Washington State Ferries

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Washington State Ferries
Washington State Ferries logo.svg
MV Tacoma at Colman Dock, 2024.jpg
MV Tacoma at Colman Dock in Downtown Seattle
Locale Washington
Waterway Puget Sound, Salish Sea
Transit type Ferry
Owner Washington State Department of Transportation
OperatorWashington State Department of Transportation
Began operationJune 1, 1951 (1951-06-01)
System length185.20 mi (298.05 km) [1]
No. of lines8
No. of vessels21
No. of terminals20
Daily ridership64,600 (weekdays, Q3 2025) [2]
Yearly ridership20,108,545 (2025) [3]
Website wsdot.wa.gov/travel/washington-state-ferries

Washington State Ferries (WSF) is a public ferry system in the U.S. state of Washington. A division of the Washington State Department of Transportation (WSDOT), it operates 8 routes serving 20 terminals within Puget Sound and in the San Juan Islands. The routes are designated as part of the state highway system. WSF maintains a fleet of 21 vessels that are able to carry passengers and vehicles.

Contents

The ferry system carried 20.1 million total riders in 2025, of which 10.7 million passengers and 9.4 million vehicles. [3] WSF is the largest ferry system in the United States and the second-largest vehicular ferry system in the world behind BC Ferries. [4] The state ferries carried an average of 64,600 per weekday in the third quarter of 2025. [2]

History

The ferry system has its origins in the "mosquito fleet", a collection of small steamer lines serving the Puget Sound area during the later part of the nineteenth century and early part of the 20th century. By the beginning of the 1930s, two lines remained: the Puget Sound Navigation Company (known as the Black Ball Line) and the Kitsap County Transportation Company. A strike in 1935 caused the KCTC to close, leaving only the Black Ball Line. [5]

Toward the end of the 1940s, the Black Ball Line sought to increase its fares by 30 percent to compensate for increased wage demands from the ferry workers' unions, which had agreed to a voluntary freeze in increases during World War II. After the state government rejected the fare hike, the company shut down service for nine days in protest. [6] The state bought nearly all of Black Ball's ferry assets along with Colman Dock in Seattle. Black Ball retained five ferries and the right to operate its remaining route between Seattle, Port Angeles, and Victoria, British Columbia. [7] [8]

Washington State Ferries began operation on June 1, 1951, with the first run at 5:20 a.m. on MV Vashon between Lofall and South Point across the Hood Canal. [7] The fare was unchanged and commuter fare tickets that were previously purchased from Black Ball were honored on the new system. [9] The state government intended to run ferry service only until cross-sound bridges could be built, but these were never approved and left the ferries as the only means of crossing for vehicles. [10] The new system was operated by the Washington State Toll Bridge Authority, which ordered ten new vessels that could carry 60 to 100 vehicles. A set of revenue bonds were also issued to purchase the 16 vessels and 20 terminals of the Puget Sound Navigational Company for a total of $4.94 million. [8] [11] The ten initial routes were reduced to eight by the end of the year despite demands from Kitsap County officials to continue service to Suquamish and Indianola. [8]

MV Kalakala, considered the flagship of the Black Ball Line, was included in the acquisition and remained under state operation until her retirement in 1967. After the Black Ball Line announced their withdrawal from the Port Angeles–Victoria route in 1955, the Kalakala was loaned by Washington State Ferries to run on the international route for five years during the summer months. [12] [13] A route between Port Townsend and Keystone on Whidbey Island was launched in June 1974 to replace a privately-run service that had lost its franchise. [14] The Toll Bridge Authority was dissolved and replaced by the consolidated Washington State Department of Transportation (WSDOT) on September 21, 1977. [15]

During the COVID-19 pandemic, WSF reduced service on most routes and suspended trips to Sidney on the Anacortes–San Juan Islands route. The loss of workers who retired, transferred, or were fired during the pandemic caused delays and trip cancellations as service and ridership began to recover in 2021 and 2022, while vessel replacement also ran behind schedule. [16] By early 2023, full levels of service were restored on four routes but remained limited across much of the system; the Sidney route is not expected to re-enter service until 2030. [17] Staffing issues, particularly among ship captains and mates, continued to prevent the full restoration of service on the Seattle–Bremerton and Fauntleroy–Vashon–Southworth routes. [18] As mitigation for the delay in restoring the Seattle–Bremerton run's second vessel, WSF funded additional trips on the parallel Kitsap Fast Ferries that serves both terminals. [19] The second vessel on the Seattle–Bremerton route was restored in June 2025, followed a month later by weekend trips on the Port Townsend–Coupeville route to bring the system to its pre-pandemic domestic schedule. [20] [21]

Routes

A map showing the routes operated by Washington State Ferries (in red) in comparison with Washington State highways (in yellow) and freeways, including Washington State and Interstate highways (in blue) Washington Ferries map.svg
A map showing the routes operated by Washington State Ferries (in red) in comparison with Washington State highways (in yellow) and freeways, including Washington State and Interstate highways (in blue)

As of 2024, the Washington State Ferries system has 8 routes with an average of 388 daily scheduled sailings that serve 20 terminals located primarily on Puget Sound and in the San Juan Islands. [22] [23] The network spans 185.20 miles (298.05 km) and serves an estimated population of 3.9 million residents across an area of 1,945 square miles (5,040 km2). [1] These routes are part of the state highway system and carry freight traffic and emergency services in addition to passengers and automobiles. [22] All of the system's route run year-round, but some have additional service during the peak summer months and on weekends. [21] [24] Most routes are assigned between two and three vessels for most of the year, with additional sailings for late-night service and weekends; the Anacortes–San Juan Islands ferry requires a minimum of four vessels year-round and assigns at least one solely for inter-island service. [24]

The busiest route is the Seattle–Bainbridge Island ferry, which carried 5.2 million total riders in 2025; the Mukilteo–Clinton ferry carried 2.1 million total vehicles in 2025, the most of any route. [3] [25] The Mukilteo–Clinton ferry also had the most sailings, at over 25,700 in 2025, followed by the Anacortes–San Juan Islands route, which has five terminals. [26] Another multi-terminal route, the Fauntleroy–Vashon–Southworth ferry, is known as the "triangle" route due to its three routing patterns that allow some sailings to bypass Vashon Island. [27] [28] The longest route spans 40 nautical miles (46 mi; 74 km) from Anacortes to Sidney, British Columbia, and takes 2.5 hours to traverse. [29] The international route ran seasonally between April and December but was suspended in 2020 and is not scheduled to resume service until 2030 at the earliest due to the lack of a SOLAS-certified vessel. [30] [31] The shortest route is the Point Defiance–Tahlequah ferry between Tacoma and Vashon Island, which is 1.5 nautical miles (1.7 mi; 2.8 km) long and has a crossing time of 15 minutes. [29] [32]

