Riders on new Seattle-Bremerton ferry say cell coverage bad

BREMERTON, Wash. — The state's newest ferry may be called Chimacum but some riders have nicknamed it the "Faraday cage."

The moniker references Michael Faraday, a scientist who created enclosures that block electromagnetic fields. Some passengers say the vessel excels at blocking out one such field: cell phone service.

The Kitsap Sun reports that cell coverage is challenging through the waterway the Seattle-Bremerton ferry traverses between Bainbridge and South Kitsap. But since its debut in May, commuters say the Chimacum has established a new low for cell coverage.

The ferry system confirmed it used "low emissivity" glass on the Chimacum's windows to lower costs.

Solving one problem may have created another.

If you need cell service, you may have to go outside. The sun deck and car deck have a stronger cell signal.

Some riders have found success propping their phones directly against the ferry's windows.

Associated Press