{{Short description|Public ferry service in Washington, US}} {{About|the ferry system operated on Puget Sound by the state of Washington|ferry systems in Washington state operated by other entities|Ferries in Washington (state)}} {{For|the former ferry in Tennessee|Washington Ferry}} {{Use mdy dates|date=February 2025}} {{Infobox water transit | name = Washington State Ferries | logo = Washington State Ferries logo.svg | logo_size = 175px | image = MV Tacoma at Colman Dock, 2024.jpg | image_size = | caption = {{MV|Tacoma}} at Colman Dock in Downtown Seattle | locale = Washington | waterway = Puget Sound, Salish Sea | transit_type = Ferry | began_operation = {{start date|1951|06|01}} | ended_operation = | system_length = {{convert|185.20|mi|km|abbr=on}}<ref name="FTA-Database"/> | lines = 8 | vessels = 21 | terminals = 20 | ridership = {{American transit ridership|WA Seattle Washington State Ferries total daily}} ({{American transit ridership|dailydate}}){{American transit ridership|dailycitation}} | yearly_ridership = 20,108,545 (2025)<ref name="WSF-Ridership"/> | operator = Washington State Department of Transportation | owner = Washington State Department of Transportation | website = {{URL|https://wsdot.wa.gov/travel/washington-state-ferries}} }}
'''Washington State Ferries''' ('''WSF''') is a public ferry system in the U.S. state of Washington that carries passengers and vehicles. 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 and also comprise a major public transit network in the Seattle metropolitan area. WSF is the largest ferry system in the United States and carried 20.1{{nbsp}}million total riders in 2025, of which 10.7{{nbsp}}million were passengers and 9.4{{nbsp}}million were driving vehicles. The agency carried an average of {{American transit ridership|WA Seattle Washington State Ferries total daily}} per weekday in {{American transit ridership|dailydateasof}}.
The ferry system began operation on June 1, 1951, after the state government acquired routes, vessels, and terminals from the Puget Sound Navigation Company, a private company that had a virtual monopoly on ferries in the region. The company had sold its assets after it was barred from raising fares in the 1940s and was unable to cover rising costs. Under state control, the ferry system was modernized and expanded through the use of custom-built vessels that could carry larger numbers of passengers and vehicles. WSF was originally a division of the Washington State Toll Bridge Authority and was transferred to WSDOT control in 1977.
WSF maintains a fleet of 21 vessels that are able to carry passengers and vehicles. The largest of the fleet is the Jumbo Mark II class, which can carry 1,791 passengers and 202 vehicles. The ferries have a 60-year lifespan and undergo at least one refurbishment during their time in service; they are maintained at a Bainbridge Island facility and inspected by the U.S. Coast Guard. The agency plans to convert existing vessels, which use diesel fuel, to hybrid-electric propulsion and construct new hybrid ferries by 2040. WSF has over 1,500 full-time employees and an annual budget of $354{{nbsp}}million that is primarily funded by fares and the state's gas tax.
==History==
===Predecessors=== [[File:Steamers at the Colman Dock, ca. 1910 - DPLA - b0c27c2e7d40410c04d231548a4eeece (page 1).jpg|thumb|right|Postcard depicting the mosquito fleet at Colman Dock in Seattle, {{circa}} 1910]]
Early transportation in modern-day Western Washington relied primarily on the use of Puget Sound by the indigenous Coast Salish peoples and later settlers in the region.<ref>{{harvp|Williams|2022|pages=69–71}}</ref> The first ferryboat in the region was the ''Fairy'', which operated on a weekly schedule with service from Olympia to Steilacoom, Alki Point, and Seattle. The ''Fairy'' was a sidewheel steamer that carried passengers as well as freight and mail between her introduction in October 1853 and her sinking in October 1857.<ref>{{harvp|Williams|2022|page=75}}</ref><ref>{{harvp|Neal|Janus|2001|page=28}}</ref> As new settlements developed along Puget Sound in the late 19th century, more steamships were brought to serve the region and later formed the "mosquito fleet", a collection of small ferries run by private companies to carry passengers and freight. At its peak on Puget Sound and Lake Washington, the mosquito fleet comprised an estimated 700 to 2,500 vessels, each with an average length of {{convert|100|ft|m}} and capacity of 300 passengers.<ref>{{harvp|Williams|2022|pages=77–78}}</ref><ref>{{harvp|Neal|Janus|2001|page=36}}</ref>
