April 10, 2013 ( ) Action Required
(X) Informational
MEMORANDUM NO. 017-13M STUDENT TRANSPORTATION
TO: Educational Service District Superintendents
School District Superintendents
Transportation Administrators
Regional Transportation Coordinators
FROM: Randy I. Dorn, State Superintendent of Public Instruction
RE: 72-hour Advance Notice Required to Ride the Ferry
CONTACT: Susan Harris-Huether, Washington State Department of Transportation
or (206) 515-3460
This memorandum is being sent at the request of the Washington State Department of Transportation Ferries Division (WSF) regarding a new policy requiring at least a 72-hour notice to ride the ferry. WSF recently implemented this policy and felt it was important information to share with the school districts as spring field trips and sport outings are being planned. WSF cannot guarantee space for schools submitting requests less than 72 hours in advance.
The safety and well-being of all riders is WSF’s top priority. In order to ensure they have enough lifejackets for students, they are requiring schools to report the number of children weighing less than 90 pounds who will be riding the ferry. Children over 90 pounds can use adult lifejackets.
In order to reserve space for buses, vans, or personal vehicles traveling with your group and to ensure adequate lifejackets, please fill out the form at www.wsdot.wa.gov/ferries/infodesk/faq/school at least 72 hours in advance of travel and submit it to WSF . This information is needed for student groups traveling in vehicles as well as those groups walking on.
The policy for school outings otherwise remains the same. WSF offers a school discount available to students and chaperones on educational related field trips. A letter is required, printed on the school district’s letterhead and signed by an administrator or transportation coordinator, stating that this is a school-sponsored function or field trip. The letter, along with the appropriate vehicle and driver fare plus an additional $2, is given to the ticket seller at the time of travel. Each vehicle is required to have an
MEMORANDUM 017-13M ST
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April 10, 2013
original, signed letter (photocopies are not accepted). This allows for a $2 fare to cover every passenger in the vehicle. If the group is walking on, then it is only $2 for the entire group.
Questions concerning WSF’s policy change requiring 72 hours advance notice for school groups can be directed to Susan Harris-Huether, Senior Program Manager, Customer and Communications Programs at (206) 515-3460.
This information is also available at www.k12.wa.us/bulletinsmemos/ on the agency Web site.
K‒12 FINANCIAL RESOURCES
JoLynn Berge
Chief Financial Officer
Allan J. Jones
Director
Student Transportation
OSPI provides equal access to all programs and services without discrimination based on sex, race, creed, religion, color, national origin, age, honorably discharged veteran or military status, sexual orientation including gender expression or identity, the presence of any sensory, mental, or physical disability, or the use of a trained dog guide or service animal by a person with a disability. Questions and complaints of alleged discrimination should be directed to the Equity and Civil Rights Director at (360) 725-6162 or P.O. Box 47200 Olympia, WA 98504-7200.