2017 summer schedule released for Alaska ferry system

The Alaska Marine Highway System announced its schedule for the coming summer was ready.

The finalized schedule essentially remained the same as a proposal put forward earlier this fall, with an overall 10-week service reduction to operations from the previous summer, down to around 325 operating weeks overall.

“We’re pretty much going forward with what was put out,” explained Jeremy Woodrow, AMHS public information officer.

The schedule is based on expected funding levels for the 2018 fiscal year, and reflects input collected from the public during October’s public comment period.

Service to Wrangell remains the same as before. For the month of May through the 24th, a total of six stops are planned for each week by the Matanuska and Columbia. Southbound journeys headed as far as Prince Rupert, Canada, will make stops Monday afternoons and midday on Fridays. Heading as far south as Bellingham, Washington, the Columbia will pass through on Wednesday mornings. Northward and Skagway-bound, the two ferries will make stops Wednesday mornings, Saturday evenings and Sunday afternoons.

For the rest of the summer after May 24, Wrangell will continue to be serviced by the Columbia and Matanuska with the same frequency. Southbound, the Matanuska stops on Thursdays just before noon and on Sunday afternoons, with northbound stops Tuesday mornings and Friday nights. The Columbia makes its stops Wednesday mornings, returning for the northward leg of its route Sunday afternoons.

Along with the release of its new schedule, the rollout of AMHS’ newest fare adjustments will be implemented. These start on May 1, 2017, and are intended to level similar-distanced fares across the system. Particulars on the changes and the new schedule are available at FerryAlaska.com

In other AMHS news, Woodward confirmed the Kennicott will continue to service Wrangell Sundays and Wednesdays through December into January. The Malaspina had been scheduled to take over its route, but will remain out of service longer than expected due to discovered maintenance needs.