Project Overview
What happens in each phase of implementing the vehicle reservations system? Read the project overview (pdf 380 kb).

Project Background
In WSF’s 2030 long-range plan , a vehicle reservations system is identified as a primary demand management strategy. Vehicle reservations are estimated to save the state of Washington $280 million in capital improvements, by avoiding the need to expand ferry terminals and holding areas to accommodate projected increases in vehicle traffic.

Vehicle space during peak traffic times is WSF’s greatest constraint and creates demand for additional service and larger facilities. There is little capacity to support traffic increases in peak periods, especially in the summer, when a recreational traffic surge causes even greater capacity challenges. Meanwhile, vehicle capacity is under-utilized during the off-season and non-commute periods. Because of a significant reduction in funding for terminal improvements, WSF is moving forward with vehicle reservations as a way to operate a high-quality service without the expense of expanding terminal facilities.

Some of the benefits associated with vehicle reservations include:

• Reduce or eliminate traffic congestion on roads leading to terminals
• Provide predictable and convenient travel
• Increase business in ferry-served communities
• Reduce air pollution from idling vehicles
• Save money by mitigating the need for terminal expansion and/or added service
• Reduce traffic control costs and holding area maintenance costs

Routes with existing reservations systems (Anacortes/Sidney, B.C., Port Townsend/Coupeville, and commercial traffic in the San Juan Islands) will be upgraded to the new technology identified in the vehicle reservations predesign study first. WSF will test and refine the reservation system and its new features on these routes before expanding to any other routes. WSF will coordinate with the Anacortes and San Juan Islands FACs and the Port Townsend/Coupeville Partnership before and during implementation to ensure the system is meeting customer needs. Some of this work has already begun.

During 2009 while the predesign study was underway, WSF worked with a partnership for the Edmonds/Kingston route to evaluate vehicle reservations. We selected this route to study because it presents many challenges, including diverse vehicle traffic (recreational, commuter and commercial), high volume of vehicles, and limited vehicle processing at both terminals.

We acknowledge that there have been concerns brought to our attention by some customers and community members about whether vehicle reservations can meet their needs. WSF is committed to addressing these concerns and will work with community and customer route based partnerships before any final decisions are made.

Existing WSF Vehicle Reservations System

Vehicle reservations have been successful on the Anacortes/Sidney, B.C. route for several years. More recently, WSF began taking vehicle reservations on the Port Townsend/Coupeville route in May 2008. WSF now takes over 100,000 reservations per year, over 70 percent of which are customer generated online.

Frequently Asked Questions

How will the vehicle reservation system save the state money?

The vehicle reservation system allows WSF to more efficiently utilize its boats and terminals instead of having to make expensive capital investments.

How will the vehicle reservation system benefit customers?

The vehicle reservation system will benefit customers by providing more predictable and convenient travel and significantly reducing wait times during peak periods.

How will the vehicle reservation system benefit ferry communities?

The vehicle reservation system will benefit ferry communities by reducing lines and congestion and pollution from idling vehicles around the terminals.

Will the vehicle reservation system be implemented on all routes?

There is no plan to bring the vehicle reservation system to private vehicle customers on the Mukilteo/Clinton, Fauntleroy/Vashon, Fauntleroy/Southworth, Southworth/Vashon, and Point Defiance/Tahlequah routes, although commercial customers will have access to reservations on those routes.

When are reservations coming to my route?

During Phase I ( Summer 2012) the vehicle reservation system will only be fully implemented on the Port Townsend/Coupeville and Anacortes/Sidney routes; the San Juan Island routes will have commercial reservations only. After successful piloting, additional routes are expected to get the reservation system as described in the proposed implementation timeline section below.

How much is the vehicle reservation system costing the state?

The Legislature approved $5,851,000 for Phase I, $2.79 million for information technology system acquisition and customization and $3.06 million for terminal improvements that will allow WSF to provide better real time sailing status and trip planning information to customers. Funding for subsequent phases must be approved by the Legislature, and detailed cost estimates will be developed once system design is completed.

Is the project on schedule?

WSF will begin rolling out reservations to Port Townsend/Coupeville and Anacortes/Sidney customers in the Summer of 2012. 

Community Partnerships

Process to Date

Edmonds/Kingston - 2009
In 2009 WSF formed a partnership with representatives from different customer groups (commuters, recreational users, residents, and commercial) as well as community leaders from the Edmonds/Kingston route. The partnership met eight times in 2009 to discuss how a vehicle reservations system could work on the Edmonds/Kingston route. WSF accepted public comments at these partnership meetings and at public meetings throughout the ferry service area. This public process was instrumental in learning valuable lessons and developing the basic structure of a vehicle reservations system, and contributed to the 2009 Vehicle Reservations Predesign Study.

Port Townsend/Coupeville - 2010
In spring 2010 we convened the Port Townsend/Coupeville Partnership to introduce the Vehicle Reservations Predesign Study to this group and discuss how to upgrade the vehicle reservations system on this route. Meetings were paused as WSF worked to develop system specifications and a procurement strategy that could be shared with the group. The group will be reconvened with additional members to collect input on system prototypes and discuss implementation options.

Process Going Forward

• Port Townsend/Coupeville – Fall 2011. Resume partnership meetings in fall 2011 to discuss implementation schedule, options and system prototypes.
• San Jan Islands Commercial Representatives – Early 2012. Meet with commercial representatives to discuss implementation schedule, options and system prototypes.
• Phase II Partnership Groups – Beginning Summer 2012. Pending funding approval for Phase II, convene a San Juan Islands customer group to discuss implementation schedule and options.Meet with commercial representatives across the system to discuss an expanded commercial reservation program.
• Phase III Partnership Groups – Beginning 2015. Pending funding approval for Phase III, convene partnership groups for each of the Central Puget Sound routes that will be receiving reservations.

Project Timeline to Date

• April 2009 - Legislature directed WSF to conduct predesign study
• July-December 2009 - Met eight times with Edmonds/Kingston Community Partnership
• January 2010 - Provided final predesign report to Legislature
• March 2010 – Legislature provided $5,851,000 for WSF to begin pursuing a vehicle reservations system and associated communications projects.
• April 2010 - Convened Port Townsend/Coupeville Partnership group
• September 2010 - WSDOT Office of Information Technology (OIT) hired an IT Project Manager to lead system specifications development and procurement effort
• October 2010 - Mar. 2011 - Refined system design and changed procurement plan from purchasing an off-the-shelf system to developing one internally.
• August 2011 - Completed system requirements docment for all Phases of the reservation system. Development begins.

Phase I Implementation Schedule 

• Summer 2011 - Winter 2012 - Phase I, reservation system development.
• Spring 2012 - Phase I testing and training.
• Summer 2012 - Phase I reservation system website live on Port Townsend-Coupeville and Anacortes-Sidney routes, for general and premier customers. Commercial reservations in the San Juan Islands.

Contact

For more information please contact:
Joy Goldenberg
WSDOT Ferries Division
2901 3rd Ave., Suite 500
Seattle, WA 98121
206-515-3411
goldenj@wsdot.wa.gov