VASHON, Wash. — There is currently a lack of working ferries in western Washington, impacting many communities. Those on Vashon Island feel isolated because the ferry system is their way off the island.
"I got in line almost an hour before the ferry leaves. That's just part of life these days," said Laura Cherry, whose 15-year-old son goes to school in Tacoma.
"He catches the ferry from Tahlequah to Port Defiance every day at 7:10 in the morning," said Cherry.
She said frequent ferry delays and cancellations have caused problems for the entire family.
"There are days where he could have been in class and learning and was deprived of that opportunity because the ferries couldn't get him there," she said.
This month, the Vashon Chamber of Commerce put out their Islanders for Ferry Action Community Report outlining the negative health, education and economic impacts on the island. The report also outlines a number of solutions, including expanding King County's water taxi service and providing an overnight parking option in Fauntleroy.
"More communication and more understanding of what actions are being taken to alleviate the pain would be helpful for all of us," said Cherry.
In a statement, Washington State Ferries said, "We appreciate the Vashon community’s input and continue to work on increasing crewing levels and vessel availability to allow us to restore three-boat service on the Triangle. Due to the time it takes to credential our most senior crew positions and build new vessels, we do not currently have the resources to do so."
“We are a little tourist town,” said Jennifer Harvey, who owns Island Queen. She said tourists get stuck on the island but far more often, “They choose to go elsewhere, they choose to go somewhere else because they can’t guarantee that they’ll make it back in time.”
The uncertainty is leading many to wonder what’ll happen to the community if a quicker solution isn’t found.
Today, Senators Maria Cantwell and Patty Murray secured $4.8 million in federal funding to refurbish six aging ferries that will serve Fauntleroy, Vashon and other routes. It’s expected to extend the ferry's lifespan up to a decade.