Wa state Ferry lines - Page 2

Texasl · 08-16-2012, 05:16 PM

Originally Posted by Runout

Wondering about this post...sounds like you're advocating for cutting straight to the front of the line versus what Texasl posted.

According to the WSF site line cutting is illegal. I am still trying to dig out the RCW citation, but until I do, here is the web site.

ZXWUT? · 08-16-2012, 07:56 PM

I've been riding the ferry regularly for quite a bit. I always go to the head of the line. Never had anyone say a word about it. I'm not saying it's legal; I'm saying it's business as usual for the ferry workers.

wr3ck5 · 08-16-2012, 08:41 PM

Getting in tune with the ferry commute was interesting. I take the Southworth/Fauntleroy boat. On the Southworth side you pay at the booth but not in the car lanes. There is a window on the side where cars are exiting. Once you pay you go to the front staging area for motorcycles. On the Fauntleroy side you can get tickets at the shack at the end of the dock so you just drive down the exit lanes to the front staging area. You do have to watch for exiting traffic off ferries.

This is exactly why I started riding. I don't wait in lines at the ferry so I can leave work a little later and just get on the boat.

In Port Townsend I paid at the booth and they directed me to an empty lane they keep for motorcycles. Again, first on, first off. I expect the procedure to be different at every dock.

Bluuu · 08-16-2012, 08:57 PM

Anytime there's a lane to bypass the holding line, I take it and then cut in line at the booth.

For example, at Edmonds you don't have to "lane split" between the two holding lanes. Just take the lane on the other side of the median and then turn left at the light and park in front of the ticket taker booth, so you can go inside and buy your ticket. After you come out and give it to the ticket taker, they will direct you to the front.

I used to worry about this too, but then i finally figured out it makes no sense to wait in line. Nobody in line in really getting cut in front of, because once you get through the line the ferry ticket sellers/takers are just going to direct you to the bike holding area, where you will be loaded before any of the cars anyway. It really shouldn't make any difference to the cagers because you're going to the front no matter what, unless the boat is already loaded. In that case they'll load you on the back. Either way, you're getting on.

nancejd · 08-17-2012, 11:11 AM

The biggest problem with the state's web pages is that they are clear as mud. I've been told by the ticket sales people at Kingston to ride the local traffic lane, cut in line, and buy a ticket on the bike. The webpage instructions don't say that though.

I'd like to see two things from WSF. 1st a consistent policy at all ferry terminals. 2nd, a map of each terminal indicating where everything is, so you can figure out where to go before you get there.

MaytagRepairman · 08-17-2012, 01:58 PM

In Edmonds my advice is to avoid all together the ticket booths for the cranky cagers who have been waiting in line for a couple of hours. Drive up to the booth on the dock, park the bike, go inside the terminal and buy a ticket from a kiosk.

Better than that, buy your ticket online and print it out.

MaytagRepairman · 08-17-2012, 02:09 PM

Originally Posted by nancejd

The biggest problem with the state's web pages is that they are clear as mud. I've been told by the ticket sales people at Kingston to ride the local traffic lane, cut in line, and buy a ticket on the bike. The webpage instructions don't say that though.

I'd like to see two things from WSF. 1st a consistent policy at all ferry terminals. 2nd, a map of each terminal indicating where everything is, so you can figure out where to go before you get there.

The web pages are fucking worthless. It pisses me off whenever one of these threads comes up and somebody posts a link to them.

If it isn't a summer weekend or a holiday, it is rare you need to cut in line in Kingston. Just be nice and wait behind the 2-3 cars already in line.

If and when you do cut in line, sometimes the person at the booth working the weekend shift is new (or just a dick) and won't sell you a ticket because you cut in line. If that happens, be a bit stubborn and hopefully the neighboring ticket booth can give them an education.

Texasl · 08-17-2012, 03:10 PM

Originally Posted by MaytagRepairman

The web pages are fucking worthless. It pisses me off whenever one of these threads comes up and somebody posts a link to them.

If it isn't a summer weekend or a holiday, it is rare you need to cut in line in Kingston. Just be nice and wait behind the 2-3 cars already in line.

If and when you do cut in line, sometimes the person at the booth working the weekend shift is new (or just a dick) and won't sell you a ticket because you cut in line. If that happens, be a bit stubborn and hopefully the neighboring ticket booth can give them an education.

I'm trying to get the straight scoop from WSF and WSP, but that probably will not come to fruition before early next week. Apparently the PAO folks from the agencies get to take vacations too.

I did speak to the business office for WSF and they affirmed that cutting queue is a citable offense.

ZXWUT? · 08-17-2012, 05:27 PM

I don't want clarification or standardization. The automatic reaction to setting up strict rules as to what is allowed is that motorcycles will no longer be able to filter to the front. Leave it the fuck alone.

Texasl · 08-17-2012, 07:31 PM

Originally Posted by ZXWUT?

I don't want clarification or standardization. The automatic reaction to setting up strict rules as to what is allowed is that motorcycles will no longer be able to filter to the front. Leave it the fuck alone.