Washington State Ferries routes
Route [33] Highway [34] TerminalsLength [29] Travel time [29] Began operationRidership (2025) [3]
VehiclesPassengersTotal
10 Seattle–Bremerton WA-304.svg SR 304 Bremerton
Colman Dock (Seattle)		13.5 nmi
(15.5 mi; 25.0 km)		60 minutesJune 1, 1951 [35] 457,025849,2381,306,263
20 Seattle–Bainbridge Island WA-305.svg SR 305 Bainbridge Island
Colman Dock (Seattle)		7.5 nmi
(8.6 mi; 13.9 km)		35 minutesJune 1, 1951 [35] 1,525,0983,591,4485,217,546
30 Fauntleroy–Vashon–Southworth WA-160.svg SR 160 Southworth
Vashon Island
Fauntleroy (West Seattle)		4.1 nmi
(4.7 mi; 7.6 km) [a] 		30 minutesJune 1, 1951 [35] 1,423,172944,2062,367,378
40 Point Defiance–Tahlequah WA-163.svg SR 163 Point Defiance (Tacoma)
Tahlequah (Vashon Island)		1.5 nmi
(1.7 mi; 2.8 km)		15 minutesJune 1, 1951 [35] 538,406422,176960,584
50 Edmonds–Kingston WA-104.svg SR 104 Kingston
Edmonds 		4.5 nmi
(5.2 mi; 8.3 km)		30 minutesJune 1, 1951 [35] 1,992,7651,870,6713,863,436
60 Mukilteo–Clinton WA-525.svg SR 525 Mukilteo
Clinton (Whidbey Island)		2.3 nmi
(2.6 mi; 4.3 km)		20 minutesJune 1, 1951 [35] 2,108,1351,603,3693,711,504
70 Port Townsend–Coupeville WA-20.svg SR 20 Port Townsend
Coupeville (Whidbey Island)		4.5 nmi
(5.2 mi; 8.3 km)		30 minutesJune 6, 1974 [36] 334,462392,746727,208
80 Anacortes–San Juan Islands Spur plate.svg
WA-20.svg SR 20 Spur 		Friday Harbor
Orcas Island
Shaw Island
Lopez Island
Anacortes 		11 to 17 nmi
(13 to 20 mi; 20 to 31 km)		50 to 125 minutes [b] June 1, 1951 [35] 941,8491,012,7771,954,626
85 Anacortes–Sidney Spur plate.svg
WA-20.svg SR 20 Spur 		Sidney, British Columbia
Friday Harbor
Anacortes 		40 nmi
(46 mi; 74 km)		160 minutesJune 1, 1951 [35] Suspended since 2020 [37]

Former and temporary routes

Former Washington State Ferries routes
RouteTerminalsBegan operationEnded operationNotes
Edmonds–Port Townsend Port Townsend
Edmonds 		February 21, 1979 [38] February 9, 1980 [38] Temporary service after collapse of the Hood Canal Bridge [38]
Seattle–Bremerton POF Bremerton
Colman Dock (Seattle)		October 15, 1986 [39] September 19, 2003 [40] Passenger-only ferry; suspended from July 1989 to April 1990 [41]
Seattle–Port Townsend Port Townsend
Colman Dock (Seattle)		December 13, 2007 [42] February 8, 2008 [43] Passenger-only ferry to replace the suspended Port Townsend–Keystone run [42]
Seattle–Suquamish Suquamish
Indianola
Colman Dock (Seattle)		June 1, 1951 [44] September 28, 1951 [45] Replaced by the Agate Pass Bridge after tolls were lifted [45]
Seattle–Vashon Island POF Vashon Heights
Colman Dock (Seattle)		April 23, 1990 [46] September 28, 2009 [47] Passenger-only ferry; replaced by the King County Water Taxi [47]
South Point–Lofall (1951–1961) South Point
Lofall 		June 1, 1951 [35] August 12, 1961 [48] Replaced by the Hood Canal Bridge; [48] temporarily reactivated on February 5, 1963, due to emergency bridge repairs [49]
South Point–Lofall (1979–1982) South Point
Lofall 		February 26, 1979 [50] October 23, 1982 [51] Temporary service after collapse of the Hood Canal Bridge; passenger-only vessel replaced by barges and a full-sized ferry in December 1979 [52]

Service and operations

Passenger cabin on MV Kaleetan, 2016 MV Kaleetan Passenger Cabin.jpg
Passenger cabin on MV Kaleetan, 2016

Washington State Ferries (officially the WSDOT Ferries Division) had over 145,000 scheduled sailings during fiscal year 2024, of which 97.6 percent were completed. Over 3,600 trips were cancelled, primarily because of mechanical issues and crew shortages. [23] The system adjusts its schedules during four annual "sailing seasons", [53] with the highest level of service between June and September to accommodate larger passenger volumes. [21] [54] The earliest year-round sailings in the system are around 4:00 a.m. on several routes; service generally lasts until midnight for most routes, with some sailings as late as 1:30 a.m. or 2:10 a.m. [54] Additional service is provided on some major holidays and weekends, such as Memorial Day and Labor Day, as well as for special events. [54] Vehicle slot reservations, released in tranches up to several months in advance, are available for the Port Townsend–Coupeville and Anacortes–San Juan Islands routes due to their limited capacity and high demand. [55] These reservations cover up to 90 percent of available vehicle space on a sailing, with the rest allocated to standby traffic. [56]

The route schedules are referred to by the number of assigned vessels; for example, "two-boat" service refers to a reduced schedule due to the lack of a third vessel. [57] If a vessel is unavailable for more than 24 hours, a relief vessel can be recalled from another route and reassigned depending on needs and terminal compatibility. [53] Reassignments are also made for vessels scheduled to undergo regular maintenance and inspections, which can take several weeks. [58] During longer service disruptions, Washington State Ferries has leased passenger-only ferries from private operators to provide temporary sailings if another ferry is unavailable. [59] [60] From 2022 to 2026, the state government funded seven additional trips on the Kitsap Fast Ferries route between Bremerton and Seattle to supplement weekday ferry service during a shortage of available vessels. [61] In the event that a terminal is unavailable for planned work or an unplanned disruption, ferries in Puget Sound are to be redirected to alternative terminals. [62]

In 2024, the ferry system had an operating budget of $353.8 million, mostly derived from fares and the state government, and a capital budget of $208.7 million. The active ferries traveled a total of 759,247 miles (1,221,890 km) in revenue service and carried nearly 18.9 million total unlinked passenger trips. [1] As of June 2024, Washington State Ferries had 1,589 full-time employees, of which nearly half are classified as deck workers. [23] The system had a shortage of available crewmembers immediately after the COVID-19 pandemic that led to 30 percent of scheduled sailings being cancelled. [63] Washington State Ferries employees are represented by 16 unions that have signed 13 total collective bargaining agreements. [22] Each vessel requires between 10 to 16 crew members depending on the size of the boat; they operate in two or three daily shifts with the exception of the engine room, which uses two 12-hour shifts for continual monitoring. [53]

