Local

State ferries wants public's help in planning future of service

SEATTLE — Thursday is the last day the public can have its say in person about the future of the Washington State Ferries.

There will be an evening open house at the Fauntleroy Ferry Terminal. It caps a series of the open houses that started earlier this year.

The goal is to plan for what the transportation system will look like in the next 20 years and Washington State Ferries wants input to determine the needs of riders.

The plan will help guide future service and investments in vessels and terminals.

Major renovations are already underway at Seattle's Colman Dock ensure it's earthquake safe. There are also plans to make the ferries run on electric engines instead of diesel. That conversion process is set to start by 2020.

The open house is being held Thursday from 6 to 8 p.m. at Fauntleroy Church in West Seattle, 9140 California Avenue. Find more information about the long-term plan at this link.