PORT TOWNSEND — Passengers on the Port Townsend-Coupeville ferry will be able to make reservations up to six months in advance beginning June 13.
The Save A Spot system will go into effect earlier on the route between Anacortes and Sidney, B.C. Passengers will be able to use it beginning Monday for that route.
In addition, the system will be available mid-month for business customers, such as commercial trucks and buses, on San Juan Island routes, which include Orcas, Shaw, Lopez and Friday Harbor.
The new system upgrades vehicle reservation options by allowing users to reserve a sailing six months in advance on some routes and modify their reservation online, among other features, Washington State Ferries said.
The current system doesn’t allow for online modifications and accepts reservations only one month ahead.
The state ferries system plans to evaluate reservation operations on these routes and eventually expand to other routes in the next few years.
“Starting this month, ferry riders will have a reservation system that’s easier and more convenient,” said David Moseley, assistant secretary for the state Department of Transportation.
“Reservations are a great way to enjoy predictable and convenient travel on ferries, especially as we approach the busy summer season.”
Moseley said the enhanced reservation system is a direct result of the efforts of many people, including state ferries personnel from operations, information technology and terminal staff, and a partnership with community representatives from Port Townsend and Coupeville.
He added that ferry reservations help cut traffic congestion and air pollution from idling vehicles.
They also can help save money, he said.
Long-range planning through 2030 shows that a systemwide reservation system could save $280 million in capital improvements by avoiding the need to expand ferry terminals and holding areas to accommodate increases in vehicle traffic, he said.
Details of new system
Save A Spot vehicle reservations offer these options and policies:
■ Reservations may be made one month in advance for busy sailings and six months in advance for all other sailings.
■ Customers can change or cancel reservations with no penalties up to 24 hours prior to reserved sailings. Deposits for missed reservations may be applied toward travel from the same terminal later that day.
■ Most customers will be required to pay a deposit, which will be credited toward the total fare due at the time of travel.
■ Transactions online will be speeded since customer account profiles will be saved.
■ Barcoded confirmations will speed up transactions at the terminal.
■ Special customer account programs will be available, including Executive, Premier and Universal. Executive and Premier customers will have special benefits, such as not paying a deposit for a reservation and access to reservation spaces set aside specifically for these accounts.
More information about Save A Spot features and policies is available at http://tinyurl.com/7c4hahb.
To reserve a sailing for the remainder of the spring schedule, which is through June 16, customers must act by today by visiting http://tinyurl.com/5lxw7y or by phoning 888-808-7977.
The summer schedule will begin June 17.
