| Chasing Rumors The following questions were asked of Steve Cox, Ferry manager on January 9. |
|
| LineTime
|
Steve
Cox |
| Given the recent tensions at the dock between riders and crew fueled by the recent increase in fares, would you please clarify these issues and policies? | |
| Please explain ferry system policy on accepting payment of fares in coins. | Coins are legal tender and will be accepted. However, if coins are offered the customer may have to wait until we can get to them after we sell a load. We are required to check the coins in the ferry office by Accounting practices just as you would in a bank. If many customers start handing us coinage, I may be forced into bringing in a another person to assist folks with coinage. |
| What is the policy for accepting payment for fares with bills of larger denominations ($20, $50, $100)? | If we can make change for large bills we will. However, we only carry a certain amount in the pursers drawer and may be forced to go into the back room and enter the safe to meet customer demand. Again, this causes delay. The ferry will leave on time. If there are disruptions, I will bring in another person to help count cash and work with change. |
| What policies, directives and training are in place for the crew to handle agitated or protesting passengers? | There is a policy memo in place that tells them they must accept legal tender, but that it may delay their getting on the ferry until we count coins handed to us. If passengers become unruly and disruptive, then law enforcement is called as a last resort. There is a City of Anacortes ordinance* dealing with interference with a public official in the performance of their duty. If it becomes a safety issue (at the discretion of the vessel's master), we will shut down the ferry to protect the crew. I do NOT want to do that but have the authority from the Director of Public Works. |
| How would you describe the specific limits of acceptable behavior for the ferry riders and for the crew? | Please see Anacortes City ordinance.* |
| Has the policy regarding pre-selling tickets been altered to account for an increase in cash fares? | No. |
| What priority is given to leaving precisely on schedule over fully loading the vessel or accommodating any cars/ passengers waiting to board? | We will leave on schedule or shortly thereafter. I understand people's frustration with the fares, but the crews are doing their job. If folks have a problem, they should take it to me or their elected officials and not disrupt the crew and their friends and neighbors who are trying to get home after a busy day. These actions will cost all of us in the long run and would cause ferry costs to go up. |
*Anacortes
Munipal Code 9.12.010 Obstructing a public officer. B. Obstructing a public officer is a crime. (Ord. 2017 § 8.1, 1986) |
|
1.9.6 Contact information for Commissioners, Public Works director and ferry manager. |
|
