In our opinion: Bremerton: Escape before the sun goes down

Published 10:11 am Thursday, January 6, 2011

It doesn’t take an economist to realize firing up a jumbo-sized boat to ferry a handful of people from Bremerton to Seattle is a waste.

It’s a waste in good times, and in bad times.

A proposal to be kicked around between the Legislature and Gov. Chris Gregoire would eliminate ferries after 9 p.m. It’s a money saving scheme, and money needs to be saved.

Those with cars would make the trip to Bainbridge, or Southworth, or drive around through Tacoma. Those without cars would be stuck.

What is needed is a compromise. With the Bremerton route having the most walk-on passengers, it makes sense that eliminating the enormous boats after 9 p.m. and replacing them with state-run passenger-only ferries would save money.

Passenger ferries wouldn’t save as much money as slashing the late routes entirely. However, it would maintain the state’s commitment to our community and it keeps alive the connection between the two cities.

It may not likely happen, but it makes more sense.