The SoundRunner passenger ferry service has been a point of concern for some time now. With the service ending Sept. 28, it’s time to move on to new ideas for economic growth and old issues yet to be dealt with.

Let’s start with potential areas of economic development.

Supporters of SoundRunner had hoped the passenger ferry would eventually draw people from Seattle to Kingston. We have the infrastructure in place to accommodate visits from existing passenger ferry services, among them Seattle-based Victoria Clipper; and proposed, such as Port Townsend’s service which is expected to set sail in 2014. Getting Kingston on the schedule of existing or proposed ferry services should be pursued.

A lot of resources were spent promoting Kingston’s connection to Seattle. But Kingston is still a vital part of the region’s transportation network; a 25-minute state ferry ride and you’re on an Amtrak train, a Sounder commuter train, or a Community Transit bus. Likewise for mainland travelers: Bus or train to Edmonds and then a scenic ferry ride to Kingston and all the natural and commercial amenities we know and love. We have to ensure that that message is out there: Ease of travel and easy to get to. We’d suggest a promotional partnership between the Kingston and Edmonds chambers of commerce, each of them gateways to their regions.

Speaking of convenience: In January, the Kingston Community News editorialized about the need for a public restroom on State Route 104. In those months when ferry lines extend along 104, the need for a restroom is apparent.

In February, Kingston Port Commissioner Walt Elliott — who is also chairman of the Kingston Ferry Advisory Committee — began looking at the possibilities of installing portable restrooms along 104. Two possible locations: At Lindvog Road and near Barber Cut Off Road. The idea never materialized, but the need didn’t go away.

Washington State Ferries, the Kingston Chamber of Commerce and the Port of Kingston should take up this task. At least, WSF could contract with local businesses to make restrooms available. The business could recover costs for maintenance and supplies, and attract potential customers.