The primary maintenance facility for the system is at Eagle Harbor on Bainbridge Island, just west of the city's ferry terminal. WSF built its Eagle Harbor facility in 1962 and uses it to also store unused or recently retired vessels. [64] [65] WSF also has other shops on Bainbridge Island, including in-house carpenters that maintain and repair fixtures aboard ferries as well as at terminals, including windows, floors, and cables. [66] The agency's headquarters and operations center was consolidated into a single building in the Belltown neighborhood of Seattle in 2005. It includes an emergency operations center that is staffed 24/7 and has direct radio links to two transmission towers near Issaquah and Quilcene. [67] [68] Outside contractors also conduct maintenance, rehabilitation, and inspections of the ferries at dedicated large drydocks on Puget Sound; [69] another facility on Lake Union in Seattle is used for smaller vessels that can fit through the Ballard Locks on the Lake Washington Ship Canal. [70] Onboard food service, primarily through the ship galley and vending machines, has been operated by contractor Sodexo Live (formerly Centerplate) since 2016. [71] [72] The galley offers food and alcoholic beverages from local companies, including Ivar's clam chowder and wine from Chateau Ste. Michelle. [73] It served 1.6 million customers in 2024 and sold 10,000 US gallons (38,000 L) of clam chowder and nearly 150,000 soft pretzels. [74] [75]

The agency allows weddings and other celebrations to take place on board ferries with reservations and arrangements made in advance; no extra costs are charged for services. [76] The scattering of cremated remains at sea is performed board state ferries with permission from WSF, who charge a fee of $150 and require the use of a biodegradable container or vessel. The ceremonies, scheduled outside of peak travel periods, take place during a temporary stop and are followed by an announcement and the sounding of the ferry's whistle. In 2024, a total of 190 memorials were performed aboard WSF vessels. [77] The ferries are also mandated to stop for large marine mammals, including orcas and humpback whales, to avoid collisions or harming the animals. [78] Whale sightings are reported to a multi-agency alert system and supplemented by electronic listening arrays placed in the Salish Sea; [78] [79] in 2024, there were 530 whale sightings aboard the WSF system. [74]

Ridership

Annual ridership, 2002–present
YearVehiclesPassengersTotal%±
2002 [80] 11,009,26214,132,20525,141,467—
2003 [81] 10,819,19613,557,08024,376,276-3.0%
2004 [82] 10,828,31213,264,02424,092,336-1.2%
2005 [83] 10,801,19613,016,17023,817,366-1.1%
2006 [84] 10,850,23213,087,31423,937,5460.5%
2007 [85] 10,674,16613,034,93123,709,097-1.0%
2008 [86] 10,010,94112,721,85322,732,794-4.1%
2009 [87] 10,064,29412,673,41622,737,7100.0%
2010 [88] 10,101,19012,350,21422,451,404-1.3%
2011 [89] 9,977,37212,252,66922,230,041-1.0%
2012 [90] 9,974,87412,226,62222,201,496-0.1%
2013 [91] 10,082,44812,454,58122,537,0291.5%
2014 [92] 10,226,54312,967,11723,193,6602.9%
2015 [93] 10,479,75213,402,57523,882,3273.0%
2016 [94] 10,546,35513,658,54024,204,8951.4%
2017 [95] 10,641,36813,818,67724,460,0451.1%
2018 [96] 10,761,82213,925,21624,687,0380.9%
2019 [97] 10,452,11913,432,67023,884,789-3.2%
2020 [98] 7,629,2236,357,47913,986,702-41.4%
2021 [99] 8,879,3008,400,57917,279,87923.5%
2022 [100] 8,598,4758,775,69417,374,1690.5%
2023 [101] 8,970,3749,691,16018,661,5347.4%
2024 [102] 9,072,32510,076,35619,148,6812.6%
2025 [3] 9,421,91210,686,63320,108,5455.0%

In 2025, Washington State Ferries carried a total of 20,108,545 passengers and 9,421,912 vehicles; [3] it averaged 64,600 passengers on weekdays in the third quarter of 2025. [2] Walk-on boardings accounted for 42 percent of passenger boardings across all routes. [3] The system is the busiest in the United States, ahead of the passenger-only Staten Island Ferry in New York City, [103] and second-busiest in the Pacific Northwest behind BC Ferries in Canada. [22] [104] Washington State Ferries also carries the third-most passengers of any public transit system in the state, behind Sound Transit and King County Metro. [22] In 2013, the system carried 22.4 million passengers and ranked third globally behind İDO in Istanbul, Turkey, and Transtejo & Soflusa in Lisbon, Portugal. It also carried the second-most vehicles out of any system, behind Fjord1 in Norway. [105]

The ferries are considered a major tourist attraction in Washington state in addition to their use as a commuter and cargo service. [106] The U.S. Census Bureau estimated that 3.8 percent of workers in Kitsap County commuted using a ferry in 2024. [107] Washington State Ferries recorded its highest ridership in 2018, when it carried nearly 24.7 million total passengers and 10.8 million vehicles. [108] [109] Use of the ferries fell to under 14 million in 2020 during the COVID-19 pandemic, which was also marked by a higher rate of cancelled sailings. Ridership began to increase the following year and had recovered to over 19 million by 2024 with gains in the number of walk-on passengers. [108] Peak ridership in the summer months also returned, with four days in July 2025 reaching over 90,000 total passengers—the highest mark since August 2019. [110] Washington State Ferries also draws more than 300,000 boardings during the Memorial Day and Labor Day holiday weekends; [111] [112] the two-week period around Christmas typically draws 700,000 passengers. [113]

Fares

The state ferry system has fares that vary based on the route and direction of travel, age of the passenger, dimensions of the vehicle, and other factors. [114] As of October 2025, the lowest round-trip adult fare in the system is $6.95 for the Mukilteo–Clinton route, while the highest is $17.50 for the Anacortes–San Juan Islands route. Discounts are available for senior citizens and passengers with disabilities. [115] Passenger tickets are dispensed at staffed ticket booths at terminals, self-serve kiosk machines, and tollbooths that also collect vehicle fares; they are valid for 90 days. [116] Multi-use and monthly passes are sold for all fare types through the agency's online store. [117] An electronic ticketing system, named Wave2Go, was introduced in early 2007 to replace ticket books for frequent riders with a scannable card that is reloaded at kiosks. [118] Washington State Ferries also accepts the ORCA card, a fare smart card platform used by most transit systems in the Seattle metropolitan area that can load multi-use and monthly passes. [119]

Fares are set by the Washington State Transportation Commission and reviewed every two years to account for projected financial needs for operations and capital projects. [120] A surcharge of 25 percent is added during the peak season from May through September on most routes, with the San Juan Islands route charged 35 percent; it does not apply to discounted or multi-use fares. [121] [122] Since October 2022, all fares on the ferry system for passengers under the age of 19 years old have been free as part of a state transportation funding package. [123] Nearly half of the operating budget for Washington State Ferries is funded with fares collected from passengers and vehicle drivers; the farebox recovery ratio was 49.8 percent in 2024, a slight decrease from 50.6 percent in 2023. The state government's subsidy per rider was $9.05, while the overall subsidy was $4.79, and $18.76 was spent per passenger trip. [1] [33] The rest of the budget is derived from the state government, which collects a gas tax and fees on driver's licenses and other items. [124] A dedicated motor vehicle excise tax (MVET) was used to fund ferry operations until it was removed by Initiative 695, passed by voters in 1999. [33] [125]

Fleet

MV Puyallup, one of the largest ferries, departing from Seattle Washington State Ferries vessel MV Puyallup departing Seattle.jpg
MV Puyallup, one of the largest ferries, departing from Seattle

