In a sense, we are entering a new era in transportation not only in this region but in the nation as a whole. All modes must be interrelated and interconnected. This is the metropolitan transportation system that the ferry service must be a part of. Demand for service and new ferry routes increases with the growth of population and employment. This creates pressure on WSF to meet demand through additional capacity.
Current demand creates boat overload situations at many terminals during peak and seasonal periods.
By year 2000, three new jumbo ferries are expected to be operating and will provide some relief on all routes. This is because boats on current jumbo routes will be replaced and moved to other routes in the system, adding somewhat to overall system capacity. However, there is no long-term WSF program for additional auto ferry capacity beyond these three vessels. As a result, the issue of overloads and waiting for ferries is one the state will need to address in relation to its ability to meet future demand. WSF is in the process of developing a level-of service standard for ferries as required under the Growth Management Act.