The Winter ferry schedule in the San Juan Islands has been revised, and the San Juan County Ferry Advisory Committee wants to know what you think! If you’ve traveled the San Juan routes recently, now is your chance to provide valuable feedback that will directly impact future schedules. This is more than just a routine survey; it’s an opportunity for islanders and visitors alike to shape the future of ferry services in this unique corner of Washington State.
The San Juan Islands rely heavily on ferries for transportation, making the ferry schedule a crucial element of daily life and tourism. Understanding the needs and experiences of riders is essential for creating a schedule that works for everyone. By participating in the survey, you contribute to a process of continuous improvement, ensuring that the ferry system adapts to the evolving demands of the community.
This article delves into the details of the survey, its purpose, the background behind the schedule changes, and why your input matters. We’ll also highlight the key considerations raised by the Ferry Advisory Committee. Let’s explore how you can make your voice heard and help shape the future of ferry travel in the San Juan Islands.
Have Your Say: San Juan Islands Ferry Schedule Survey
The San Juan County Ferry Advisory Committee (SJC FAC) is actively seeking feedback on the recently revised winter ferry schedule. After a comprehensive process of developing a new schedule for the San Juan routes, the committee is eager to understand how these changes have impacted your travel experience.
The survey, comprised of just five questions, is designed to gather specific feedback on the updated winter schedule. Your responses will be shared with Washington State Ferries (WSF), providing valuable insights that can inform future schedule adjustments and improvements. This is your chance to contribute directly to the ongoing refinement of ferry services in the San Juan Islands.
To take the survey and make your voice heard, visit the Engage page (link not provided in the source article) or click on the following link:
Purpose of the Survey: To assess customer experience with the San Juan Island Winter Schedule.
Understanding the Schedule Updates
The updated winter and spring sailing schedules for the San Juan Islands route are the result of nearly two years of collaboration between Washington State Ferries (WSF) staff and San Juan Islands communities. The new winter schedule took effect on December 29, 2024, while the updated spring schedule began on March 23, 2025.
These changes were implemented to address significant developments that have occurred since the last major schedule update over a decade ago. These include ridership growth, the introduction of vehicle reservations, and recent challenges related to vessels and crew availability. The new schedule incorporates several key adjustments:
- Adjusted island stops
- Revised sailing times
- Updated vehicle allotments (vehicle percentages for each island stop)
- Introduction of weekend interisland service during winter
Crossing and dwell times (time vessels spend at terminals) have also been adjusted to be more realistic, with the goal of improving on-time performance and providing greater certainty for customers.
Since the last major schedule update over a decade ago, the route has undergone significant changes, including ridership growth, vehicle reservations, and recent vessel and crew challenges.
What the Ferry Advisory Committee Wants to Know
The SJC Ferry Advisory Committee is particularly interested in understanding your experiences related to the following aspects of the new schedule:
- Have you experienced noticeable changes in sailing times, on-time performance, or availability?
- Do you find the new schedule aligns with your travel needs, including weekend interisland service?
- Are the adjusted island stops and revised vehicle allotments serving your community effectively?
Your feedback on these key considerations will help the SJC FAC work with WSF to ensure that the schedules best meet the needs of both local communities and visitors.
Your feedback helps the SJI Ferry Advisory Committee (FAC) work with WSF, so the schedules best meet the needs of both local communities and visitors.
Why Your Input Matters
Participating in the survey is crucial because it allows you to directly influence the future of ferry services in the San Juan Islands. The SJC Ferry Advisory Committee relies on community feedback to understand the real-world impact of schedule changes and to identify areas for improvement.
By sharing your experiences and perspectives, you contribute to a more responsive and effective ferry system. Your input helps ensure that the ferry schedule is tailored to the specific needs of the communities it serves, enhancing the quality of life for residents and improving the experience for visitors.
The SJC Ferry Advisory Committee genuinely values your feedback and appreciates your willingness to participate in this important process.
Shape the Future of Ferry Travel
The San Juan County Ferry Advisory Committee is committed to creating a ferry schedule that works for everyone. Your participation in the Winter Schedule Survey is a vital step in achieving this goal. By sharing your thoughts and experiences, you can help shape the future of ferry travel in the San Juan Islands.
Don’t miss this opportunity to make your voice heard and contribute to the ongoing improvement of ferry services. Visit the Engage page or click the survey link today!
The SJC Ferry Advisory Committee extends its sincere gratitude for your time and valuable feedback. Together, we can ensure that the San Juan Islands ferry system continues to serve the needs of our community and visitors effectively.
Leave a Reply