Three’s a crowd: Monday, June 30 is the first day of Washington State Ferries’ scheduled return of three boat service on the Vashon-Fauntleroy-Southworth route, colloquially called the Triangle Route. This will mean more sailings, though WSF cautions that the route may intermittently reduce to two boat (plus a “bonus” unscheduled boat) service when needed, such as if a boat on the Vashon route is redirected to substitute for another route that loses its boat. For an updated sailing schedule, visit wsdot.com/ferries/schedule.

Water taxi: Midday service to Vashon Island on the King County Water Taxi will continue at least through June 2027, according to a news release from the King County Executive office. The necessary funding for these year-round, weekday voyages was secured as part of the state transportation budget adopted on May 20. (The Beachcomber previously reported that this funding had been secured in the Legislative session.)

Educator honored: Vashon High School teacher and coach Per-Lars Blomgren is among the May honorees of the “Salute to Coaches,” a collaboration between the Washington Interscholastic Activities Association and the U.S. Army to recognize coaches who help students reach their full potential. “Coach Per-Lars exemplifies loyalty and selflessness, coaching every athlete with equal passion, while modeling work ethic, offering constant support, and shaping young adults of strong character,” read his bio on the list of honorees.

Ferry fare: The Washington State Transportation Commission has released its proposed ferry fare changes for public comment. The commission has to meet certain revenue requirements set by the Legislature, and aims to do so by increasing passenger and vehicle fares by an average of 3 percent on October 1, and again on May 1, 2026; raising the peak season “summer” surcharge from 25 percent to 35 percent on all routes; and piloting an extended expiration date on multiride passes, from the current 90 days to 120 days after purchase, beginning on May 1, 2026.

Additionally, the state legislature directed two additions to the fare increases — changes which do not contribute to the ferry fare revenue target: Increasing the capital/vessel surcharge by 50 cents, to be applied to one-way and round-trip fares by October 1, 2025; and applying a 3% fee to support cost recovery of processing credit card transactions by March 1, 2026.

Riders can submit comments on the ferry fare proposal through August 5 online at wstc.wa.gov/contact-us, or in a virtual public hearing at 10 a.m. on Aug. 6 via tinyurl.com/FerryFareHearingAug25.

Shoreline law: The public can now provide comment on preliminary draft language around the state Department of Ecology’s Shoreline Management Act. The act, adopted by voters in 1972, regulates development of shoreline across the state.

This story has been updated to include more information on proposed changes to ferry rates.