PORT TOWNSEND — The Port Townsend/Coupeville ferry route will be reduced to one boat starting Sunday, June 23, a day earlier than the state ferry system originally planned.
Ian Sterling, a public information officer for Washington State Ferries, said Monday that unexpected maintenance for two boats in the fleet moved up the delay.
The Port Townsend/Coupeville route is expected to be cut to one boat for at least a week beginning June 23, Sterling said.
The Salish will be moved to the San Juan Islands, leaving the Kennewick as the only Port Townsend/Coupeville vessel. The Kennewick will continue its regular schedule, but all Salish sailings will be suspended, Sterling said.
Riders are encouraged to make reservations if they plan to sail the route next week. Space for standby vehicles will be available, but wait times could be significant, Sterling said.
Travelers also can use the Kingston/Edmonds route as an alternative, Sterling said.
Existing reservation holders whose original sailing has been canceled can change their reservation to a different sailing, he added. Passengers with existing reservations also have an option to use their existing reservation to sail on the next departure after their original sailing.
Online reservations can be made at the state ferries website, https://secureapps.wsdot.wa.gov/Ferries/Reservations/Vehicle/default.aspx.
