By Tracy Record
West Seattle Blog Editor

Automated toll collection system in the state Ready! could be an option for payment for the future replacement of the Fauntleroy Ferry Dock, but it is not worth relying on it entirely, nor is it worth creating a separate toll booth.

This is a key result Washington State Ferries‘ long-awaited study into how Good To Go! and advance tickets could impact the dock redevelopment. The presentation was made at last week’s online meeting Community Advisory Group for the project – here is the draft report provided to committee members. Below is the WSF video of the meeting, followed by our summary:

First, for context, here’s where the project planning is: WSF is still evaluating nine alternatives for the size/configuration of the new dock, all larger than the current dock. WSF expects to have a preferred alternative by the end of this year. Construction is currently anticipated in the 2027-2029 biennium.

Advisory group members have long requested input on how alternative payment methods, both Good To Go! and advance ticketing, will impact the performance of the new dock and shape its design and operational expectations. GTG is not currently used by WSF; advance ticketing, Wave 2, startand is estimated to be used by between 50% and 60% of cyclists on the Triangle Route (Fauntleroy-Vashon-Southworth).

The briefing was led by Matt Ringstadconsultant whose company, Jacobconducted a study. They looked at factors including how it would impact “wait time” and “queue time,” how much it would cost to implement, and “customer experience.”

According to the study, most of the options for implementing Good To Go! would involve both an increase in ticket prices and an increase in project costs.

So they chose two recommendations, both related to alternative dock sizes that are most similar to the current dock, but still larger:

The presentation was relatively short, and after a little over half an hour they moved on to a question and answer session with members of the advisory group. Good To Go! was only studied because the group members asked for it, indicated Judith Pickens from Fauntleroy, wondering “if we would be in a better place” if this had been considered from the beginning. WSF Hadley Rodero He replied that the process was still at an early stage and could not be considered earlier.

Pickens also noted that five years ago, the Legislature conducted a study that included recommendations to shorten the lines, but they were not acted on; Rodero said advocates for Fauntleroy and Vashon made recommendations unrelated to the study (presumably referring to the open letter from a month ago).

Justin Hirsch of Vashon Island, said he felt vindicated by the study’s conclusion that relying on Good To Go! would result in significant fare increases. He and other frequent users were interested in how Good To Go! could be configured to allow discounts on multiple rides; Ringstad said they were working on that. What about peak-hour pricing? That’s in the study, he said.

Vashon Island Gary English I wondered how technological advances in the coming years would and/or could affect the plan. Ringstad said that’s something to consider, especially given the rapid advances in artificial intelligence; they’re looking at technology that could count people in a vehicle, for example, “and tell the difference between you, a child, a dog.”

Ringstad was asked what would happen “if Good To Go! goes down.” He said the information would be collected so that when everything is fixed, the system would catch up.

So the two recommendations shown above are part of what is currently being studied in the context of selecting an alternative.

INTERSECTION UPDATE: The meeting also included a brief update on plans for changes to the Fauntleroy Way junction, which carries traffic to the ferries.

Improvements to the intersection – detailed earlier here – will begin before the dock in about a year, but preliminary work, including surveying and geotechnical work, could be seen much sooner.

BEACH HOUSE: Participants also received an update on WSF’s plan to purchase a beach house on the north side of Cove Park to serve as the project’s office. They met with the current tenants last month to discuss “relocation options.” They also plan to conduct an environmental assessment before the appraisal. What are WSF’s intentions for the house once the new dock is built? Pickens asked. Dave the Sower said they saw many possibilities, such as office space and staff meeting rooms. Or that it could be deemed redundant. Pickens said, “Can you assure the Fauntleroy community that it will not become a parking lot?” Sowers responded, “I can’t guarantee anything” — in the sense that he can’t speak for his successor(s) at WSF decades from now — “but there is no intention for it to become a parking lot.”

WHAT’S NEXT: Here’s what the group has discussed so far and what’s next:

Rodero told CAG the next meeting will likely be in early October. Once set, the date, time and Zoom link can be found here.