It could take a reservation to board a Kingston ferry in 2011.

Washington State Ferries has tabbed the Kingston to Edmonds run for a pilot project to test a reservation system, for possible implementation system wide.

But before the pilot can be implemented, the project will undergo a public vetting. That process begins Wednesday evening, when the public is invited to comment on the reservation proposal. The meeting is scheduled for 5:15 p.m. to 7:45 p.m. Aug. 19 at the Kingston Community Center.

In its last session, the Legislature instructed WSF to examine a reservation system as a way of reducing traffic congestion, easing the burden on holding areas and making service more predictable for riders. Planners believe reservations could be especially useful for dispersing the long waiting lines that plague the Kingston terminal.

WSF is in the process of designing the pilot project and taking public comment. It has formed an “Edmonds/Kingston Community Partnership,” composed of 17 representatives of organizations from both ends of the route, to advise the project.

WSF will bring a proposal for the pilot project back to the Legislature in its 2010 session.

A reservation system has already been used for the Port Townsend to Keystone route and the Anacortes to Sidney, B.C., route.

Members of the partnership, along with WSF chief David Moseley and other state officials will lead the meeting Wednesday. A public comment period is scheduled for 7:35 p.m.