The Spirit of Kingston will motor out of Appletree Cove on the morning on May 31, opening a new chapter in the decades-long effort for a Kingston passenger ferry.

This may be the last chance to get it right, and to the port’s credit, SoundRunner appears pointed toward success. After the failed launch of the service last fall, the port could have patched up its boats and tried again. Instead it did the right thing — stepped back, took a breath and began planning from scratch.

The overhaul with a volunteer advisory committee taking a clearheaded look at the system and determining it could succeed. Port commissioners responded by pledging up to $200,000 per year from port funds to the project for the next four years. The investment will help SoundRunner survive its infancy and give it a shot at sustainability.

The resurgence continued with the hiring of an eager and connected local to manage the service, and a captain and operations manager with a lifetime of Puget Sound maritime experience.

Manager Meisha Rouser and the port staff are taking care of their commuters by implementing a communications stystem that will deliver timely bulletins about changes in service. Meanwhile, Rouser is reaching out to community groups and businesses, looking for creative ways to put the boats to work. Weekend and special events trip will be a staple for SoundRunner, rather than an afterthought.

The port and its volunteers have done their part to bring Kingston’s passenger ferry plans to fruition. If North Kitsap values this link to Seattle, and its potential to serve commuters and visitors, then it needs to show up and use it. Goodwill can only carry the ferry so far. Putting passengers in seats is the only way to make SoundRunner a success.