SEATTLE—Governor Bob Ferguson, alongside key officials including Chair of the Senate Transportation Committee, Senator Marko Liias, Representative Greg Nance, and Bremerton Mayor Greg Wheeler, announced significant expansions to the Washington State Ferry system on Thursday, June 13.
A highlight of this announcement is the introduction of a second boat to the Seattle-Bremerton route, set to begin this weekend.
Mayor Greg Wheeler emphasized the importance of the ferry system for the Bremerton community, noting its role as a vital transportation link for residents and businesses alike. ‘We are a ferry dependent community,’ Wheeler stated, expressing excitement about the restoration of two-boat service starting Sunday.
In addition to this route enhancement, Washington State Ferries plans to add a third vessel to the Triangle Route, connecting West Seattle, Vashon Island, and Southworth by the end of June. Furthermore, a second boat will operate on the Port Townsend-Coupeville route from Friday through Monday, beginning July 4th.
Governor Ferguson highlighted the long wait times for commuters traveling to and from Bremerton, stating, ‘For too long, commuters…have had to wait two and a half hours between boats every day. The good news is starting on Sunday, not anymore.’ The addition of this second vessel will reduce the wait time by an hour and represents a permanent service expansion.
Reflecting on past announcements, Ferguson recalled a previous press conference at the Port of Seattle where he outlined his goal of restoring ferry service to pre-pandemic levels. A crucial element of this goal includes the return of the Wenatchee, which is currently undergoing hybrid-electric conversion since September 2023.
Though the conversion has taken longer than expected, the Governor announced that it is nearing completion and undergoing sea trials to ensure operational readiness. If successful, the Wenatchee is expected to return to service by the first week of July, bringing the total number of vessels in the ferry system to 21. This increase will permit 18 boats to operate simultaneously, allowing for full service of the maritime transportation network for the first time since 2019.
Earlier this year, Governor Ferguson indicated plans to delay the hybrid transition of other Washington State ferries until after the 2026 FIFA World Cup. Additionally, he discussed exploring potential lease agreements to procure more vessels at optimal prices. He reiterated his interest in this option during the latest announcement.
Senator Liias expressed excitement about the service milestone but also voiced concerns regarding the future of funding for the ferry system, particularly with no new federal support on the horizon. In collaboration with Republican colleague Curtis King, Liias has been actively pursuing a revenue proposal to restore and enhance funding for the ferry system.
As Washingtonians prepare for a gas tax increase set for July 1st, Liias explained, ‘When they wonder, what is this paying for? It’s paying for two-boat service, the crews, and the vessels that our ferries need to get to where they need to go.’ He emphasized the importance of these investments in maintaining reliable ferry service that Washingtonians depend on.
Liias concluded by committing to continue his advocacy for funding to enable the Washington State Ferry System to purchase new boats and upgrade its terminals, ensuring the longevity and reliability of this essential transportation service.
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