WiFi-less ferries

Pity the poor ferry commuter. Gone are the wondrous days of free wireless Internet service on Washington State Ferries.

No longer will the ferry commuter be able to unwind to the free glow of the Internet after a stressful dash to the terminal. No longer, that is, unless a check is cut to the ferry system for $29.95 a month. As cities around the Puget Sound install free wireless Internet or are contemplating doing so, WSF wants to charge nearly $360 a year to surf the Web. That is a lot of money for maybe a half-hour of use each way.

The switch to charging happened because a grant that paid for the service has expired. The always-packed Bainbridge Island and Kingston runs will be the first to be pinched. Bremerton will feel the pain come December.

The news is not all bad for the wireless-Internet dependent. If $29.95 per month is too rich, there is an option of $6.95 a day or $2.95 for 15 minutes.

If a ferry-goer already subscribes to iPass, T-Mobile and Sprint — the ferry service providers — there will be no charge.

The other option is to leave the Internet at the office, enjoy the scenery, read a book — or, better yet, The Seattle Times — socialize, get home and enjoy family.