As of 2025, there are 21 ferries in the WSF fleet that serve Puget Sound. [126] The average age is 33.1 years old and their expected lifespan is 60 years with a mid-life refurbishment. [1] [127] The ferries are inspected on a rotating basis and receive annual certification from the U.S. Coast Guard. [127]

The largest vessels in the fleet carry up to 2500 passengers and 202 vehicles. They are painted in a distinctive white and green trim paint scheme, and feature double-ended open vehicle decks and bridges at each end so that they do not need to turn around. [128] Most of the ferries feature an outdoor deck with two "pickleforks" where passengers board and disembark the vessel. [129] After 50 years of state service, a ferry receives a commemorative gold stripe that is painted on the center stack. [130]

The fleet uses diesel fuel to power its engines and is the largest consumer of diesel fuel in the state government at 19 million gallons used annually prior to 2020; [131] WSF plans to electrify its fleet over 20 years. By 2040, it intends to build 16 new hybrid-electric vessels and convert six others to have hybrid propulsion. This will reduce carbon emissions by up 180,000 tons annually and save $19 million per year in diesel fuel costs. [132] The ferries are refueled every two to three weeks during an overnight shift. [133]

The first vessel to undergo conversion to use hybrid-electric propulsion is MV Wenatchee, which returned to service in July 2025 after two years of work. [134] The program was originally expected to begin in 2022 with a new boat constructed by Vigor Industrial, but cost overruns and disagreements led to delays. Vigor had been the sole shipbuilder for Washington State Ferries since 1997. [135] Further work on converting the existing fleet was delayed by Washington governor Bob Ferguson in early 2025 in favor of restoring service on the routes. The next conversion is scheduled for after the 2026 FIFA World Cup. [136] The first on-shore charging stations are expected to be constructed in 2029 at the Clinton and Mukilteo terminals. [134] [137]

In 2021, WSF released their plan to move to hybrid electric vessels by building a new 144-car Olympic-class ferry, which they initially scheduled to complete by 2025. [138] The new vessel, named MV Wishkah, was later delayed to 2027 and will require the installation of electrical connections at the Clinton ferry terminal on Whidbey Island. [139] An invitation for bids for three hybrid electric vessels was opened by WSF in May 2024 and sent to 15 interested companies. [131] [140] Three shipyards were qualified to bid, but WSF only received bids from two: Eastern Shipbuilding of Panama City, Florida, and Nichols Brothers Boat Builders of Freeland, Washington. Eastern's $714.5 million bid to build three vessels was selected by the state government in July 2025 and will comprise the first WSF vessels built outside of Washington state in 50 years. The three vessels, planned to begin delivery as soon as 2029, will use a design based on the Olympic class and would have an electric propulsion system supplied by ABB. These ferries are planned to be 405 feet (123 m) long with a capacity of 1,500 passengers and 164 vehicles. [141]

As of 2023, 9 of the 21 active ferries maintained by Washington State Ferries are considered to be in good condition. Cancellation of sailings due to mechanical problems and urgent maintenance increased in the 2010s and 2020s. [135] The ferries averaged 13.7 weeks out of service per vessel in 2024 due to planned maintenance and unscheduled issues. [23]

Active classes operated by Washington State Ferries (2025) [126]
ClassVesselsImageYears builtCapacityLengthMaximum speedNotes
VehiclesPassengers
Evergreen State  (1) MV Tillikum Ferry arriving at Vashon Island.JPG
(MV Tillikum)		195987596310 ft 2 in (94.5 m)13 kn (15 mph; 24 km/h)Rebuilt in 1994; 2 vessels retired [142]
Issaquah (6) Chelan arriving at Friday Harbor 01.JPG
(MV Chelan)		1979–1982124 [c] 1,196 [d] 328 ft 2 in (100.0 m)16 kn (18 mph; 30 km/h)Rebuilt in 1989–2005
Jumbo (2) M-V Walla Walla.jpg
(MV Walla Walla)		1972–19731881,793440 ft 0 in (134.1 m)18 kn (21 mph; 33 km/h)Rebuilt in 2004–2005
Jumbo Mark II (3) MV Wenatchee docking at Colman Dock 01.jpg
(MV Wenatchee)		1997–19992021,791460 ft 2 in (140.3 m)18 kn (21 mph; 33 km/h)Wenatchee converted to battery–electric propulsion in 2025.
Kwa-di Tabil (3) MV Salish - IMO 9618329 - Coupeville, WA (cropped).jpg
(MV Salish)		2010–201164748273 ft 10 in (83.5 m)14 kn (16 mph; 26 km/h)
Olympic (4) MV Suquamish leaving Mukilteo (Feb. 2020).jpg
(MV Suquamish)		2014–20181441,500362 ft 5 in (110.5 m)17 kn (20 mph; 31 km/h)
Super (2) MV Yakima 02.jpg
(MV Yakima)		19671441,195382 ft 2 in (116.5 m)17 kn (20 mph; 31 km/h)Rebuilt in 1999–2000; 2 vessels retired [144]

Retired vessels

MV Kalakala, originally part of the Puget Sound Navigation Company fleet, was retired in 1967 Kalakala.jpg
MV Kalakala, originally part of the Puget Sound Navigation Company fleet, was retired in 1967

From 1951 to 2007, a total of 18 older ferries were retired as they were replaced by newer vessels that had been purpose-built for use on the state ferry system. Many entered service in 1951 as part of direct transfers from the Puget Sound Navigation Company, while others had been acquired from systems in other areas of the United States. [145] Among the retired vessels was MV Kalakala, an Art Deco vessel that was the flagship of the Black Ball Line and served in the state ferry system until her retirement in 1967. [146] The four largest vessels of the Steel Electric class, built in 1927 and sold to the Black Ball Line in 1940, were used by the state ferry system until they were pulled from the fleet in November 2007 due to corrosion issues. [147] From 1986 to 2009, Washington State Ferries also operated five high-speed catamarans used on passenger-only routes that could carry 250 to 350 riders per sailing. [148]

Most of the retired WSF vessels have been sold through public auctions, including on eBay, to bidders who sought to reuse or scrap them. [149] [150] The ferries are docked at the Eagle Harbor Maintenance Facility and stripped of parts that can be reused on other vessels or repurposed locally. [149] The former air horn from MV Hyak was installed at Climate Pledge Arena for use as a goal horn during Seattle Kraken games. [151] [152] After a failed tow attempt by an Ecuadorian businessman, MV Elwha was sold to an Everett-based shipbuilder for use as an office and warehouse. [144] Other vessels have been reused by other public and private operators, including MV Kulshan for the Steamship Authority in Massachusetts and MV Hiyu as a party venue in the Seattle area. [151] [153] Several have also been abandoned by their new owners, including MV Olympic on Ketron Island, leading to proposals to establish a ship breaking yard in Washington. [154]

See also

Notes

  1. ↑ Measures the non-stop distance and time from Southworth to Fauntleroy
  2. ↑ Depending on which terminals are served on the sailing
  3. ↑ MV Sealth has a listed capacity of 90 vehicles. [126]
  4. ↑ MV Chelan has a listed capacity of 1,090 passengers on international trips due to SOLAS Convention standards. [143]

