REPORTER’S NOTEBOOK: Live notes from the ‘Fix Our Ferries’ Legislative Summit Saturday

Last 5 years have completely changed the local commuter dynamic

What WSF doesn’t do well: move passengers fast on a high speed ferry.

He’s a marine transit advocate. Wants to expand marine state transit. Provide alternatives to WSF and fill in gaps.

From Fix Our Ferries legislative summit: after-lunch keynote address. Peter Philips, CEO, Colibri Northwest

Llias: communication needs to get broad array of people, not just the customers are most vocal

WSF Vezina: not a week goes by someone on my staff cries.

Bremerton community leader: Bremerton always feels competing with Bainbridge (better service). It’s about equity.

Orcas Island Chamber leader Eskridge: the San Juan islands are very resilient. Helpful to know what legislators are doing.

U.S. doesn’t have coherent maritime policy

Rep Nance: American ship building has dropped the ball. Need to rebuild American ship building.

Llias: state of WA has powerful voices in Washington, DC (Senators and reps)

Paulsen: elephant in the room is Federal funding. We need more Fed funding.

San Juan Co Council-elect Justin Paulsen: I’m concerned about 25 year outlook. We can’t lose sight of long term.

WSF Vezina: working with Starlink to provide WIFI on boats, starting with Bremerton.

Sen Llias: we are talking with WSF about providing free WIFI on boats.

Bremerton resident: it’s important to attack rumors and misinformation about WSF head on.

MM&P: WSF needs to recruit deep into high schools

Mm&P: this is about where we will find our next generation of captains and mates

MM&P union executive Twohig: explains extremely rigorous training demands of captains and mates.

Island County Commissioner St. Clair: I like Mosquito Fleet, too. Also, ferry overnight parking is a problem on Whidbey.

Fuller: San Juans are challenged with local transit connections

San Juan County Council Fuller: so grateful Governor responded to our emergency.

Llias: adding more foot ferries to WSF is premature, but good long term.

Sen Llias: I love that we are talking about multi-modal. But WSF still needs to come up to par.

Rep Alvarado: yes, water taxi service on Vashon is very popular