State ferries to host February virtual community meetings

Topics include hybrid-electric vessels, service and COVID-19 response

January 31, 2021 1:30 am
The MV Sealth sails from Orcas to Shaw Island on the afternoon of Jan. 27, 2021. (Mandi Johnson/staff photo)
The MV Sealth sails from Orcas to Shaw Island on the afternoon of Jan. 27, 2021. (Mandi Johnson/staff photo)

Submitted by Washington State Department of Transportation

Riders, commuters and terminal neighbors of Washington State Ferries are invited to attend upcoming virtual community meetings designed to provide updates and answer questions about the ferry system.

At 11 a.m. Tuesday, Feb. 9, and 6 p.m., Wednesday, Feb. 10, WSF staff will discuss the ferry system’s continued response to COVID-19 and progress made on key projects in 2020. New head of WSF Patty Rubstello will lead the meetings alongside former Assistant Secretary Amy Scarton.

Both meetings will cover the same material and are designed to give participants the option to join the meeting that best fits their schedule. Meeting participants will be able to ask questions and provide comments. Members of the public can participate in the meeting from a laptop, desktop computer or mobile device, but advanced registration is required.

Registration for the February virtual WSF community meetings:

Register for the 11 a.m. Tuesday, Feb. 9 meeting at: bit.ly/WSFWinterMeeting1

Register for the 6 p.m. Wednesday, Feb. 10, meeting at: bit.ly/WSFWinterMeeting2

Participants must provide a name and valid email address and have access to a computer or mobile device with an internet connection.

Once registered, participants will receive an email with detailed instructions on how to log in to the webinar.

The day after each meeting, a video recording will be available online on WSF’s community participation webpage.

Free, temporary internet access is available to those who do not have broadband service in locations throughout the state. To find the nearest Drive-In WiFi Hotspot visit: www.commerce.wa.gov/building-infrastructure/washington-state-drive-in-wifi-hotspots-location-finder/

These public meetings are being held in coordination with the Ferry Advisory Committees to share the latest information and engage people in ferry-served communities. WSF will also hold a special meeting for FACs at 6 p.m. Thursday, Feb. 4, to discuss issues related to their role in advising WSF on customer service and schedules. Members of the public are invited to attend and can register by going to bit.ly/WSFWinterFACMeeting.

WSF, a division of the Washington State Department of Transportation, is the largest ferry system in the U.S. and safely and efficiently carries tens of millions of people a year through some of the most majestic scenery in the world. For breaking news and the latest information, follow WSF on Twitter and Facebook.