With Wider Folks Seatless in Seattle, Ferries Make Changes

SEATTLE —  The size of seats began causing an uproar late last year on the Puget Sound ferries, which shuttle more than 25 million riders annually. Day after day, and especially during rush-hour trips, officials said, they noticed growing numbers of passengers either standing in the aisles or plopping on the floor because they had no place to sit--even though, as always, no more than the requisite 250 riders had been allowed on board.

Ferry officials attributed the overcrowding in part to how much stuff many passengers tend to carry on board these days. But after taking a fresh look at the size of the customers as they lined up on the dock or piled onto the boat, there was no mistaking the prime reason: They were getting wider.

“Everyone in transportation has made seats mostly the same way for a long time,” said Susan Harris-Huether, an official with Washington State Ferries, “but we’re seeing that it’s no longer as effective. It’s quite a phenomenon.”

Ferry officials first tried to give people more room by reducing the number of riders allowed on board to 230. But that move won mixed reviews.

Some riders praised it, but others complained they would have to take later ferries in the morning and be late to work. A few angry riders brought tape measures on ferries and started a petition denouncing the “Butt Police.” Later, ferry capacity was raised to 240.

More benches and wider passenger seats--the new standard is 21 inches--also have been added to several new ferries in the past few months.

Some heavyset passengers say they are relieved to see the changes. But others say with resignation that the space crunch persists.

“In rush hour, it still gets pretty bad; that’s why people get here so early to stand in line for a good seat,” Julie Hall said as she waited on a Seattle pier to catch a ferry home to Vashon Island. “It can be frustrating for everyone on board, so I’m glad they’re finally trying to do something.”

“Maybe having the bigger seats now will make a difference,” added Randy Yount, another ferry rider. “At least they’re not measuring everyone’s butt before they’re allowed to get on board--yet.”