WSDOT Ferries Division launched its summer 2008 ferry schedule on Sunday, June 22, with additional vessels, sailings and service hours on the more popular tourism routes. The increased service levels will help locals and tourists alike take summer trips to the San Juan Islands, Whidbey Island, and Vashon Island. The summer schedule runs through Sept. 27.

The new 2008 summer schedules are available at all ferry terminals and on the vessels. Summer service changes include:

• Anacortes/San Juan Islands: an additional vessel and increased hours of service.

• Anacortes/ Sidney, B.C.: two daily trips instead of one.

• Reduced capacity on the Anacortes/San Juan Islands route. For the first two weeks of the summer schedule, vehicle capacity on the San Juan Islands routes will be less than it normally is at this time of year.  Due to WSDOT’s ongoing vessel maintenance efforts, a larger vessel will not be available to serve the Anacortes/San Juan Islands route from the beginning of the summer schedule until July 7. Maintenance that was started in March on the 202-car Wenatchee is scheduled to be completed by July 7. This will result in a cascade effect of vessel moves that send the 144-car Kaleetan back to the San Juan Islands, returning the route’s overall vehicle capacity to regular summer levels. More details are available at www.wsdot.wa.gov/ferries/service.

During the first two weeks of summer schedule, travelers to the San Juan Islands are encouraged to arrive early for their desired sailings, especially over the Fourth of July weekend.

For the complete summer 2008 ferry schedule, visit www.wsdot.wa.gov/ferries or call customer information at 1-888-808-7977,