Washington State Ferries relies heavily on fares to run. Ridership is at 1950s-era lows.
Ridership on Washington State Ferries vessels has plummeted over the last two months to historically low levels. And as people stay home during the coronavirus outbreak, less fare revenue, which the agency relies on heavily to fund operations, comes in.
According to state data reviewed by the Kitsap Sun for the last two months, systemwide ridership figures fell for six consecutive weeks during that period. Figures recovered slightly last week, April 5-11, when roughly 110,000 passengers and vehicles traveled aboard a state ferry. Numbers for last week showed ridership had fallen by nearly 75%, compared with the week of Feb. 16-22, when roughly 414,000 riders had been aboard a ferry.
Ridership levels have dropped to levels equivalent to the beginning of the state ferry system in the 1950s, Washington State Ferries spokesman Ian Sterling said.
The low numbers mean fewer people are traveling and risking the contact known to spread the coronavirus. The agency is encouraging people not to sail unless they absolutely must and to leave vessels for essential workers and goods.
https://www.msn.com/en-us/travel/news/washington-state-ferries-relies-heavily-on-fares-to-run-ridership-is-at-1950s-era-lows/ar-BB12DbQU?ocid=hplocalnews