References

  1. 1 2 3 4 5 "2024 Annual Agency Profile – Washington State Ferries" (PDF). National Transit Database. Federal Transit Administration. October 2025. Retrieved December 30, 2025.
  2. 1 2 3 "Transit Ridership Report Third Quarter 2025" (PDF). American Public Transportation Association. November 20, 2025. Retrieved December 1, 2025.
  3. 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 "Washington State Ferries – Traffic Statistics Rider Segment report, Jan 1, 2025 thru Dec 31, 2025" (PDF). Washington State Department of Transportation. January 5, 2026. Retrieved January 6, 2026.
  4. ↑ "Washington State Ferries: System facts" (PDF). Washington State Department of Transportation. January 2023. Retrieved March 5, 2024.
  5. ↑ History of Washington State Ferry system Archived October 12, 2012, at the Wayback Machine , wsdot.wa.gov, retrieved March 15, 2008
  6. ↑ Walker, Elaine (February 3, 2009). "A Ferry Tale: History threatens to repeat itself in threat to Sidney run" . Skagit Valley Herald . Retrieved March 23, 2025.
  7. 1 2 3 Legislative Transportation Committee (July 14, 1981). "Historical overview of the Washington State Ferry System". Washington State Legislature. pp. 3–6. Retrieved March 5, 2024– via WSDOT Library Digital Collections.
  8. ↑ "Ceremonies To Mark State's Ferry Venture". The Seattle Times. May 31, 1951. p. 25.
  9. ↑ McDermott, Kara; Black, Dominic (February 18, 2014). "Washington State Ferries: Born From A Rates War". KUOW . Retrieved March 5, 2024.
  10. ↑ "State Takes Over Control of Ferry Lines". Seattle Post-Intelligencer. June 1, 1591. p. 1.
  11. ↑ Cowlishaw, David (June 13, 1958). "Resumption of Kalakala Service Cheered: 'This Friday 13th Lucky for Victoria'". Victoria Daily Times . p. 1. Retrieved January 5, 2026– via Newspapers.com.
  12. ↑ Obee, Dave (December 7, 2008). "Ferry gave city glimpse of the future". Times Colonist . p. D4. Retrieved January 5, 2026– via Newspapers.com.
  13. ↑ "Keystone ferry run launched". The Everett Herald . June 7, 1974. p. A2. Retrieved March 5, 2024– via Newspapers.com.
  14. ↑ "Guide to the Records of the Washington Toll Bridge Authority" (PDF). Washington State Archives. April 2004. p. 8. Retrieved February 16, 2025.
  15. ↑ Saldanha, Alison (August 24, 2022). "WA ferry delays hit highest mark in past decade". The Seattle Times. Retrieved March 1, 2023.
  16. ↑ Kroman, David (March 1, 2023). "WA ferries restores service to some routes, delays others". The Seattle Times. Retrieved March 1, 2023.
  17. ↑ Smith, Matthew (June 8, 2023). "WA State Ferries charts new course amid aging fleet, staffing shortages, pandemic woes". Fox 13 News . Retrieved June 12, 2023.
  18. ↑ Kroman, David (June 20, 2023). "WA ferry service on several routes won't return to normal this year". The Seattle Times. Retrieved June 21, 2023.
  19. ↑ Deshais, Nicholas (June 12, 2025). "Ferry system begins returning to prepandemic levels, starting Sunday". The Seattle Times. Retrieved June 24, 2025.
  20. 1 2 3 Deshais, Nicholas (July 2, 2025). "400,000 ferry passengers expected July 4 weekend with added boat". The Seattle Times. Retrieved July 2, 2025.
  21. 1 2 3 4 5 "Washington State Ferries – Fact Sheet" (PDF). Washington State Department of Transportation. February 2025. Retrieved December 30, 2025.
  22. 1 2 3 4 "FY 2024 WSDOT Ferries Division Performance Report" (PDF). Washington State Department of Transportation. December 2024. pp. 8, 40, 45–49, 51. Retrieved December 30, 2025.
  23. 1 2 "Washington State Ferries COVID-19 Service Restoration Plan" (PDF). Washington State Department of Transportation. March 8, 2022. p. 7. Retrieved January 6, 2026.
  24. ↑ Hansen, Jordan (January 20, 2025). "Ferry system increases ridership by a half million in 2024". The Everett Herald . Retrieved August 21, 2025.
  25. ↑ "WSF On Time Performance Report, December 2025" (PDF). Washington State Department of Transportation. January 5, 2026. Retrieved January 5, 2026.
  26. ↑ Kroman, David (July 21, 2023). "Fauntleroy ferry dock back in service after mechanical failure". The Seattle Times. Retrieved January 10, 2026.
  27. ↑ Graf, Heather (September 14, 2017). "Ferry frustration: Long lines, empty boats on Vashon Island route". KING 5 News. Retrieved January 10, 2026.
  28. 1 2 3 4 "Washington State Ferries 2013 Origin–Destination Travel Survey Report" (PDF). Washington State Department of Transportation. August 2014. pp. 4–15, 4–49, 5–16, 5–43, 6–17, 6–49, 6–81, 7–15, 7–43, 7–71, 7–99. Retrieved January 6, 2026.
  29. ↑ Pringle, Joan (February 3, 2009). "Northwest international ferries at a glance" . Skagit Valley Herald. Retrieved January 6, 2026.
  30. ↑ Schwartz, Ralph (March 4, 2023). "Anacortes-to-B.C. ferry delayed until 2030". Cascadia Daily News . Retrieved December 30, 2025.
  31. ↑ Broom, Jack (July 26, 2002). "Showing Off: Welcome aboard as we float a few facts on the state's ferries". The Seattle Times. Retrieved January 6, 2026.
  32. 1 2 3 "Washington State Ferries Route Statements For Fiscal Years 2019 to 2024" (PDF). Washington State Department of Transportation. July 2025. pp. 3–4, 8, 14–23. Retrieved January 6, 2026.
  33. ↑ "Appendix Q: Terminal Reference Data" (PDF). WSF Terminal Design Manual. Washington State Department of Transportation. April 2016. p. Q-1. Retrieved January 6, 2026.
  34. 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 Stein, Alan J. (2001). Safe Passage: The Birth of Washington State Ferries, 1951–2001. Seattle: History Ink, Sodexho Marriott Services. pp. 24–26. ISBN   9780966474510. OCLC   47188389.
  35. ↑ Carter, Glen (June 6, 1974). "Ferry gets brass-band send-off in news service". The Seattle Times. p. C2.
  36. ↑ "Sidney B.C. Terminal". Washington State Department of Transportation. Retrieved January 6, 2026.
  37. 1 2 3 Stein, Alan J. (January 20, 2003). "Ferry service returns to Port Townsend after a 40-year absence on February 21, 1979". HistoryLink. Retrieved January 6, 2026.
  38. ↑ Darby, Creg (October 15, 1986). "Fog slows new ferry, but riders liked it". The Sun. p. A1. Retrieved January 6, 2026– via Newspapers.com.
  39. ↑ Murakami, Kery (September 20, 2003). "An end to the passenger-only ferry". Seattle Post-Intelligencer. p. B1. Retrieved January 6, 2026.