The ferries of the mosquito fleet were also designed to carry horse-drawn carts and later automobiles. The ''City of Seattle'', built in 1888, was the first to carry carts across Elliott Bay; it was followed by the sternwheeler ''Bailey Gatzert'', which was retrofitted in 1920 to add a car elevator.<ref name="Williams-81">{{harvp|Williams|2022|pages=81–82}}</ref> Smaller operators on Puget Sound were gradually consolidated or eliminated due to the cost of converting their fleet to carry automobiles, which left two companies with the majority of routes: the Puget Sound Navigation Company (also known as the Black Ball Line for its flag) and the Kitsap County Transportation Company (KCTC).<ref name="Williams-81"/><ref>{{harvp|Neal|Janus|2001|page=78}}</ref> The Black Ball Line had been founded in 1900 and were among the first to adapt to automobile use, including at their flagship Colman Dock terminal in Downtown Seattle.<ref name="HL-PSN">{{cite web |last=Cipalla |first=Rita |date=April 11, 2023 |title=Puget Sound Navigation Company (1900–1951) |url=https://www.historylink.org/file/22662 |work=HistoryLink |accessdate=January 25, 2026}}</ref> The company had 17 routes and 25 vessels by 1929, when Alexander M. Peabody became its president and general manager. A 33-day strike that began in November 1935 halted all ferry service from five companies, including KCTC but excluding the Black Ball Line, amid a dispute over working conditions and pay.<ref name="HL-PSN"/><ref>{{cite news |date=November 7, 1935 |title=Ferry Crews on Strike! Sound, Lake Walk-out is Ordered by Ship Union |page=1 |work=The Seattle Times}}</ref> The Black Ball Line acquired KCTC for $140,000 in liabilities (equivalent to ${{Format price|{{Inflation|US-GDP|140000|1935}}}} in {{Inflation-year|US-GDP}} dollars){{inflation-fn|US-GDP}} during the strike and continued to buy out other operators to create a near-monopoly on Puget Sound.<ref name="HL-PSN"/><ref name="Neal-81">{{harvp|Neal|Janus|2001|pages=81–83}}</ref>
===Black Ball strikes and shutdowns===
A second major strike lasted for 29 days in May and June 1937 required intervention from the state government, which held regulatory power as the franchiser of ferry routes. Governor Clarence D. Martin announced an agreement with Peabody and the striking union to raise fares in exchange for increased wages and a nine-hour work day.<ref name="Columbia1995">{{cite magazine |last=Scott |first=George W. |date=Spring 1995 |title=The Politics of Transportation |pages=13–19 |work=Columbia: The Magazine of Northwest History |publisher=Washington State Historical Society |volume=9 |issue=1 |url=https://www.washingtonhistory.org/wp-content/uploads/2021/01/1995-v9-n1-final.pdf |issn=0892-3094 |oclc=15149263 |accessdate=January 26, 2026}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |date=June 26, 1937 |title=Services Resume on Some Runs; Rates Up |page=1 |work=The Seattle Times}}</ref> To accommodate a growing demand for modern ferries that could carry automobile traffic, the Black Ball Line acquired 14 vessels from operators in the San Francisco Bay Area between 1937 and 1942 following the completion of the San Francisco–Oakland Bay Bridge.<ref name="Gore-3">{{harvp|Gore|Shipman|1959|pages=3–5}}</ref> By 1942, the Black Ball Line operated 452 daily sailings on 15 routes with a fleet of 23 vessels that were able to carry a total of 22,500 vehicles and 315,000 passengers.<ref name="Williams-81"/><ref name="HL-PSN"/> At the request of the U.S. Navy, Peabody voluntarily lowered fares on the Seattle–Bremerton route by 10{{nbsp}}percent and increased service to assist in worker recruitment for the Puget Sound Naval Shipyard in Bremerton.<ref name="Gore-3"/><ref name="Neal-106">{{harvp|Neal|Janus|2001|pages=84, 106–108}}</ref> The company ran hourly ferries from Seattle to Bremerton on a 24-hour schedule and saw an increase in traffic due to gasoline rationing.<ref name="Williams-81"/><ref name="Neal-106"/> Peabody announced in December 1946 that pre-war fares would be immediately restored and that Black Ball would petition the state government for another fare increase of 30{{nbsp}}percent to cover higher wages.<ref name="HL-PSN"/><ref name="Gore-3"/>
In February 1947, the state government granted temporary approval of the fare increase until a full investigation of the company's finances was conducted; ferry commuters criticized the decision and formed the Northwest Washington Community Council (NWCC), a civic organization that lobbied the state legislature for a government takeover of the ferry system.<ref name="Neal-106"/><ref name="Gore-7">{{harvp|Gore|Shipman|1959|pages=7–9}}</ref> The state legislature authorized the creation of local ferry districts as a compromise that fell short of a full takeover.<ref name="Gore-7"/> A union of Black Ball engineers went on a seven-day strike in March 1947 that completely shut down the ferry system; buses, chartered vessels, small airlines, and the U.S. Navy's amphibious landing ships were enlisted to provide temporary service.