PORT TOWNSEND — The passenger-only ferry is a viable option for commuters between Kingston and Seattle and will become more so as local partnerships are established, a business group was told Monday.
“Commuting from here to Seattle can take as long as three hours each way,” said Jerry Kirschner, a volunteer advocate for the ferry in Kingston.
“If we can get people into Kingston and then to Seattle, that could save an hour each way.”
Kirschner and SoundRunner General Manager Meisha Rouser addressed the Jefferson County Chamber of Commerce on Monday.
SoundRunner, operated by the Port of Kingston, is the latest in efforts to sustain passenger-only ferry service between Kingston and Seattle.
The ferry began operation in October but suspended in November because of rough weather and problems with its two vessels.
Service resumed at the end of May, offering one morning and one evening trip each weekday.
Rouser’s visit to Port Townsend was part of an effort to publicize the service and develop partnerships with transit systems throughout the region.
After speaking to the chamber, she visited Jefferson Transit to explore the possibility of establishing a vanpool connection between Port Townsend and Kingston .
The meeting was to “continue the conversation” and no decisions were made, she said.
“This is a ‘cart before the horse’ situation where we need to determine whether we want to acquire the vans first and then solicit riders, or get the riders to commit before we get a van,” she said.
If commuters don’t want to wait for an official transit vehicle, they can create their own carpool and park for free in Kingston, she said.
The SoundRunner is limited by its frequency, sailing from Kingston to Seattle at 6:40 a.m. and returning at 5:20 p.m.
It is geared to commuters working in Seattle from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. and doesn’t have much flexibility for people who miss the daily sailings.
Even with this limited schedule, the company hopes to use its boats in a “creative” way, according to Rouser, providing charters and transportation to special events.
One such service is a midday run on the first Thursday of every month, leaving Kingston at 11 a.m.
Those taking this trip can spend the day in Seattle and return on the regularly scheduled 5:20 sailing.
Rouser said this excursion is designed for tourists and leisure travelers instead of commuters, and is timed to coincide with the Seattle Art Museum’s monthly free day.
The vessels feature free wireless Internet, a restaurant and bar and special Friday catering.
“We are offering a different experience than the Washington State Ferries.” Rouser said.
“Our boats sit lower so you aren’t removed from the water.”
Other special events include concerts and games where the company would schedule evening trips to coincide with special events.
The company could also sponsor special sailings between Port Townsend and Seattle, although it is unlikely that it would establish a commuter service, she said.
Port of Port Townsend Deputy Director Jim Pivarnik said Sound Runner’s boats would take two to three hours to make the trip, which is unsuitable for commuting.
Pivarnik said the Port Townsend port’s plan to operate a passenger-only ferry is still in development. The port has acquired the grant money to purchase a boat but is still seeking revenue for its operation.
The port’s passenger-only ferry would be able to make the trip in less than an hour as a way to shuttle tourists between Port Townsend and Seattle rather than a commuter vehicle, he said.
SoundRunner costs $7 for a one-way fare, with discount cards available,$130 for 20 fares and $250 for 40 fares.
For more information about Sound Runner, go to www.soundrunnerferry.com or call 888 550 7203.
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Jefferson County Reporter Charlie Bermant can be reached at 360-385-2335 or charlie.bermant@peninsuladailynews.com.
