Hood Canal bridge closure overwhelms ferries

SEATTLEPI.COM STAFF

Customer calls have overwhelmed Washington State Ferries since the state closed the Hood Canal Bridge on May 1 for repairs.

The ferry system added customer service staff in preparation for the closure, but is still taking an unusually long time to get to customer calls because of an "unprecedented volume of calls" and more time needed on many calls to resolve travel issues, according to a news release from the state Department of Transportation.

"We are very concerned that the volume of calls we are receiving to our customer service lines is frustrating our customers, despite our best efforts," David Moseley, assistant secretary for Washington State Ferries, said in the release. He recommended customers use the ferries Web site.

The news release also reminded customers that they must know if their vehicle is more or less than 20 feet long and 7 feet, 6 inches tall, the number of passengers, and the driver's name, e-mail address, and phone number. It noted that vehicle reservations on many sailings are filling up far in advance and those that show as full online do not have space available by phone, although drivers can arrive at the terminal early to see if they can make it on as standby passengers.

Vehicle reservations for the Port Townsend-Edmonds evening sailings are not available online. Customers can make Port Townsend-Keystone vehicle reservations online or at visitor centers in Port Townsend and Coupeville.

Powered by Qumana