KINGSTON — When it comes to branding its passenger ferry, the Port of Kingston isn’t turning to high-priced consultants. Instead, it’s asking future riders for help.

The port is seeking members for an advisory panel that will make recommendations on everything from marketing to fares and scheduling for the Kingston to Seattle passenger ferry, set to begin service this fall.

“We’re being cost-conscious,” project manager Eric Osnes said. “And we felt this would be a good way for the community to take ownership.”

Port commissioners have yet to finalize the role of the panel, but Osnes said it will cover a broad range of topics.

Osnes said the port is looking for panel members with a variety of skill sets. People with backgrounds in marketing and graphic design would be a benefit. Most importantly the panel needs to represent the passenger ferry customer base, he said.

The port will begin rolling out its marketing campaign once the panel is seated and has time to make suggestions. A modest budget is available for professional graphic design work, Osnes said.

The port plans to seat the volunteer panel by the end of May. The group will have regular public meetings.

“It’s really a conduit for the community to submit input,” Osnes said.

The port began gathering comments from prospective riders with an online survey posted in April.

A total of 189 people completed the survey. About 70 percent of respondents said they planned to use the ferry service, while another 25 percent said they would ride the boat depending on cost, transit connections, parking and schedule.

About 35 percent of the respondents said they commuted daily between Kingston and the Seattle area, and 90 percent said they would use the ferry for day trips. Of the commuters that responded, 61 percent said their employers help cover their commuting expenses.

The survey was conducted online by Communique PR between April 16 and April 30.

The port’s passenger ferry service will begin in October with two boats. The district purchased the 149-seat catamaran Spirit — renamed Spirit of Kingston — in February and added the 105-foot Victoria Express in March. Both boats were purchased with a federal grant.

Survey says…

Of the 189 respondents to a Port of Kingston passenger ferry survey conducted online in April:

• 37 percent would ride the ferry to work

• 36 percent would ride for pleasure

• 92 percent would use the ferry for day trips

• 71 percent already plan to ride the ferry

• 25 percent are waiting for more details before jumping onboard

• The preferred morning travel window was 8-10 a.m. — favored by 36 percent.

• The preferred evening travel window was 5-7 p.m. — favored by 33 percent.

For more information, see the passenger ferry page at www.portofkingston.org.