Submitted by Washington State Ferries.

Washington State Ferries’ routes will temporarily move to a reduced service plan as part of the state’s response to COVID-19. Sailings on the Anacortes/San Juan Islands route will be reduced to a three-boat weekday schedule instead of four and two-boat weekend service instead of three starting Friday, April 10. These reductions will remain in place through at least April 25.

“The suspension of these sailings will give vessel crews and terminal staff more time to thoroughly clean and sanitize, making the ferries safer for everyone,” said Amy Scarton, head of WSF. “Further suspensions and adjustments are possible depending on ridership trends.”

These service reductions and the earlier announced extension of the winter sailing schedule prepares WSF for the ongoing effects of COVID-19 disrupting service, including:

• A continued decrease in ridership due to public health recommendations

• Availability of sufficient crew personnel to meet federal requirements

“I know many people depend on our state ferries to get to work, and for goods, services and medical appointments,” said Secretary of Transportation Roger Millar. “Our top priority remains the safety of our passengers and WSF crew as they continue vital ferry service.”

As of March 26, system-wide ridership was down about 60 percent compared to the last week of February. Walk-on passengers have decreased by more than 80 percent, while the number of vehicles carried has dropped by nearly 50 percent.

Customers can sign up for email rider alerts, check WSF COVID-19 travel updates and follow WSF on Twitter and Facebook for notification of resumption of regular service and other rider information.

Emergency medical services have been notified of the schedule changes and will continue to have priority boarding as the situation allows.