Editor,

Whidbey folks are well aware of the many ways the Washington State Ferry system is currently failing us, and WSF’s explanations of why. Now it is time to take action. The State Legislature is in session throughout January, February and early March.

Members of the House and Senate Transportation Committees need to hear from each and every one of us.

I recommend messages focus on: a) Funding the governor’s recent ferry-related budget requests [Google “inslee 2024 budget ferries” for details], b) Instructing WSF to get creative in obtaining additional ships quickly (rent, build diesel, add passenger boats, etc.), and c) Expand, not shrink, funding to build new ferries.

Find contact information for members of both the House and Senate Transportation Committees by Googling “Washington transportation committee.” Messages should be sent to individual members of each committee. Please be firm, but nice.

More must be done, quickly, in order for WSF to have enough ferries to properly operate all of their routes. Funding, true leadership and creativity are all necessary to solve WSF’s many problems.

Jack Schwab

Coupeville Ferry Advisory Committee member