  40. ↑ King, Niki (September 20, 2003). "Riders mourn demise of foot ferry service". Kitsap Sun. p. A1. Retrieved January 6, 2026– via Newspapers.com.
  41. 1 2 Cael, Evan; Gawley, Brian (December 23, 2007). "Port Townsend-Seattle ferry popular, but service will end Jan. 6". Peninsula Daily News . Retrieved January 6, 2026.
  42. ↑ Chew, Jeff (February 10, 2008). "Bids for new PT ferry will begin Friday". Peninsula Daily News. p. A6. Retrieved January 6, 2026– via Newspapers.com.
  43. ↑ Barr, Robert A. (May 31, 1951). "Curtailed Ferry Service Puzzles Indianolans". The Seattle Times. p. 43.
  44. 1 2 "Another Ferry To Bow to Auto". The Seattle Times. September 23, 1951. p. 40.
  45. ↑ Gough, William (April 22, 1990). "Afoot and afloat: Passenger-only ferries launch Sound service with pomp and fanfare". The Seattle Times. p. B2. Retrieved January 10, 2026.
  46. 1 2 Gilmore, Susan (September 21, 2009). "Fares to rise on Vashon foot ferry". The Seattle Times. p. B1.
  47. 1 2 Burt, Lyle (August 12, 1961). "Captain to Retire: Canal Span Ends Ferry Run". The Seattle Times. p. 1.
  48. ↑ "All in a Day: Ferries Take Bridge Crisis in Stride". The Seattle Times. February 8, 1963. p. 45.
  49. ↑ Williams, Carol (February 26, 1979). "Passengers 'Smile' As Lofall Service Begins". Bremerton Sun. p. 1. Retrieved January 6, 2026– via Newspapers.com.
  50. ↑ Wilson, Janne (October 24, 1982). "2 wheels 1st to cross: Asphalt artery between peninsulas cut no more". The Daily News . Port Angeles, Washington. p. A1. Retrieved January 6, 2026– via Newspapers.com.
  51. ↑ "Kitsap's Own Soap Opera: A Chronology of Events". Bremerton Sun. February 8, 1980. p. 13. Retrieved January 6, 2026– via Newspapers.com.
  52. 1 2 3 "Washington State Ferries Service Contingency Plan" (PDF). Washington State Department of Transportation. May 2025. pp. 5–7, 10–11, 12–14. Retrieved December 30, 2025.
  53. 1 2 3 "Schedule by Route". Washington State Department of Transportation. Retrieved December 30, 2025.
  54. ↑ Kroman, David (April 25, 2023). "WA ferry reservation system hit with delays". The Seattle Times. Retrieved December 30, 2025.
  55. ↑ Deshais, Nicholas (December 20, 2024). "What to expect on WA ferries as you travel for the holidays". The Seattle Times. Retrieved January 10, 2026.
  56. ↑ Deshais, Nicholas (May 23, 2025). "How to prepare for riding a WA ferry this busy Memorial Day weekend". The Seattle Times. Retrieved December 30, 2025.
  57. ↑ Deshais, Nicholas (January 6, 2026). "WA Gov. Ferguson's ferry plan tested by broken boats". The Seattle Times. Retrieved January 10, 2026.
  58. ↑ Dickerson, Paige (February 11, 2008). "Victoria Express adds Bremerton passenger runs". Peninsula Daily News. p. A1. Retrieved January 10, 2026– via Newspapers.com.
  59. ↑ Gilmore, Susan (November 10, 2011). "Operator chosen for new Seattle-Port Townsend ferry catering to tourists". The Seattle Times. Retrieved January 10, 2026.
  60. ↑ Uyehara, Kai (July 28, 2025). "Extra Bremerton fast ferry sailings to stay; Saturday sailings pause". The Seattle Times. Retrieved January 10, 2026.
  61. ↑ Kroman, David (June 30, 2022). "Ferry passengers rerouted to Mukilteo after malfunction in Edmonds". The Seattle Times. Retrieved January 10, 2026.
  62. ↑ Lindblom, Mike (November 22, 2021). "How to make Washington State Ferries shipshape again". The Seattle Times. Retrieved March 21, 2024.
  63. ↑ Gilmore, Susan (August 4, 2006). "Residents want ferry facility booted off Bainbridge Island". The Seattle Times. Retrieved August 21, 2025.
  64. ↑ Deshais, Nicholas (September 5, 2024). "Sale of retired WA ferries canceled after tow failure". The Seattle Times. Retrieved August 21, 2025.
  65. ↑ Deshias, Nicholas (August 17, 2025). "WA ferry woodworkers keep century-old Colman Clock ticking". The Seattle Times. Retrieved August 17, 2025.
  66. ↑ "Appendix L: Facilities Report" (PDF). Washington State Ferries 2040 Long Range Plan. Washington State Department of Transportation. January 2019. pp. 188–190. Retrieved January 10, 2026.
  67. ↑ Lindblom, Mike (July 31, 2014). "Miscommunication led to long ferry waits after rescue of boat". The Seattle Times. Retrieved January 10, 2026.
  68. ↑ Deshais, Nicholas (September 18, 2025). "Everett gets new floating dry dock, largest in Puget Sound". The Seattle Times. Retrieved January 9, 2026.
  69. ↑ Baruchman, Michelle (July 29, 2019). "How do you fit a Washington state ferry through the Ballard Locks? Very carefully". The Seattle Times. Retrieved August 21, 2025.
  70. ↑ Pilling, Nathan (October 3, 2016). "New vendor debuts menu for ferries". Kitsap Sun. Retrieved January 10, 2026.
  71. ↑ Kroman, David (April 9, 2022). "Beer and popcorn to return to WA ferries". The Seattle Times. Retrieved March 21, 2024.
  72. ↑ Pilling, Nathan (April 7, 2022). "Galley service returning to some Washington State Ferries routes soon". Kitsap Sun. Retrieved January 10, 2026.
  73. 1 2 "Washington State Ferries 2024 Year in Review" (PDF). Washington State Department of Transportation. January 2025. Retrieved January 10, 2026.
  74. ↑ Sullivan, Chris (January 16, 2025). "WSF year in review: Soft pretzel boom and fewer canceled sailings". KIRO NewsRadio. Retrieved January 10, 2026.
  75. ↑ Brown, Andrea (January 29, 2019). "Ever after: Get married — or buried — on a Washington ferry". The Everett Herald. Retrieved March 21, 2024.
  76. ↑ Deshais, Nicholas (August 3, 2025). "On a memorial WA ferry ride, ashes are sent to rest in Puget Sound". The Seattle Times. Retrieved August 4, 2025.
  77. 1 2 "Washington State Ferries Underwater Noise Mitigation and Management Plan for the Protection of Marine Mammals" (PDF). Washington State Department of Transportation. December 2021. pp. 11–12. Retrieved January 10, 2026.
  78. ↑ Mapes, Lynda V. (March 25, 2022). "New orca listening post installed in deep water of Puget Sound". The Seattle Times. Retrieved January 10, 2026.
  79. ↑ "Washington State Ferries – Traffic Statistics Rider Segment Report, January 1, 2002 thru December 31, 2002" (PDF). Washington State Department of Transportation. April 22, 2003. Retrieved January 9, 2026.
  80. ↑ "Washington State Ferries – Traffic Statistics Rider Segment Report, January 1, 2003 thru December 31, 2003" (PDF). Washington State Department of Transportation. April 9, 2004. Retrieved January 9, 2026.
