The Transportation Commission has been conducting several surveys of ferry riders throughout 2014-16. The most recent surveys were the Winter Performance, Freight Customer, General Market Assessment and the Ferry naming Quick Poll. The results of completed survey reports are listed below.
2014 Cumulative Report
The objective of the 2014 research was to understand travel behavior, satisfaction with WSF performance on key attributes, and opinions regarding key issues currently facing the state ferry system among key customers including: ferry riders who are part of the FROG panel, freight shippers who use WSF, infrequent WSF riders who are not part of the panel, and the general public.
This report is a summary of findings (pdf 3 mb) and incorporates highlights of each of the reports listed below.
Winter Wave Performance Survey Results
This survey was conducted on-line with FROG survey panel members in April 2014 and is referred to as the “Winter Performance Survey” because it focused on gathering ferry riders opinions systemwide, on WSF performance during the non-peak season (Jan 12 to April 5). The full survey report (pdf 1 mb) was presented to the Commission at its July 2014 meeting in Olympia along with a presentation highlighting the key findings (pdf 937 kb).
Freight Customer Survey
This survey was conducted by phone and focused on freight companies who use the ferry system. The primary purpose of this survey was to gather data on their usage of the ferry system as well as to gain insight into their opinions related to sailing schedules, ferry operations, fare levels, demand management, reservations, etc. The full survey report (pdf 678 kb) was presented to the Commission at its July 2014 meeting in Olympia along with a presentation highlighting the key findings (pdf 614 kb).
WSF Policy Survey
These surveys were conducted on-line with the FROG survey panel members in Winter and Summer 2014. They are referred to as the WSF Policy Surveys because the questions covered policy areas such as fares, Wi-Fi services, quality of service, etc. The Summer 2014 study also included questions on WSF summer customer satisfaction.
The Winter Policy Study Presentation (pdf 615 kb) highlights the key findings provided at the Commission’s October 2014 meeting in Olympia. A full Winter Policy Survey Report (pdf 756 kb) which provides the detailed findings is also available.
The Summer Policy Study Presentation (pdf 1 mb) highlights the key findings provided at the Commission’s December 2014 meeting in Olympia. A full Summer Policy Survey Report (pdf 2 mb) which provides the detailed findings is also available.