Notably lacking in stories about the Fauntleroy tollbooth debacle are the real reasons for the procedure change. Instead, the ferry system spokesman is forced to utter mushy-mouthed statements like “we’re finding creative ways to meet needs.”

Like everything else in this world, the issue has to be about money. I have heard rumors about defective hand scanners and/or clever cheaters resulting in lost revenue. If true, how much lost revenue? Is it worth the cost of delayed loading?

Running a system with too-few vessels, inadequate terminals, and insufficient state subsidies is obviously challenging. Lack of openness with riders can only make those challenges more difficult.

— Abe Bergman