The Alaska Department of Transportation and Public Facilities reports that Alaskan coastal communities will see more transparency, flat rates, and increased communication as the DOT moves toward improving the reliability of the Alaska Marine Highway System. The effort will first focus on modifying the winter schedule based on customer feedback and suspending dynamic pricing until spring 2023.
DOT&PF Commissioner Ryan Anderson:
“I want Alaskans to know that we are listening and making adjustments based on what we hear. We are working to restore AMHS service to pre-pandemic levels, but it will take time and require us to work closely with our coastal communities to ensure the long-term health of the ferry system.”
Governor Mike Dunleavy:
“This program will set the stage for predictable, reliable ferry service. The return to flat rate pricing for the winter is a good step until we can refill our crews and make sure we have relief workers, reducing staff burnout.”
It’s not just an Alaska issue, however as nationwide, public ferry systems have struggled to fill vacancies. In late 2021 AMHS launched an aggressive hiring campaign, including bringing aboard a headhunter, in addition to offering signing bonuses for most entry level positions. The AMHS is now launching the Charting the Course Towards Thriving Communities, which is a program to reimagine the AMHS to restore reliability.
AMHS General Manager, Capt. John Falvey writes that dynamic pricing will be suspended for the winter schedule:
“Dynamic pricing works when we can offer passengers the ability to plan ahead to take advantage of lower prices. We serve Alaskan communities, and returning to flat rates will provide relief to our customers as we work to improve.”
When Winter Operating Schedule is released, the changes will reflect feedback that the department heard from Alaskans.
To learn about the Charting the Course Towards Thriving Communities: Reimagining AMHS check here.