In its relentless search for ways to reduce costs, Washington State Ferries has found a new way to reduce crew complements on some of its vessels: limit the number of passengers that will be carried. (And here I thought WSF’s mission was to carry customers.)

I wonder whether they’ve thought this idea all the way through: Ferries could further constrain passengers on its boats by carrying no one, place a similar limitation on vehicles, and thus eliminate all its crew members and save even more.

Bob Distler, Orcas Island

— Editor’s note: Bob Distler is a former member of the San Juans ferry advisory committee and of the state transportation commission.