After less than a year, the North End’s transportation Phoenix to Seattle found itself mired in the ashes as ridership failed to meet expectations and keep the long-awaited business running strong.

Of course, soaring fuel rates and roadblocks by the state elsewhere in Kitsap didn’t help much but, as in any business, it all comes down to the customers. Without them, creating a successful venture is a near impossibility.

The owners of Aqua Express did virtually everything in their power to make this little engine go but, despite cutbacks in service earlier this summer, which we took as an ominous sign, warnings to use it or lose it pretty much went unheeded.

If the crossing had 600 average daily riders instead of 300, it would likely be a different story altogether. Unfortunately, that’s not the case. Aqua Express needed 500 daily riders to turn a profit and while thousands of NK residents commute to the East Side during the week, the Kingston run still came up short.

As of October, it will cease altogether. Whether it will return in July 2006 is a question everyone is surely wondering.

Hopefully, they can make it work but given the using public’s response to the service since its inception, we have our concerns.

The situation presents a conundrum because while no one seems to be against the idea of having passenger-only ferry service from Kingston to Seattle, not enough residents are actually using it regularly.

This latter part simply must change because if we bid farewell to Aqua Express, it could be a heck of long time before another company of its caliber comes along and offers to take a chance on us.

Now is the time to speak up. Let all transportation agencies know of your ferry commuter concerns. One way is through Kitsap County’s Kingston Ferry Advisory Committee — a body of appointed residents that discusses ferry issues with local and regional transportation agencies. Two positions are currently open on the committee. To apply, call Jan at (360) 337-4650.