There is already a process in place to report line jumping that has ramifications for issuing $124 citations, and you're telling me you don't want to know the rules? I'm not asking for any new rules, merely clarification of the rules that might be used, either for or against motorcycles. If you wish to operate in ignorance of the regulations that is your choice, but I owe it to the ones that actually wish to stay within the rules the correct information.

Anyone that has known me for very long at all understands that I have dedicated the majority of the last two decades defending the motorcycling community from capricious rules.

ZXWUT? · 08-17-2012, 08:44 PM

Originally Posted by Texasl

There is already a process in place to report line jumping that has ramifications for issuing $124 citations, and you're telling me you don't want to know the rules? I'm not asking for any new rules, merely clarification of the rules that might be used, either for or against motorcycles. If you wish to operate in ignorance of the regulations that is your choice, but I owe it to the ones that actually wish to stay within the rules the correct information.

Anyone that has known me for very long at all understands that I have dedicated the majority of the last two decades defending the motorcycling community from capricious rules.

Let me tell you about this one time that I got a ticket for doing that on a bike...oh wait...

I'm just saying, when it's brought to light, common practice is going to get squashed by more laws we don't need.

Texasl · 08-18-2012, 05:05 AM

Originally Posted by ZXWUT?

Let me tell you about this one time that I got a ticket for doing that on a bike...oh wait...

I'm just saying, when it's brought to light, common practice is going to get squashed by more laws we don't need.

Or this could be the thing that opens the door to actually make the practices many have engaged in legal. Perhaps this could open the door for incorporating motorcycles into the commute trip reduction act.

bcj · 08-18-2012, 03:48 PM

The thing with existing ferry docks and holding areas is that they are all unique and subject to all the standardization issues that involves.

It's going to be a long time before they have a three ring binder of rules that will apply to every dock regardless of sighting problems.

daytona595 · 08-18-2012, 03:54 PM

I agree, some of them can be a bit confusing. I use the Southworth ferry often, still screwed it up the other week, got on the wrong boat. I find the Edmonds side difficult to use on the bike? Not being able to use my frequent flyer ferry pass from Southworth up there sometimes makes it a hassle, I try to get a round trip from the Kingston side.

Texasl · 08-18-2012, 04:07 PM

Originally Posted by bcj

The thing with existing ferry docks and holding areas is that they are all unique and subject to all the standardization issues that involves.

It's going to be a long time before they have a three ring binder of rules that will apply to every dock regardless of sighting problems.

Actually, they have a 97 volume chunk of light reading that attempts to apply to all circumstances (the RCW), and they keep adding to it every year.

ZXWUT? · 08-18-2012, 04:30 PM

Originally Posted by daytona595

I agree, some of them can be a bit confusing. I use the Southworth ferry often, still screwed it up the other week, got on the wrong boat. I find the Edmonds side difficult to use on the bike? Not being able to use my frequent flyer ferry pass from Southworth up there sometimes makes it a hassle, I try to get a round trip from the Kingston side.

Edmonds is the easiest to get on with a bike. Just hop in the left lane and pass everyone in cars in the right lane, bypass the toll booth by sticking to the left at the light, and go to the booth at the beginning of the ferry parking. The guy there will scan your pass. Oh, by a pass before you get there

Even if you don't, you can still bypass the booth and get your tickets inside by the parking.

RideMotto · 08-20-2012, 10:43 AM

I wish I read this before this weekend. I was talking to someone at the Kingston ferry who had the idea of writing and publishing a book of instructions for motorcyclists. It would describe what to do and where to go for each terminal in much greater detail than the WSF website.
I missed a damn ferry cuz I was walking around asking people where a motorcycle was supposed to go. Still was faster than waiting in the cage line.

WaGigKPN · 08-20-2012, 10:53 AM

All this talk of ferry taking is making me want to take a ferry on my bike. I love it. Super cheap and you make every ferry!

With the bridge toll at 4 bucks it really make the ferry a no brainer for a bike. Safer, shorter distance and cheaper!

Texasl · 08-20-2012, 11:06 AM

Originally Posted by WaGigKPN

All this talk of ferry taking is making me want to take a fairy on my bike. I love it.

fixt fer ya.

RideMotto · 08-20-2012, 11:06 AM

Originally Posted by WaGigKPN

With the bridge toll at 4 bucks it really make the ferry a no brainer for a bike. Safer, shorter distance and cheaper!

That was exactly why I took the ferry. It also gave a nice little break to stretch the legs and eat.


