What are the current challenges?
Under the current two-boat schedule, both ferries struggle to meet the printed departure times due to a variety of factors, including longer than expected unloading and loading times. By midday, ferries are often late, causing cancellations to maintain on-time performance. Closely spaced departures increase delays when one ferry must wait for the other to depart. Large vehicles also need more time to back onto the ferry.
What we’ve heard so far
Triangle route customers, community partners and WSF crew members have provided valuable input on their schedule needs and priorities. Overall, we’ve heard Triangle route riders want reliable service. Below are some of the key themes we’ve heard so far:
- Unreliable service makes it difficult for people to get to work, school, medical appointments and more.
- Addressing schedule gaps and extended wait times, and increasing service reliability are top priorities.
- While some Triangle route customers appreciate additional service from the third, unscheduled “bonus boat,” the unpredictability can make it challenging to plan trips.
- Crews need realistic schedules with more time between sailings to support reliable service and on-time performance.
