2012
Holiday closures

In an email to SenatorChristine Rolfes:
I am not sure you remember my earlier email, but I had told you about two things I thought were crucial to the success of the Sound Runner.   Orca passes and extra boats during the commute.  I think I am having second thoughts about that.  People just need to try it out!  It speaks for itself.
     Monday, the WSF out of Bainbridge was packed as usual, and on the way home it smelled horrible.  Too many people, dogs, kids, and cars.  The sun brought out a lot of tourists as well. Tempers were short, people horded seats, and it was not a fun crossing.  Even after standing back for the diehards to disembarq, it was elbow to elbow.  With the traffic, the 16 miles home from the terminal took 40 minutes.  What a long commute it was.
     Today I took a leap of faith, and got up a little bit earlier.  I wasn't sure how long the drive would take to Kingston in the morning
traffic, as it's about the same distance from my home in Poulsbo.  I got there in 15 minutes and enjoyed watching the sun rise.  It was too early to board the foot ferry, but there was no crowd to fight and parking was very easy.
     Once the boat crew saw me there, they invited me on board and showed me the complimentary coffee, which is delicious!  Then I met a very nice commuter who showed me around.  Everyone was welcoming and the boat ride although a bit bumpy, was beautiful in the early morning.
     Our arrival was delayed a few minutes by the West Seattle boat taking too long to pull out, but I was still  ahead of the usual Bainbridge walking crowd, and was able to make an earlier bus connection without any issues.  I got to work about 10 minutes earlier that usual.  The ride home was delayed a bit again by the West Seattle boat, but even with that I made it home earlier.  Both boats (WSF and Sound Runner) left at the same time.
     I was very pleased with every aspect of the service.  I was even lucky to meet some of the folks working on keeping the ferry "afloat" for the long haul and introduced to a van pool driver.  As long as the boat is running, I will probably pay the extra out of pocket.  (My
employer funds the Orca, but only the monthly pass - not the e-purse).  Most weeks I am in Seattle 2-4 days a week, so for the nice boat and her crew, it's worth it.  I wanted you to hear about the contrast of the commutes, from someone first hand.  I have been on that crazy
Bainbridge boat for years, and am ready to use them as back up only.
     You can forward or share any of my comments if you would like.  Just don't use my last name.  Keep up the advertising!  I love the idea of a "free ride" coupon out there for others to try.  There are a lot of folks in Poulsbo that could go either way, and Sound Runner is much nicer.  I wish you the best!

--  Elaine (May 9, 2012)

Posted on our Facebook Page
thank you thank you for the extension to 9/30! Regular riders are very happy about it and believe the positive impact of a viable Kingston to Seattle transport system may be hard to enumerate in dollars but is of true value to the community.

-- Seanann (May 9, 2012)

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Charters  - Charters require a minimum of 30 days advanced notice.

* $400.00 per hour with crew
* $1,500.00 per day (without crew) plus $10.00 engine reserve per engine (4 engines)
* $15,000.00 per month (without crew) plus $10.00 engine reserve per engine (4 engines)

Both vessels are available for charter (one at a time). Please contact the SoundRunner office for a quote at
(360) 297-3016 and to plan your event - or email us at soundrunner@portofkingston.org .