By DEAN ENELL
Our ferry system is challenged, to say the least. I guess we can complain and wait for salvation, or we can take some immediate remedial action, maybe make it work.
I like that action. After all, it’s in our blood to improve things and sometimes it starts with a bus. Back in 1955, Rosa Parks claimed a seat on one which started the Montgomery Bus Boycott and a host of societal changes which continue today. Closer to home we face the more modest challenge of just boarding a ferry to America.
Washington State Ferries is down to 21 boats when they need 26, and Initiative 2117 torpedoes replacements while all sailings have a piped message telling us it’s illegal to harass ferry workers. WSF cannot expand capacity at the ferry docks to meet the projected 20% increase in ferry traffic. It would seem we’re doomed to a life of ferry boat waiting.
For years an ignored WSF long-range plan suggests getting cars off the boats and refocus on a door-to-door goal for moving people to their destination rather than 3,000-pound cars from one perpetually clogged road to another across the water.
Now, finally, the good part. There is hope on the horizon for us tortured ferry riders. It comes in the form of a rapid bus called the #117, courtesy of Community Transit in mid-September. This groundbreaking chariot will meet almost every ferry in Mukilteo and whisk riders to the Lynnwood Transit Center. From here, they will be greeted with a score of buses going to numerous Puget Sound locations or to that new light rail system taking shape along the I-5 corridor hitting various transit hub locations, unhampered by traffic woes.
To greet this wonderful opportunity, a group of local visionaries will set out on a novel path to America. On Sept. 24, they’ll board the 1 p.m. ferry, having ridden an Island Transit bus to the Clinton dock. It’ll be a festive gathering with music and song and hopefully some media reporting to document our journey. We’ll publicize the date for islanders who want to join us for a fun day. We’ll also extend invitations to local candidates looking for a better way. Stay tuned.
Yes, we can take action to improve our island lives by efficiently using the resources we do have while stimulating the economy and actually addressing some worthwhile woes. Things like escalating carbon dioxide in our atmosphere, subsequent climate challenges, missed appointments and an outdated ferry system.
A big thank you to Community Transit for delivering with that #117 bus to relief and WSF for keeping boats in the water. See whidbeyclimate.org/ride for further information and to sign up to be a pioneer for a day and a better way.
Dean Enell is the chairperson of the Clinton Ferry Advisory Board.