<ref name="Columbia1995"/><ref name="Stein-11">{{harvp|Stein|2001|pages=11–14}}</ref> A labor agreement was signed after arbitration from governor Monrad Wallgren and service was restored, but commuter confidence in Black Ball was damaged.<ref name="Stein-11"/> The state government's investigation of Black Ball's finances found that the 30{{nbsp}}percent fare increase requested by the company was "unwarranted" and only granted a 10{{nbsp}}percent increase.<ref name="Columbia1995"/><ref name="Stein-11"/> A partial refund of passenger fares charged during the temporary approval period was also ordered and later upheld by a superior court after Peabody's appeals were rejected.<ref name="Stein-11"/><ref>{{harvp|Gore|Shipman|1959|page=13}}</ref> In response to the court decision, Peabody threatened to cease operations of the Black Ball Line but offered to lease vessels and facilities to the state government for fare compensation, which was rejected.<ref>{{harvp|Stein|2001|page=15}}</ref>
[[File:House Flag of Puget Sound Navigation Company (1927-c.1959).svg|thumb|right|Flag of the Puget Sound Navigation Company (known as the Black Ball Line), adopted in 1927]]
On February 29, 1948, Peabody ordered a full shutdown of the Black Ball fleet after talks with the state government broke down; the company's operating franchise and certificate of public convenience and necessity were subsequently canceled by the state government.<ref>{{harvp|Gore|Shipman|1959|page=17}}</ref><ref name="PI-1986">{{cite news |last=Jacobi |first=Wayne |date=January 8, 1986 |title=Back to the future: Problems today are a repeat of the 1940s |page=C12 |work=Seattle Post-Intelligencer}}</ref> The U.S. Navy resumed its use of landing ships to transport shipyard workers to Bremerton, while pleasure boats and other private ferries were chartered to serve some routes.<ref name="Columbia1995"/><ref>{{harvp|Neal|Janus|2001|pages=115–117}}</ref> The shutdown ended nine days later with an agreement from King County to charter Black Ball to operate the ferry system.<ref name="PI-1986"/> Vashon Island had activated their own ferry district during the shutdown and continued to operate service in defiance of Peabody, whose effigy was hung at the ferry terminal; an attempt by Peabody to land a ferry at the dock to regain his franchise on the Vashon Island route was repelled by vigilantes who wielded blunt weapons, including cue sticks and axe handles.<ref name="KUOW-Rates">{{cite news |last1=McDermott |first1=Kara |last2=Black |first2=Dominic |date=February 18, 2014 |title=Washington State Ferries: Born From A Rates War |url=https://www.kuow.org/stories/washington-state-ferries-born-rates-war/ |publisher=KUOW |accessdate=March 5, 2024}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |last=Stein |first=Alan J. |date=March 19, 2002 |title=Vashon Islanders begin operating their own ferries on March 1, 1948. |url=https://www.historylink.org/file/3731 |work=HistoryLink |accessdate=January 25, 2026}}</ref> The instability of ferry service and a potential state takeover became a key issue in the 1948 gubernatorial election between Wallgren, who sought to purchase the system, and former governor Arthur B. Langlie, who supported condemnation.<ref name="PI-1986"/><ref name="Williams-83">{{harvp|Williams|2022|pages=83–85}}</ref> An offer from the state of $6{{nbsp}}million (equivalent to ${{Format price|{{Inflation|US-GDP|6000000|1948}}}} in {{Inflation-year|US-GDP}} dollars){{inflation-fn|US-GDP}} to purchase Black Ball for its ferries and domestic facilities was accepted by the company's shareholders but expired due to the ongoing election.<ref name="Williams-83"/> A report from the state government released in July 1948 recommended the construction of five toll bridges and state operation of the remaining ferry routes that would not be replaced.<ref name="Columbia1995"/><ref>{{harvp|Gore|Shipman|1959|pages=21–22}}</ref>
===State takeover===
Langlie won the gubernatorial election and submitted two bills to the state legislature during the 1949 session: the first would enable the Washington State Toll Bridge Authority (TBA) to operate or contract a ferry system; and the second would recognize ferry workers' unions and create a permanent arbitration commission for future collective bargaining negotiation.<ref name="Columbia1995"/><ref name="Gore-25">{{harvp|Gore|Shipman|1959|pages=25–26}}</ref> Both bills were signed into law on March 12, 1949.<ref name="Gore-25"/> Peabody was reluctant to lose control of the ferry system and prevented the state government from acquiring land for an alternate public system as well as the proposed Agate Pass Bridge; the state responded with denial of highway access for the facilities and bridge landings.