Date:  Friday, December 21, 2007

Contact: Susan Harris-Huether, Customer Information Manager, 206.515.3460

SEATTLE - Washington State Ferries (WSF) announced today that passenger-only service between Seattle and Port Townsend will continue through the end of the day on January 6, 2008. The service, provided by the passenger-only vessel M/V Snohomish, was added to help local businesses through the holidays after the Port Townsend/Keystone car ferry route was shut down on November 20 when the Steel Electric Ferries that operate on this route were pulled out of service for safety reasons.

We understand that the timing couldn''t be worse for this service disruption and we''re doing everything we can to help until we can resume auto service on this route said Secretary of Transportation Paula Hammond. The holiday shuttle between Seattle and Port Townsend has been very successful and we plan to continue it through the first week in January.

Through January 6, 2008, the 149 passenger vessel Snohomish will make four round trips daily between Pier 50 at Colman Dock in Seattle and the Port Townsend Ferry Terminal. The fare is $6.70 round trip and travel time is 90 minutes each way.

            From Port Townsend                            From Seattle 
                      6:45 a.m.                                        8:30 a.m.
                    10:30 a.m.                                      12:30 p.m.
                      2:45 p.m.                                        4:30 p.m.
                      6:15 p.m.                                        8:45 p.m.

WSF plans to eventually lease a car ferry from Pierce County to operate on the Port Townsend/Keystone route. In early 2008 we are planning to resume car ferry service on the Port Townsend/Keystone route using one of Pierce County''s vessels, said Traci Brewer-Rogstad, WSF Deputy Executive Director. We would like to get that service up and running as soon as possible to minimize disruption to our customers.

In the meantime, passenger service will continue between Port Townsend and Keystone. WSF has contracted with a local operator to provide passenger service on the Port Townsend/Keystone route through January 6.  The service is operated by Puget Sound Express, a local Port Townsend company, and leaves from the Hudson Point Marina, at 227 Jackson, a half mile north of WSF''s Port Townsend Ferry dock. When WSF''s passenger vessel Snohomish is no longer used for service to Seattle, WSF will use it to operate Port Townsend/Keystone passenger-only service until car ferry service resumes.

Travelers are encouraged to check WSF''s web site for ferry schedules and the latest information at http://www.wsdot.wa.gov/ferries/ or call 1-888-808-7977. Service bulletins and weather cancellations are updated regularly. Customers looking for information on transit connections can call Island Transit at (360) 321-6688 ext. 3 (or toll free at 800-240-8747) or Jefferson Transit at 800-371-0497.

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