A Port Townsend-to-Seattle Passenger Ferry? Genius!

I happen to know the precise level of genius involved because in January 2008 I took a passenger ferry ride to Port Townsend. Sailings sold out--and this was in the heart of winter.

There was an immediate push at the time to extend what was a temporary arrangement, but no dice. Facing enormous, unsustainable fuel costs for its jumbo ferries, the state was nonetheless "getting out of the passenger ferry business."

Now, Port of Port Townsend officials (Look, how about Port Squared Townsend?) are trying to put the pieces together for a passenger ferry again, and they have gotten help from U.S. Sen. Patty Murray's office.

Recently, Murray recommended that $1 million in federal transportation money be allocated for capital costs associated with setting up a passenger ferry. Final word should come about mid-November, and if all goes well, next summer could bring clear sailing.

Seattle Transit Blog has been following this story for ages: Back in February, Port Townsend "applied for a Federal Highways and Transportation Administration appropriation to buy a small passenger ferry to run commuter trips daily between Port Townsend and Seattle," reported Peninsula Daily News. They were angling for either daily service, or failing that, weekend service for daytrippers, borrowing a 149-passenger catamaran from the Port of Kingston.

Objections by Jefferson County Commissioner Phil Johnson were that it would a) use fuel, and b) turn Port Townsend into a bedroom community. I think we can safely agree that a) fuel is an accepted expense with ferry service and b) Port Townsend should be so lucky, Mr. Johnson.

Officials say that, depending on the boat, the trip could take either one or two hours, and that the smallest boat they'd consider is 69 passengers. One concern is the amount of chop, which is tough on the boat and passengers--it made everyone in my party reach for the Dramamine on the return trip.

But Port Townsend is a great day-trip or weekend destination, no two ways about it. There are sights, food and drink options, and plenty of entertainment. And the mini-cruise it takes to get there only adds to the anticipation.