08-16-2012, 07:56 PM	#22
ZXWUT? Novice Racer Joined: Sep 2007 From: Bremerton, WA I Ride: 05 625 SMC	I've been riding the ferry regularly for quite a bit. I always go to the head of the line. Never had anyone say a word about it. I'm not saying it's legal; I'm saying it's business as usual for the ferry workers. __________________ Follow PNW Riders on Facebook and Twitter


08-16-2012, 08:41 PM	#23
wr3ck5 Permit Joined: May 2012 From: Port Orchard, WA I Ride: BMW R65, Triumph 800 XC	Getting in tune with the ferry commute was interesting. I take the Southworth/Fauntleroy boat. On the Southworth side you pay at the booth but not in the car lanes. There is a window on the side where cars are exiting. Once you pay you go to the front staging area for motorcycles. On the Fauntleroy side you can get tickets at the shack at the end of the dock so you just drive down the exit lanes to the front staging area. You do have to watch for exiting traffic off ferries. This is exactly why I started riding. I don't wait in lines at the ferry so I can leave work a little later and just get on the boat. In Port Townsend I paid at the booth and they directed me to an empty lane they keep for motorcycles. Again, first on, first off. I expect the procedure to be different at every dock. __________________ Follow PNW Riders on Facebook and Twitter


08-16-2012, 08:57 PM	#24
Bluuu Señor verde Joined: Mar 2011 From: Kirkland I Ride: behind the girls.	Anytime there's a lane to bypass the holding line, I take it and then cut in line at the booth. For example, at Edmonds you don't have to "lane split" between the two holding lanes. Just take the lane on the other side of the median and then turn left at the light and park in front of the ticket taker booth, so you can go inside and buy your ticket. After you come out and give it to the ticket taker, they will direct you to the front. I used to worry about this too, but then i finally figured out it makes no sense to wait in line. Nobody in line in really getting cut in front of, because once you get through the line the ferry ticket sellers/takers are just going to direct you to the bike holding area, where you will be loaded before any of the cars anyway. It really shouldn't make any difference to the cagers because you're going to the front no matter what, unless the boat is already loaded. In that case they'll load you on the back. Either way, you're getting on. __________________ Follow PNW Riders on Facebook and Twitter Last edited by Bluuu; 08-17-2012 at 11:34 AM..


08-17-2012, 11:11 AM	#25
nancejd Peg Dragger Joined: Jul 2007 From: Snohomish, WA I Ride: 2007 ZX10R, 1981 CB750, 1977 TS250	The biggest problem with the state's web pages is that they are clear as mud. I've been told by the ticket sales people at Kingston to ride the local traffic lane, cut in line, and buy a ticket on the bike. The webpage instructions don't say that though. I'd like to see two things from WSF. 1st a consistent policy at all ferry terminals. 2nd, a map of each terminal indicating where everything is, so you can figure out where to go before you get there. __________________ Follow PNW Riders on Facebook and Twitter


08-17-2012, 01:58 PM	#26
MaytagRepairman Licensed Joined: Jan 2009 From: Kingston, WA I Ride: 2012 Honda NC700X	In Edmonds my advice is to avoid all together the ticket booths for the cranky cagers who have been waiting in line for a couple of hours. Drive up to the booth on the dock, park the bike, go inside the terminal and buy a ticket from a kiosk. Better than that, buy your ticket online and print it out. __________________ Follow PNW Riders on Facebook and Twitter


08-17-2012, 05:27 PM	#29
ZXWUT? Novice Racer Joined: Sep 2007 From: Bremerton, WA I Ride: 05 625 SMC	I don't want clarification or standardization. The automatic reaction to setting up strict rules as to what is allowed is that motorcycles will no longer be able to filter to the front. Leave it the fuck alone. __________________ Follow PNW Riders on Facebook and Twitter


08-18-2012, 03:48 PM	#33
bcj Railer Joined: Jan 2008 From: teh rock	The thing with existing ferry docks and holding areas is that they are all unique and subject to all the standardization issues that involves. It's going to be a long time before they have a three ring binder of rules that will apply to every dock regardless of sighting problems. __________________ Follow PNW Riders on Facebook and Twitter


08-18-2012, 03:54 PM	#34
daytona595 Permit Joined: Jul 2012 From: Port Orchard, WA I Ride: Triumph Daytona T595, Tiger 1050	ferries and motorcycles I agree, some of them can be a bit confusing. I use the Southworth ferry often, still screwed it up the other week, got on the wrong boat. I find the Edmonds side difficult to use on the bike? Not being able to use my frequent flyer ferry pass from Southworth up there sometimes makes it a hassle, I try to get a round trip from the Kingston side. __________________ Follow PNW Riders on Facebook and Twitter Last edited by daytona595; 08-18-2012 at 04:00 PM..


08-20-2012, 10:43 AM	#37
RideMotto Pit Crew Joined: Mar 2010 From: West Side Blog Entries: 3 I Ride: 2008 GSX-R1000, 2008 Ninja 650R SOLD	I wish I read this before this weekend. I was talking to someone at the Kingston ferry who had the idea of writing and publishing a book of instructions for motorcyclists. It would describe what to do and where to go for each terminal in much greater detail than the WSF website. I missed a damn ferry cuz I was walking around asking people where a motorcycle was supposed to go. Still was faster than waiting in the cage line. __________________ Follow PNW Riders on Facebook and Twitter


08-20-2012, 10:53 AM	#38
WaGigKPN Peg Dragger Joined: Mar 2012 From: Gig Harbor, WA I Ride: 2002 Honda VFR800	All this talk of ferry taking is making me want to take a ferry on my bike. I love it. Super cheap and you make every ferry! With the bridge toll at 4 bucks it really make the ferry a no brainer for a bike. Safer, shorter distance and cheaper! __________________ Follow PNW Riders on Facebook and Twitter

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