As busy ferry lines extend, WSF and WSP try to crack down on line-cutting

Whether tempted by short-cutting a ferry line during the busy days of summer or just an inadvertent turn at the terminal, Washington State Ferries and the Washington State Patrol want riders to know: it'll cost you.

And, thanks to an emphasis patrol rolling out now that includes WSF's Kitsap routes, it may be more likely that tickets will be issued to drivers who cut in front of others in the ferry line.

"Line cutting is an ongoing concern that increases during the busy summer months," Ian Sterling, WSF's public information officer, said Thursday, adding that its among the top concerns heard by the service's customer service line recently.

Washington State Patrol PIO Kevin Fortino said troopers will circulate through all ferry terminals in coming weeks, doing the standard safety precautionary checks they perform but with an eye for line-cutting as well. Troopers who observe an infraction may issue a $145 fine, though Fortino said the preference is to provide education so ferry riders, particularly tourists, understand they must heed the lines.

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Line-cutting is particularly common at the terminals that have smaller holding areas and traffic spills on to city streets, said Fortino, which includes Edmonds, Fauntleroy in West Seattle, Mulkilteo and Kingston, where traffic can back up onto Highway 104 during weekends or the tourist seasons. Fortino said he himself was caught in a two-mile backup on Vashon Island recently, caused when one vessel on the route went down, and witnessed some of the confusion drivers have when trying to line up.

Edmonds, as another example, had a three-hour wait posted on Friday afternoon for west-bound ferries, a common delay on busy travel days that often causes a backup that can extend miles up Edmonds Way in the right lane.

"Sometimes it's 'Oops, I'm supposed to be in that line,' and they crank it over," Fortino said, describing one factor he said influences line-cutting: an unfamiliarity with the area by visitors, or a driver not paying attention. He said WSP may intervene in those situations to remind a driver to return to the back of the line rather than issue the financial penalty.

A large message sign will be placed in Kingston soon, Sterling said, adding another reminder for drivers that ferry lines and loading procedures must be followed, with another warning that a ticket is possible for those who don't comply.

This article originally appeared on Kitsap Sun: As busy ferry lines extend, WSF and WSP try to crack down on line-cutting