CHOKEPOINTS

Has the Kitsap fast ferry service finally hit its stride?

Mar 1, 2018, 5:44 AM

Fast ferry service...

Kitsap Transit's fast ferry service. (Kitsap Transit)

(Kitsap Transit)

After a somewhat rocky start, the new fast ferry system between Kitsap County and Seattle may be hitting its stride.

Inching closer to relief on I-5 into Marysville

The passenger-only service between Bremerton and Seattle was plagued with service disruptions during the first few months. Kitsap Transit executive director John Clauson admitted it wasn’t what he wanted to see.

“The launch was a bit troubling,” he said. “We had some mechanical issues with the vessel early on that took us a while to get to the bottom of.”

The engine continued to conk-out during the first few months. The problem was traced back to the boat’s ventilation system.

“A turbo-charger went out because of heat,” Clauson said. “We had a head gasket problem because of heat. We had a couple of situations where it got so warm in the engine compartment that it triggered the fire-suppression system.”

But with that fixed, Clauson said the last mechanical service delay was in October.

Ferry service expands

A few weeks ago, the Kitsap Transit board gave the go-ahead to buy two new ferries that will help backup and extend service between Bremerton and Seattle.

“We’ll certainly have a backup vessel, which has been one of our challenges,” he said. “The second one will provide us with a backup but will allow us to actually add a second vessel into the system.”

Those boats should come online in early 2019.

Later this year, service between Kingston and Seattle will begin. Kitsap Transit purchased a boat from New York. It’s on its way to Kingston now. It will be completely retrofitted before entering service over the summer. Clauson said it will provide a 35-minute trip from Kingston to Seattle, which is much faster than you can make that trip today. The Washington State Ferry trip between Kingston and Edmonds runs 30 minutes.

Most passengers seem to like the new service. Most commuter hour runs are close to full. The agency has also added mid-day service.

One of the biggest complaints continues to be over the reservation system, but Kitsap Transit is still working on improving it. A new consultant will be brought on board to figure out the best way to improve it.

Chokepoints

Photo: Cars in traffic...

Nate Connors

Plan ahead as Revive I-5 could make it tough getting to Mariners games

This weekend, Revive I-5 between Seattle and Tukwila continues and crews prepare for long-term road closures in Shoreline.

16 hours ago

I-5 overpass 145th seattle...

Chris Sullivan

Sullivan: I-5 overpass at 145th Street to close, cause major disruptions

The North 145th Street overpass of I-5, right there at the new light rail station, is about to close for seven months.

1 day ago

Photo: WSDOT crews pump concrete at new Veterans Drive tunnel....

Nate Connors

Late night I-5 closures coming up this week as WSDOT works on new tunnel

Contractors WSDOT are prepping for work on the new Veterans Drive Tunnel beneath I-5, adjacent to State Route 516.

2 days ago

Image: A Pierce Transit Stream Bus can be seen in Pierce County....

Micki Gamez

South Sound travelers may opt for transit after major service change

It's been seven years since Pierce Transit announced a major service change. The change means more access to Tacoma and the region.

3 days ago

headphones windshield obstructions...

Chris Sullivan

Sullivan: Driving with headphones, windshield obstructions in Washington

It's another episode of "rules of the road," I'm tackling two driving questions: Using headphones or windshield obstructions while driving.

3 days ago

four-way stops...

Chris Sullivan

Sullivan: Why do so many people get freaked out at four-way stops?

There is no mystery to how four-way stops work, so why do so many people mess up this simple maneuver?

8 days ago

Has the Kitsap fast ferry service finally hit its stride?