So on the one hand, it’s empowering to think that a small group of people can make a difference.

On the other hand, why wasn’t this addressed before the schedule went to press?

Washington State Ferries added a last minute change to the summer schedule: a 6:25 a.m. sailing from Lopez to Anacortes. The addition came in response to a group of Lopezians who complained that 7:20 a.m. was too late for the first boat of the day, as it didn’t allow commuters to get to work.

It’s a valid concern, considering that Lopez has had a 6:40 a.m. sailing for as long as we can remember.

We are pleased to hear that WSF listened to its consumers, although we have our doubts about the boat “making up time.” It will most likely cause delays in the morning, until the boat takes a mid-day break and can get back on its regular schedule.

Why didn’t Lopezians make these complaints when the summer schedule was released as a draft? Probably because they didn’t even know there was a draft up for review. The public meetings WSF holds to hear feedback are a little pointless when held during the day – most people who work can’t attend them.

In an effort to gather constructive, helpful feedback, the Ferry Advisory Committee has established a new Web site to accept comments: http://sanjuanco.com/committees/FAC/FAC-Feedback.aspx. Two drafts of the fall 2010 schedule are available for review now.

Both options take into account new Coast Guard-mandated constraints on operations, including the elimination of “touring watches.” Another limitation compared to spring operations is that the 124-car Chelan will be out of service for maintenance and be replaced by the 144-car Elwha on the international run. The 90-car Sealth will then sub for the Elwha on the mainland run, reducing capacity on those sailings.

The option one schedule is very similar to the spring 2010 schedule. Option two shifts the Sidney run earlier in order to provide more capacity in the afternoon. This results in some changes to sailing times which will help some, but may cause problems for others.

The FAC hopes to receive input on the two schedule options from a wide range of ferry users. It asks that comments and suggestions be as specific as possible, noting that feedback such as “these both stink” are not of much help.

Please, take a look at the two drafts. Leave a comment or concern. The ferry system is our highway, and we must take an active role in its future.