Sims proposes Vashon/Southworth passenger ferry service- King County

Jan. 6, 2006

Sims proposes Vashon/Southworth passenger ferry service

Offers $2.2 million to help pay for new route

King County Executive Ron Sims announced today he is recommending that the State Legislature maintain state-operated passenger-only ferry service and create a route linking Vashon Island, Southworth and downtown Seattle. Sims also announced King County's commitment to provide $2.2 million from recently awarded federal grants to help pay for necessary vessel improvements.

Sims' recommendation follows completion of work by a passenger-only ferry task force charged with reviewing various options for providing service in Puget Sound. King County Metro Transit was one of eighteen participating members of the task force, which today issued a final report to the Legislature. The report confirms passenger-only ferries in Puget Sound play a vital role in the region's waterborne transportation network and identifies the triangle route serving Seattle, Vashon and Southworth as a key option, although no preferred route alternative was selected.

"Approval of the new triangle route operated by Washington State Ferries continues to be the best way to preserve Vashon Island passenger-only service," Sims said. "I urge the Legislature to spare island residents the hardships associated with lengthy and expensive commutes into downtown Seattle. We don't need additional cars pouring off the ferry docks and clogging our already congested roads. We do need more frequent, reliable and cost-effective passenger-only service – service that is critical to the mobility of Vashon and Southworth residents," Sims said.

Sims says a triangle route operated by State Ferries is also the best option for meeting the future transportation needs of island residents. Ridership between Vashon Island, Southworth and Seattle is expected to grow to nearly 400,000 annual boardings within the next few years, double current ridership. Vashon Island residents would see two additional round-trips to downtown Seattle daily while Southworth passengers would have direct service to Seattle for the first time. Other benefits of establishing a state-operated triangle route include:

Reduced pressure on the Fauntleroy Ferry Terminal, which is already operating at capacity.
More cost-effective operation of the triangle route by combining Vashon and Southworth passenger service.
The revenue needed to subsidize the operation of the route would be comparable to current passenger-only service.

The Triangle route would require a $3 million capital investment to recondition vessels and improve the docks. King County's contribution of $2.2 million in federal grant money would help pay for these capital improvements.

"In addition to preserving vital passenger-only ferry service and establishing a new triangle route, I urge the Legislature to support continued operation of this service by Washington State Ferries. These recommendations hold the best hope for long-term stability and cost-effective ferry service needed to meet current and future transportation needs of these communities," Sims said.

Sims urged swift legislative review and is asking state lawmakers to support his recommendations.

King County Executive, Ron Sims County news Executive initiatives Excellence in Government Executive offices Biography Contact information King County Executive Office Ron Sims, King County Executive 701 Fifth Ave. Suite 3210 Seattle, WA 98104 Phone: 206-296-4040 Fax: 206-296-0194 TTY Relay: 711	KING COUNTY HOME \| NEWS \| SERVICES \| DIRECTORY \| CONTACT King County Executive, Ron Sims King County Executive You're in: King County Executive, Ron Sims print Jan. 6, 2006 Sims proposes Vashon/Southworth passenger ferry service Offers $2.2 million to help pay for new route King County Executive Ron Sims announced today he is recommending that the State Legislature maintain state-operated passenger-only ferry service and create a route linking Vashon Island, Southworth and downtown Seattle. Sims also announced King County's commitment to provide $2.2 million from recently awarded federal grants to help pay for necessary vessel improvements. Sims' recommendation follows completion of work by a passenger-only ferry task force charged with reviewing various options for providing service in Puget Sound. King County Metro Transit was one of eighteen participating members of the task force, which today issued a final report to the Legislature. The report confirms passenger-only ferries in Puget Sound play a vital role in the region's waterborne transportation network and identifies the triangle route serving Seattle, Vashon and Southworth as a key option, although no preferred route alternative was selected. "Approval of the new triangle route operated by Washington State Ferries continues to be the best way to preserve Vashon Island passenger-only service," Sims said. "I urge the Legislature to spare island residents the hardships associated with lengthy and expensive commutes into downtown Seattle. We don't need additional cars pouring off the ferry docks and clogging our already congested roads. We do need more frequent, reliable and cost-effective passenger-only service – service that is critical to the mobility of Vashon and Southworth residents," Sims said. Sims says a triangle route operated by State Ferries is also the best option for meeting the future transportation needs of island residents. Ridership between Vashon Island, Southworth and Seattle is expected to grow to nearly 400,000 annual boardings within the next few years, double current ridership. Vashon Island residents would see two additional round-trips to downtown Seattle daily while Southworth passengers would have direct service to Seattle for the first time. Other benefits of establishing a state-operated triangle route include: Reduced pressure on the Fauntleroy Ferry Terminal, which is already operating at capacity. More cost-effective operation of the triangle route by combining Vashon and Southworth passenger service. The revenue needed to subsidize the operation of the route would be comparable to current passenger-only service. The Triangle route would require a $3 million capital investment to recondition vessels and improve the docks. King County's contribution of $2.2 million in federal grant money would help pay for these capital improvements. "In addition to preserving vital passenger-only ferry service and establishing a new triangle route, I urge the Legislature to support continued operation of this service by Washington State Ferries. These recommendations hold the best hope for long-term stability and cost-effective ferry service needed to meet current and future transportation needs of these communities," Sims said. Sims urged swift legislative review and is asking state lawmakers to support his recommendations.
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	Updated: Jan. 6, 2006