June 30, 2020 KIRO 7 News video

Ferry wait times spike following staff shortages

“Currently, the number of passengers is going back up, but more than 150 employees are off the job due to the pandemic.”

Some (employees) are in that high-risk category, either by age, or whether by underlying health conditions, or both, so we want to keep them safe,” Sterling told KIRO 7 News.

“Ahead of the Fourth of July period, ferry workers are already warning passengers the wait this weekend could exceed four hours.”

 

Nine Months Later

Did any sort of hiring blitz take place? Many people are ready for good jobs in this economy.

Response from WSF:

We have hired a bunch of new employees since and many more are still in training in preparation for this coming summer.”

April 16, 2021 1:42pm Whidbey News-Times

Coupeville ferry short crew; some reservations canceled

 

The High-Risk Category

Would it make sense to have age/physical standards requirements in hiring? The US Armed Forces are one example of where these requirements are in place.

Related/previous blog:

Central Planning and Essential Travel

 

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Photo-

Keystone Ferry – inbound

Coupeville/Penn Cove is on the eastern shore of Whidbey Island-no ferry link to Port Townsend exists there.

Possibly of interest:

Occasionally Looking for the Coupeville Ferry

Washington State Ferry Ride

Don’t book a bed and breakfast stay in Coupeville and plan to walk from the ferry terminal to your accommodations.

Ferry Traffic Leaving Coupeville Terminal Routed Away From Coupeville