Dock operations must become more efficient

I agree with Greg Beardsley that the limited through-put of the Fauntleroy ferry dock is a major reason for problems with the triangle route serving Vashon and Southworth. (“Islanders must speak up soon for quality service,” Oct. 9.) However, hiring an officer to direct traffic is just one possible solution. Why not install a traffic light at the end of the dock so that offloading traffic has priority? This would have the bonus of protecting pedestrians crossing busy Fauntleroy Way.

October 15, 2013 5:16 pm

I agree with Greg Beardsley that the limited through-put of the Fauntleroy ferry dock is a major reason for problems with the triangle route serving Vashon and Southworth. (“Islanders must speak up soon for quality service,” Oct. 9.) However, hiring an officer to direct traffic is just one possible solution. Why not install a traffic light at the end of the dock so that offloading traffic has priority? This would have the bonus of protecting pedestrians crossing busy Fauntleroy Way.

In addition, the ferry system should eliminate one of the tollbooths. This would allow vehicles with tickets to bypass the tollbooth and eliminate waiting behind vehicles that must purchase tickets. There is nothing more frustrating than getting stuck behind a driver who needs a ticket when the ferry you hoped to catch is about to depart.

Since adding a second slip to the Fauntleroy dock is not going to happen, the ferry system needs to figure out how to be more efficient. These two changes would help.

— Susan Doerr