Editor,

I’ve been a ferry commuter for 20 years and I take issue with the recent letters, articles and editorials about our ferries from this paper, the Clinton council, politicos and others.

The problem is not (as we’ve been told) that the ferries are mismatched in size, or that it takes so much longer to load the Tokitae. And there is no pedestrian safety issue at the Clinton dock.

The problem is our region has grown and our infrastructure is overburdened, with many communities — including ours — experiencing long ferry lines and traffic.

Simply adding another larger ferry is not the answer. Then we just end up with two slightly larger but slower ferries, each making the other more and more late.

So, what is the answer? Maybe we need to add a third ferry and operate from both slips (and add a second slip at Mukilteo); perhaps we need a dedicated booth for pass holders; or maybe the state should add overnight parking in Mukilteo so people have options for walking on.

Whatever the solutions are, to rely on only adding a larger, slower ferry is short-sided and will make the situation worse, not better.

DAVID FREED

Clinton