Port Townsend Ferry Route
The Port Townsend ferry route in Washington state has added a new boat, the MV Salish, despite the financial difficulties the state system has been facing. The MV Salish will undertake its inaugural sailing next week with plans to begin Whidbey Island service along with the MV Chetzemoka.
The ferry service has been refurbishing their old boats and building new boats like the Salish as well. They claim that ridership is growing on the route due to the increased capacity. Boats will now leave terminals at Port Townsend and Coupeville every 45 minutes, and this will be the first time Port Townsend has had dual ferries since 2007. Peak times for the route are during midday hours, and in order to offer expanded service hours the state would need to provide funding for an additional crew.