We scheduled Vashon Shuttle for a July 12 departure. On July 9 they showed up at our door at 6 am and wondered why we weren't ready to go. When I emailed the dispatcher (who had left us a message to expect the pick up on July 9) she blamed it all on the driver. Well, July 12 rolled around and they came - late. We missed the 6:40 am sailing from Vashon by 1 minute. We ran through the airport. But wait, it gets better. The driver scheduled an 8:50 pm pickup July 20 with us for the return. We got our bags and made it to the designated SeaTac airporter shuttle pick up location by 8:55. No Vashon Shuttle in sight. We called and were told that the driver had already been there and left. The dispatcher said she would try to catch him and get him to return. A few minutes later she called to say that he was at the entry gate, and we should be able to see him. Well, no. We waited awhile longer and called again. He's almost there she said. When he finally arrived, I said "you're late". No apology. Instead, he blames the ferries (it's Strawberry Festival weekend) and uses the "F" word in front of our two children. I tell him that language is unacceptable in front of my family. He tells me that there is something wrong with my attitude. Really?
Vashon Shuttle was paid $177 in advance for professional service. The driver curses, and the driver and the dispatcher tell different stories - one of them is lying to me. They haven't checked the ferry service alerts, which are posted well in advance on line. (The Washington State Ferries tells me that they prepare for Strawberry Festival weeks in advance, including posting an alert on their website for travelers to plan on delays and come early to the ferries. This is an island service; they know it is a festival weekend. As professionals one would expect them to be checking ferry alerts and plan in advance.) And when he drops us off, the driver is still in a snit and refuses to help unload the bags. And there is something wrong with our attitude?
At the end of the day, missing a boat and getting home 45 minutes later is not such a big deal. But the cursing, the lying, and the unprofessional unwillingness to take responsibility for on-time performance is unacceptable. Think twice about using this service. A taxi from the Fauntleroy dock will cost you significantly less money. For trips of two weeks or less, using one of the off-airport parking services with a shuttle bus will cost you less. This one is a loser. read more