  81. ↑ "Washington State Ferries – Traffic Statistics Rider Segment Report, January 1, 2004 thru December 31, 2004" (PDF). Washington State Department of Transportation. January 21, 2005. Retrieved January 9, 2026.
  82. ↑ "Washington State Ferries – Traffic Statistics Rider Segment Report, January 1, 2005 thru December 31, 2005" (PDF). Washington State Department of Transportation. January 9, 2006. Retrieved January 9, 2026.
  83. ↑ "Washington State Ferries – Traffic Statistics Rider Segment Report, January 1, 2006 thru December 31, 2006" (PDF). Washington State Department of Transportation. February 5, 2007. Retrieved January 9, 2026.
  84. ↑ "Washington State Ferries – Traffic Statistics Rider Segment Report, January 1, 2007 thru December 31, 2007" (PDF). Washington State Department of Transportation. April 22, 2008. Retrieved January 9, 2026.
  85. ↑ "Washington State Ferries – Traffic Statistics Rider Segment Report, January 1, 2008 thru December 31, 2008" (PDF). Washington State Department of Transportation. January 21, 2009. Retrieved January 9, 2026.
  86. ↑ "Washington State Ferries – Traffic Statistics Rider Segment Report, January 1, 2009 thru December 31, 2009" (PDF). Washington State Department of Transportation. January 22, 2010. Retrieved January 9, 2026.
  87. ↑ "Washington State Ferries – Traffic Statistics Rider Segment Report, January 1, 2010 thru December 31, 2010" (PDF). Washington State Department of Transportation. January 10, 2011. Retrieved January 9, 2026.
  88. ↑ "Washington State Ferries – Traffic Statistics Rider Segment Report, January 1, 2011 thru December 31, 2011" (PDF). Washington State Department of Transportation. May 3, 2012. Retrieved January 9, 2026.
  89. ↑ "Washington State Ferries – Traffic Statistics Rider Segment Report, January 1, 2012 thru December 31, 2012" (PDF). Washington State Department of Transportation. January 16, 2013. Retrieved January 9, 2026.
  90. ↑ "Washington State Ferries – Traffic Statistics Rider Segment Report, January 1, 2013 thru December 31, 2013" (PDF). Washington State Department of Transportation. January 23, 2014. Retrieved January 9, 2026.
  91. ↑ "Washington State Ferries – Traffic Statistics Rider Segment Report, January 1, 2014 thru December 31, 2014" (PDF). Washington State Department of Transportation. January 22, 2015. Retrieved January 9, 2026.
  92. ↑ "Washington State Ferries – Traffic Statistics Rider Segment Report, January 1, 2015 thru December 31, 2015" (PDF). Washington State Department of Transportation. January 11, 2016. Retrieved January 9, 2026.
  93. ↑ "Washington State Ferries – Traffic Statistics Rider Segment report, January 1, 2016 thru December 31, 2016" (PDF). Washington State Department of Transportation. January 23, 2017. Retrieved January 9, 2026.
  94. ↑ "Washington State Ferries – Traffic Statistics Rider Segment report, January 1, 2017 thru December 31, 2017" (PDF). Washington State Department of Transportation. January 11, 2018. Retrieved January 9, 2026.
  95. ↑ "Washington State Ferries – Traffic Statistics Rider Segment report, January 1, 2018 thru December 31, 2018" (PDF). Washington State Department of Transportation. January 7, 2019. Retrieved January 9, 2026.
  96. ↑ "Washington State Ferries – Traffic Statistics Rider Segment report, January 1, 2019 thru December 31, 2019" (PDF). Washington State Department of Transportation. January 10, 2020. Retrieved January 9, 2026.
  97. ↑ "Washington State Ferries – Traffic Statistics Rider Segment report, January 1, 2020 thru December 1, 2020" (PDF). Washington State Department of Transportation. January 5, 2021. Retrieved January 9, 2026.
  98. ↑ "Washington State Ferries – Traffic Statistics Rider Segment report, January 1, 2021 thru December 1, 2021" (PDF). Washington State Department of Transportation. January 4, 2022. Retrieved January 9, 2026.
  99. ↑ "Washington State Ferries – Traffic Statistics Rider Segment report, January 1, 2022 thru December 1, 2022" (PDF). Washington State Department of Transportation. January 5, 2023. Retrieved January 9, 2026.
  100. ↑ "Washington State Ferries – Traffic Statistics Rider Segment report, January 1, 2023 thru December 1, 2023" (PDF). Washington State Department of Transportation. January 5, 2024. Retrieved January 9, 2026.
  101. ↑ "Washington State Ferries – Traffic Statistics Rider Segment report, Jan 1, 2024 thru Dec 31, 2024" (PDF). Washington State Department of Transportation. January 5, 2025. Retrieved January 9, 2026.
  102. ↑ Dickens, Matthew; Bonina, Jared (August 2025). "2025 Public Transportation Fact Book (76th Edition)" (PDF). American Public Transportation Association. p. 41. Retrieved January 7, 2026.
  103. ↑ "Annual Report to the British Columbia Ferries Commission, Year Ended March 31, 2025" (PDF). British Columbia Ferry Services Inc. July 2025. p. 17. Retrieved January 9, 2026.
  104. ↑ Lester, Jackson T. (March 2015). A 2015 Comparison of Operational Performance: Washington State Ferries to Ferry Operators Worldwide (PDF) (Technical report). Washington State Department of Transportation. p. 3. Retrieved January 7, 2026.
  105. ↑ McCoy, Sarah (January 2016). "Rough Waters for Washington State Ferries". Marine News . pp. 32–37. Retrieved January 7, 2026.
  106. ↑ "ACS 1-Year Estimates Detailed Tables, Table B08301: Means of Transportation to Work, Bremerton–Silverdale–Port Orchard, WA Metro Area and Seattle–Tacoma–Bellevue, WA Metro Area". American Community Survey . United States Census Bureau . Retrieved January 7, 2026.
  107. 1 2 Deshais, Nicholas (January 24, 2025). "WA sees bump in ferry riders with help from county-run boats". The Seattle Times. Retrieved January 7, 2026.
  108. ↑ "Washington State Ferries – Traffic Statistics Rider Segment report, Jan 1, 2018 thru Dec 31, 2018" (PDF). Washington State Department of Transportation. January 7, 2019. Retrieved January 7, 2026.
  109. ↑ Lin, Peiyu (July 29, 2025). "WSF daily ridership hits a peak not seen since 2019". Kitsap Sun. Retrieved January 7, 2026.
  110. ↑ Deshais, Nicholas (August 29, 2024). "Washington ferries brace for busy Labor Day weekend after rocky summer". The Seattle Times. Retrieved January 7, 2026.
  111. ↑ Deshais, Nicholas (May 23, 2025). "How to prepare for riding a WA ferry this busy Memorial Day weekend". The Seattle Times. Retrieved January 7, 2026.
