Washington State Ferries is now posting color-coded sailing schedules online so travelers can avoid ferry sailings that usually have the longest lines.

The schedules pinpoint the least and most congested sailing times for drive-on passengers.

“We’re excited about this new tool,” said David Moseley, assistant secretary for WSF. “Ideally, it will allow ferry customers to avoid long waits by choosing a sailing time that’s historically less congested.”

Officials said the schedules will be particularly beneficial for weekend and leisure travelers, who typically have more flexibility.

The schedules were created based on ridership data from 2010, and are available for all routes except the San Juan Islands, Tahlequah and Vashon Island. WSF said it expects to have them for all routes by this summer.

The color-coded schedules are available on the right side of each route schedule page beneath a tab titled “Best Travel Times.” Sailing schedules are available at www.wsdot.wa.gov/ferries/schedule.