Chamber: Ferry service impacts community

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With the Port Townsend community down to one ferry, the Jefferson County Chamber of Commerce is concerned about how a one-boat schedule during what is typically one of the busiest periods of the year might impact the area’s tourist traffic.

Lorna Mann, manager of the Port Townsend Visitor Information Center, said Aug. 14 that the temporary loss of one boat has had “a severe effect” on not only tourist traffic, but residential traffic as well.

“The Port Townsend–Coupeville route is a major point of entry to our area, for both tourists and residents,” Mann said. “With only one ferry at this time of year, last-minute travelers are unable to take advantage of standby or drive-up opportunities, and those who did plan in advance and made reservations may now have to rebook or make alternative plans.”

Mann noted that the crunch “is slightly lessened” in the week following the grounding of MV Salish, now that it has been established that there is a one-boat schedule, which is now reflected in the online ferry reservation system.

“Alerts have also gone out to reservation holders and the general public to expect delays,” Mann said. “However, in the run-up to the weekend, I am sure that I and the other volunteers at the Visitor Information Center will be dealing with an increasing number of disappointed travelers, who cannot travel as they hoped or planned.”

Mann acknowledged that the impact from Aug. 9 through Aug. 11 was “much more urgent,” as travelers had to scramble to reroute to Kingston, or find overnight accommodation, “no mean feat in the height of summer.”

LEFT PT EARLY

“I personally dealt with a group that Friday that consisted of six motorcycles and a car, who had reservations in Oak Harbor for that night,” she added. “They had planned to shop and dine in Port Townsend and then take the ferry over to Whidbey.”

Because they were unable to take the ferry, those travelers had to leave Port Townsend much sooner, to drive to Kingston, catch the ferry to Edmonds, then attempt to cross at Mukilteo, or else resign themselves to driving onto Whidbey via I-5.

“The group thanked us, as they left with maps in hands and a plan for the unexpected journey they now had to take, but I doubt they will be recommending a visit to Port Townsend to their friends anytime soon,” Mann said.

Mann believes many local businesses and would-be visitors lost out, because such travelers were unable to enjoy “a relaxing experience” in Jefferson County.

“Their memories of Port Townsend, and by extension the Olympic Peninsula as a whole, have been colored by a frustrating

experience that will surely be a factor when it comes to planning their next trip,” Mann said. “The ripple effects of an incident like this need to be considered. It’s not just how much business was lost on a particular day, but how many people will think twice about making a repeat visit, just in case something similar happens again.”

Mann reported that the San Juan Islands have also been negatively effected this season by having to operate on a reduced schedule.

“Our ferry routes are highways,” Mann said. “They are a vital lifeline, which makes communities like ours accessible to a wider audience, as well as giving our residents much greater freedom of movement.”

Mann admitted to being “disappointed” at the lack of a better plan for repairing the boats.

“I hope that repairs are quick, and the Salish can be put back into service soon,” Mann said.