Submitted by: Whatcom County Public Works Department
Following Governor Inslee’s Proclamation 20-25 imposing a Shelter-in-Place Order and in an effort to minimize risk and maximum response to COVID19, we are implementing the following changes to the Lummi Island Ferry’s operations.
Effective Thursday, March 26, 2020:
- During this next level of response, fare collection is temporarily suspended effective Thursday, March 26, 2020 until further notice. Our purser desk will be completely closed, and no single ride or multi ride punch cards will be available for purchase on the ferry. Eliminating the exchange of cash, credit cards and punch cards allows us to adhere to social distancing recommendations. We realize lost revenue is an issue; however, right now our top priority is the health and safety of our county and island community.
- The Civic Center ferry annex will no longer sell in-person multi ride ferry punch cards during this time. As we may be suspending the sale of punch cards on board the ferry through the end of the pandemic, we encourage people to prepare for fare collection reinstatement by purchasing your ferry punch cards online http://www.co.whatcom.wa.us/575/Multi-Ride-PassesOnline-Purchase. It is important to note that it can take up to 7 days to receive your punch card. You can also purchase your punch card thru the mail https://www.whatcomcounty.us/DocumentCenter/View/46540/FINAL-032020-Mail-in-Form. Please note that it can take up to 10 days to receive your punch card.
- Drivers and passengers traveling in vehicles should stay in their vehicles with the windows rolled up.
- Walk-on traffic should practice social distancing and reduce interaction with other passengers and the crew.
- Travel on the ferry for essential trips only.
The COVID19 schedule reduces Monday thru Friday a.m. runs from 15 to 13 and reduces the p.m. runs from 14 to 12. This change will be in effect beginning Thursday, March 26, 2020.
Please know we are monitoring the ever changing conditions. Government mandates, and/or a continuing drop in ridership may drive us to revert to a weekend/holiday schedule. This schedule provides one run per hour with additional runs as needed.
Information is updated often on our web page.
The Public Works Department would like to thank everyone in advance for their cooperation and patience during this pandemic.
