The Port of Bellingham has been offering emergency ferry service from Point Roberts to mainland Whatcom County since August to help address the unique transportation challenges in Point Roberts caused by the ongoing closure of the U.S./Canada border to non-essential travel.
The port’s three elected commissioners have directed staff to provide emergency ferry service until the border is re-opened or until Canada offers an exemption to help Whatcom County residents living in Point Roberts access critical goods and services.
The two-hour ferry ride is offered free of charge on San Juan Cruises’ 100-foot vessel Salish Express from Point Roberts to the Bellingham Cruise Terminal. More information about this ferry service including the schedule and how to make advance reservations can be found on the port’s website at www.portofbellingham.com/pointrobertsferry.
The port has also been coordinating with a U.S./Canada cross-border task force along with local, state and federal officials to advocate for a border solution in Point Roberts. While concerns about the global Covid-19 pandemic have increased the difficulty of securing an exemption to national Canadian policy, local officials remain committed to meeting the essential transportation needs of Point Roberts.
Whatcom County recently allocated a portion of its federal CARES Act funding to reimburse the port for the cost of providing the ferry service from August to October and the Port is very appreciative to Whatcom County for recognizing the importance of this issue given the many financial needs related to the coronavirus public health emergency.
Whatcom Transportation Authority (WTA) has been a terrific partner in helping Point Roberts residents travel from the ferry landing to destinations throughout Whatcom County.
From the Bellingham Cruise Terminal, transit connections are available nearby at Fairhaven Station where WTA Route 1 services Fairhaven Station (Fairhaven Transportation Center) at 0:21 and 0:51 past each hour. For WTA transit schedules and route information, please visit http://www.ridewta.com/
Face masks are required on both ferry and WTA connections, and the number of passengers is being limited.
Comments
No comments on this item Please log in to comment by clicking here