Seattle commuters enjoy ferry schedules that are frequent and convenient, but Southworth residents aren’t so lucky. With fewer options, we’re forced to plan our lives around an inefficient system that often feels like an afterthought. To make matters worse, Southworth commuters have to wake up an hour earlier than those in Seattle to catch the 6:40 boat (which is the latest boat Southworth commuters can catch without being late to school). This glaring disparity isn’t just inconvenient—it's unfair.
Back in 2020, the 7:30 boat for Southworth was removed, forcing commuters scrambling to adjust to earlier or less convenient options. Now, whether it's for work or school, we’re all waking up to catch the 6:35 boat instead. Meanwhile, Fauntleroy commuters still get to wake up later and hop on the 7:25 boat, making the imbalance even more frustrating. Southworth residents are stuck waking up even earlier, sacrificing sleep and time with family to make it to school on time. It feels unfair that Fauntleroy commuters get more flexibility, while Southworth is left with fewer options. This decision disrupts our schedules and sends a message that smaller communities like ours are less of a priority.
To address this inequity, it's time for Washington State Ferries to reevaluate the schedule and restore balance between Fauntleroy and Southworth. Adding back the 7:30 a.m. boat for Southworth would significantly improve daily lives of students, parents, and professionals. Not only would it be more of a convenience, it's about fairness and providing equal access to essential transportation.
For students, the current schedule puts unnecessary strain on their mornings. Waking up before sunrise isn't just exhausting; it can negatively impact academic performance and overall well being. Students consistently show that adolescents need adequate sleep to thrive in school, yet Southworth's ferry schedule actively works against this. Parents are also forced to adjust their workdays to ensure their kids make it to the ferry, creating ripple effects of stress and inconvenience throughout families.
Moreover, the lack of options hampers the productivity and flexibility of Southworth’s working population. Many professionals rely on ferries to get to meetings or office jobs in Seattle. The inability to catch later boats often means rushed mornings, missed breakfast, and starting the day on the wrong foot. For a state that prides itself on supporting sustainable and efficient public transportation, neglecting Southworth commuters undermines these values.
Adding insult to the injury, Southworth pays the same fares as Fauntleroy riders, yet, we receive fewer options and endure more hardship. It’s unreasonable to expect a smaller community to bear this burden while others enjoy more convenience.
Southworth commuters urge Washington state ferries to prioritize this issue and restore the 7:30 a.m. Southworth boat. Ensuring equal service across ferry routes is a matter of respect for all communities, regardless of size. By addressing this imbalance, WSF can foster trust, fairness, and a stronger connection between Southworth and the broader Puget Sound region.