WASHINGTON – Washington State Department of Transportation is seeking input on the Washington State Ferries long range plan.

Riders are encouraged to attend an open house or comment online through May 24. Assistant Secretary Amy Scarton said, “The plan will serve as our blueprint for the next 20 years and it will outline service changes and recommend investments in vessels and terminals for resilient, efficient, and sustainable ferry service for years to come.”

Ferry ridership is expected to surge 30 percent by 2040. Washington State Ferries is developing a long range plan to better understand and plan for the changing needs of the system through 2040.

There are four open houses planned for Kitsap County where you can attend and WSF will share information about the long range plan and gather input on community priorities. Attendees will have the opportunity to meet project staff, ask questions, and provide early input about issues to be addressed in the plan.

Dates and locations for Kitsap County open houses:

Tuesday, April 17, 5:30 — 7:30 p.m.,

Bainbridge Island Senior Center, 370 Brien Drive SE, Bainbridge Island

Wednesday, April 25, 5:30 — 7:30 p.m.

Kitsap Conference Center, 100 Washington Avenue, Bremerton

Thursday, April 26, 6:00 — 8:00 p.m.

John Sedgwick Junior High, 8995 SE Sedgwick Road, Port Orchard

Tuesday, May 8, 6 — 8 p.m.

Kingston Village Green Community Center, 26159 Dulay Road NE, Kingston

Open houses will feature displays boards explaining the planning process and key plan elements. Staff will be available to answer questions and attendees will be encouraged to provide input on issues to be addressed in the plan. There will not be a formal presentation.

An online open house will run from April 10 to May 24 and will include the same information shared at the in-person meetings.