  112. ↑ "Projected 700,000 sailing through a winter waterland aboard state ferries during final 13 days of the year" (Press release). Washington State Department of Transportation. December 18, 2025. Retrieved January 7, 2026.
  113. ↑ "Ferry Fares & Policies". Washington State Transportation Commission . Retrieved December 30, 2025.
  114. ↑ "WAC 468-300-010: Ferry passenger tolls". Washington Administrative Code . Washington State Legislature. Retrieved December 30, 2025.
  115. ↑ "Ticket information". Washington State Department of Transportation. Retrieved December 30, 2025.
  116. ↑ "Passes". Washington State Department of Transportation. Retrieved December 30, 2025.
  117. ↑ "A new wave for ferry tickets". The Seattle Times. March 19, 2007. Retrieved December 30, 2025.
  118. ↑ Lindblom, Mike (May 2, 2022). "What you need to know about changes coming to the ORCA fare card system". The Seattle Times. Retrieved December 30, 2025.
  119. ↑ Kroman, David (August 10, 2023). "WA ferry fares to increase this fall and next". The Seattle Times. Retrieved December 30, 2025.
  120. ↑ Cornfield, Jerry (June 19, 2025). "Higher fares on the horizon for Washington State Ferries". Cascadia Daily News. Retrieved January 10, 2026.
  121. ↑ Brown, Andrea (April 26, 2024). "$55? That's what a couple will pay on the Edmonds-Kingston ferry". The Everett Herald. Retrieved January 10, 2026.
  122. ↑ Clarridge, Christine (September 30, 2025). "WA state ferries free for people 18 and under starting Saturday". The Seattle Times. Retrieved December 30, 2025.
  123. ↑ Cornfield, Jerry; Goldstein-Street, Jake (December 22, 2025). "Ferguson proposes $3 billion WA transportation budget". The Seattle Times. Retrieved January 6, 2026.
  124. ↑ Groover, Heidi (October 30, 2019). "Car-tab initiative fallout: 'Hunger Games-style' budget fight or 'rethink' of spending priorities?". The Seattle Times. Retrieved December 30, 2025.
  125. 1 2 3 "WSDOT Ferries Division Fleet Guide" (PDF). Washington State Ferries. September 2025. Retrieved January 4, 2026.
  126. 1 2 "Washington State Ferries Service Contingency Plan" (PDF). January 6, 2026. January 2024. p. 5.
  127. ↑ "WSDOT Ferries Division Fleet Guide" (PDF). Washington State Ferries. May 2020. Retrieved May 3, 2024.
  128. ↑ MicNichols, Joshua (May 31, 2024). "A sneak peek at Washington's planned hybrid electric ferries". KUOW. Retrieved January 30, 2025.
  129. ↑ Charnley Eveland, Anne (June 9, 2022). "The MV Spokane ferry celebrates its 50th year; the MV Walla Walla is next in 2023". Walla Walla Union-Bulletin . Retrieved August 5, 2025.
  130. 1 2 Deshais, Nicholas (June 4, 2024). "WA shows off new design for its ferries — now it needs a shipbuilder". The Seattle Times. Retrieved June 5, 2024.
  131. ↑ "Washington State Ferries System Electrification Plan" (PDF). Washington State Department of Transportation. December 2020. Archived from the original (PDF) on October 17, 2021. Retrieved April 23, 2021.
  132. ↑ Geschke, Will (September 2, 2025). "How the Mukilteo-Clinton ferry route will get an electric upgrade". The Everett Herald. Retrieved January 5, 2026.
  133. 1 2 Deshais, Nicholas (July 10, 2025). "WA's first electrified ferry sails, with 2 governors on board". The Seattle Times. Retrieved January 10, 2026.
  134. 1 2 Kroman, David (August 20, 2023). "As Washington's ferry fleet ages, why aren't we building new boats?". The Seattle Times. Retrieved September 7, 2023.
  135. ↑ Deshais, Nicholas (March 6, 2025). "WA Gov. Ferguson delays conversion of ferries to electric power" . Retrieved July 7, 2025.
  136. ↑ Jackson, Sydney (July 7, 2023). "Buttigieg visits Mukilteo for plans to electrify Washington ferries". The Everett Herald. Retrieved January 10, 2026.
  137. ↑ "Ferry system electrification". Washington State Department of Transportation. Archived from the original on November 23, 2021. Retrieved July 2, 2025.
  138. ↑ Lindblom, Mike (January 26, 2023). "What new federal money will mean for WA ferries". The Seattle Times. Retrieved July 2, 2025.
  139. ↑ Banse, Tom (May 31, 2024). "State ferry system goes out to bid for new hybrid-electric vessels". Kitsap Sun. Retrieved July 2, 2025.
  140. ↑ Deshais, Nicholas (July 1, 2025). "Ferguson selects Florida shipbuilder to build WA fleet of electric ferries". The Seattle Times. Retrieved July 2, 2025.
  141. ↑ Pilling, Nathan (February 27, 2019). "Washington State Ferries' oldest ferry Tillikum hits 60 years of service". Kitsap Sun. Retrieved January 4, 2026.
  142. ↑ Welch, Cameron (March 1, 2023). "101-year-old Sidney-Anacortes ferry will not return until 2030". Capital Daily . Retrieved January 6, 2026.
  143. 1 2 Deshais, Nicholas (January 31, 2025). "Retired and notorious ferry Elwha finds a port in Everett". The Seattle Times. Retrieved January 4, 2026.
  144. ↑ Gilmore, Susan (April 25, 2007). "Missing the boats: a look at retired Washington State ferries". The Seattle Times. Retrieved January 4, 2026.
  145. ↑ Furlow, Elizabeth (November 10, 1998). "Ferry Kalakala". HistoryLink. Retrieved January 4, 2026.
  146. ↑ Friedrich, Ed (August 4, 2009). "After 80 Years of Service, Steel Electrics Prepare for One Last Run". Kitsap Sun. Retrieved January 4, 2026.
  147. ↑ Friedrich, Ed (February 18, 2011). "Former Washington State Ferries Skagit, Kalama get new lives in Tanzania". Kitsap Sun. Retrieved January 4, 2026.
  148. 1 2 Deshais, Nicholas (August 17, 2024). "What happens to a retired WA ferry? Elwha, Klahowya about to find out". The Seattle Times. Retrieved January 5, 2026.
  149. ↑ Yardley, William (November 18, 2007). "For Sale From Puget Sound: 2 Fixer-Upper Ferries" . The New York Times. Retrieved January 5, 2026.
  150. 1 2 Banse, Tom (November 24, 2025). "For sale: Two retired state ferries. Dreamers need not apply". The Everett Herald. Retrieved January 5, 2026.
  151. ↑ Pilling, Nathan (December 17, 2021). "Ferry Hyak's whistle lives on at Climate Pledge Arena as a loud bit of history". Kitsap Sun. Retrieved January 5, 2026.
  152. ↑ McGraw, Marcus (March 6, 1998). "MV Governor Joins Great White Fleet". Vineyard Gazette . Retrieved January 5, 2026.
  153. ↑ Ford, Aspen (August 17, 2025). "WA ferries are going hybrid-electric. Disposal of old ones presents problems". The News Tribune . Retrieved January 5, 2026.
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