SEATTLE - A new draft study from Washington State Ferries suggests vehicle reservations could be offered on some ferry routes.
The proposal released this week envisions a reservation system on three central Puget Sound routes in 2015. Those are Seattle-Bainbridge, Seattle-Bremerton and Edmonds-Kingston.
Reservations on the Anacortes-San Juan routes could begin as early as 2011.
The study says terminals on the Southworth-Fauntleroy, Tahlequah-Vashon and Mukilteo-Clinton routes don't have adequate vehicle holding areas and they would be excluded.
The report says a reservation system would reduce wait times, reduce traffic congestion near terminals and cut air pollution from idling vehicles.
It would cost about $26 million but the ferry system says it would eliminate the need to expand terminals and holding areas, an expense estimated at $290 million.
A final report on the proposal will be sent to the Legislature next month.
