Inslee provides emergency funding for San Juan Island transportation service
September 17, 2024
During a meeting with San Juan Island leaders, residents and businesses today, Gov. Jay Inslee announced he is issuing $1.5 million in emergency and short-term funding to restore critical ferry transportation networks throughout the San Juan Islands. Due to crewing challenges, the Interisland route has been the least reliable in the system, causing serious life and safety issues for San Juan Islands’ residents and service providers.
The most recent data shows that Washington State Ferries only completed 81% of its scheduled Interisland sailings with an average on-time performance of 41%. Cancellations are primarily due to crew shortages.
WSF routinely completes 95% or more of its scheduled sailings throughout the rest of its system.
“We have been making steady progress on restoring service throughout our ferry system, but that progress has yet to reach these islands,” Inslee said. “The unique challenges facing the Interisland route are simply untenable and create real risks for residents. Medical emergencies don’t wait until Monday. Parents need to know their children won’t be stranded on another island after school. This funding can serve as a bridge until legislators come up with longer-term funding.”
https://governor.wa.gov/news/2024/inslee-provides-emergency-funding-san-juan-island-transportation-service