Another summer must not go by without galley service on the main Puget Sound ferry runs.

No ferry commuters have starved to death aboard the boats since the food vendor withdrew 15 months ago. But for years, food service enhanced the ferry-riding experience, a key component in regional tourism. Today might be the last chance for the private contractor and a union to come to terms by the March 18 deadline set by the new Washington State Ferries chief.

Executive Director Mike Anderson gave Cascade Concessions and the Inlandboatman's Union an ultimatum — either produce a signed agreement or he'll start over, maybe with a re-bid. His challenge re-energized the talks, which began last spring.

That's when Cascade Concessions won the right to serve food on the Seattle-to-Bremerton, Seattle-to-Bainbridge Island and Edmonds-to-Kingston routes. Talks stalled last year when it became clear the firm could not start up in time to take advantage of the more-lucrative summer trade.

The previous contractor pulled out, saying it was impossible to make money under the ferry system's new requirement that food service cover its own costs.

There was the rub.

The union wanted to continue under the terms of the previous contract. Cascade said that was not sustainable and wanted to have employees work flexible shifts, such as part-time work or split shifts, to accommodate more demand at either end of the day.

These days, that idea is not so farfetched, after the IBU and two other unions agreed to permit flexible shifts if the state expands its passenger-only ferry run between Seattle and Vashon to Southworth.

Times have changed.

Anderson wants galley service back on the boats but is adamant the service pay its own way.

Since he put his foot down, union and Cascade Concessions negotiators have been meeting long hours — 14 on Monday. Both were optimistic a deal was close. Their last session begins this morning.

They should make sure a deal emerges. Put the food back on the boats and put the galley workers back to work.