate have agreed to a budget that would keep the larger Klahowya as a reserve vessel, not the smaller Hiyu.

Finally, Beardsley said, ferry officials are working on revising the summer schedule to help maintain reliable departure times and avoiding skipping runs to catch up.

“They believe they are going to be able to do that without losing capacity out of Vashon or Southworth,” he added.

An open house will be offered beginning at 5:30 p.m., with the meeting from 6 to 8 p.m. Wednesday, March 23, at McMurray Middle School.