Summer tourism surge hits while Washington's ferries are still on reduced service

Washington tourism has begun its summer surge, especially on the state's ferries. But at the same time, many routes are still running on alternate schedules with reduced service.

"It's a significant reduction in service levels," said Ian Sterling with Washington State Ferries. "But that said, whenever we have the people to operate an extra boat we do that."

Sterling says that fewer vessels means that some riders are having to wait up to four hours in line. That wait time is having ripple effects on businesses that rely on tourism.

Travelers are encourages to make trips during non-peak times. It's also a good idea to reserve a spot on a ferry ahead of time, or use walk-on services instead of driving.

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