<ref>{{harvp|Stein|2001|page=21}}</ref> Negotiations between the parties had reached a stalemate that was broken by a state supreme court decision in July 1950 that ruled that the state government's Public Service Commission had regulatory jurisdiction to set fare rates.<ref name="Neal-124">{{harvp|Neal|Janus|2001|pages=124–125}}</ref><ref name="Gore-29">{{harvp|Gore|Shipman|1959|pages=29–30}}</ref> Peabody also faced pressure from his bankers to sell the system.<ref name="HL-PSN"/> On December 30, 1950, Langlie announced that the state government had agreed to acquire most of Black Ball's ferry routes, 16 vessels, and 20 terminals and would take over operations in six months' time.<ref name="History-1981">{{cite web |author=Legislative Transportation Committee |date=July 14, 1981 |title=Historical overview of the Washington State Ferry System |pages=3–8, C{{hyphen}}3 |publisher=Washington State Legislature |url=https://cdm16977.contentdm.oclc.org/digital/collection/p16977coll13/id/2217/rec/1 |via=WSDOT Library Digital Collections |accessdate=March 5, 2024}}</ref> The $4.944{{nbsp}}million purchase (equivalent to ${{Format price|{{Inflation|US-GDP|4944499|1950}}}} in {{Inflation-year|US-GDP}} dollars){{inflation-fn|US-GDP}} by the TBA was financed through a bond issue that also covered the cost of rehabilitating vessels and facilities.<ref name="Gore-29"/><ref name="PI-1950">{{cite news |date=December 31, 1950 |title=State Will Buy Black Ball Lines For $4,944,499 |page=1 |work=Seattle Post-Intelligencer}}</ref> Black Ball retained five ferries and the right to operate its remaining route between Seattle, Port Angeles, and Victoria, British Columbia.<ref name="History-1981"/><ref name="HL-Launch">{{cite web |last=Stein |first=Alan J. |date=January 20, 2003 |title=Washington State Ferries begins operations on June 1, 1951. |url=https://www.historylink.org/File/5081 |work=HistoryLink |accessdate=March 15, 2008}}</ref>
The Black Ball flag was lowered at sundown on May 31, 1951,<ref>{{cite news |last=Duncan |first=Don |date=November 27, 1983 |title=Book offers a cruise through our history |page=F11 |work=The Seattle Times}}</ref> and the final run for the company's domestic routes was completed by {{MV|Enetai}} in Bremerton at 2:30{{nbsp}}a.m. the following morning.<ref name="Columbia1995"/><ref name="Stein-25">{{harvp|Stein|2001|pages=24–26}}</ref> Washington State Ferries took over operations on June 1, with the first run at 5:20{{nbsp}}a.m. on {{MV|Vashon}} between Lofall and South Point across the Hood Canal.<ref name="Stein-25"/><ref name="PI-Nelson1951">{{cite news |last=Nelson |first=Stub |date=June 1, 1951 |title=Ferry System Transfer To Take Place Friday |page=7 |work=Seattle Post-Intelligencer}}</ref> The new system, headquartered in Peabody's former offices at Colman Dock, retained most of Black Ball's existing schedules and 600 of the company's employees.<ref name="Stein-25"/><ref>{{cite news |date=June 6, 1951 |title=Evergreen-Tree Flag Flies Over Ferries |page=27 |work=The Seattle Times}}</ref> In the following months, the 16 vessels purchased from Black Ball had their stacks repainted from red and black to green to mark the state's ownership;<ref name="Stein-25"/><ref name="PI-Nelson1951"/> the ferries also switched to a single, long blast of their foghorns instead of the previous three-blast sequence, which was restored in 1958.<ref name="Stein-25"/><ref>{{harvp|Neal|Janus|2001|page=128}}</ref> The fare schedule was initially left unchanged and Washington State Ferries continued to honor commuter tickets purchased from Black Ball;<ref>{{cite news |date=May 31, 1951 |title=Ceremonies To Mark State's Ferry Venture |page=25 |work=The Seattle Times}}</ref> the fare increases rejected by the state government were rolled back for future use and the partial refunds that had been issued in 1947 were retired.<ref name="Neal-124"/> 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.<ref name="History-1981"/>
In the first year of state operation, the ferries carried 4.75{{nbsp}}million passengers, an increase of 6.8{{nbsp}}percent from the final year of Black Ball ownership, and 1.93{{nbsp}}million vehicles.<ref name="Gilman1954">{{cite report |author=W. C. Gilman & Company |date=August 25, 1954 |title=Washington State Ferries: Report on Operations, June 1, 1951 to June 30, 1954 |pages=2, 13–15, 18 |url=https://cdm16977.contentdm.oclc.org/digital/collection/p16977coll13/id/4909/ |publisher=Washington State Ferries |via=WSDOT Library Digital Collections |accessdate=January 27, 2026}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |date=June 28, 1952 |title=Slash in Ferry Rates Planned |page=9 |work=Seattle Post-Intelligencer}}</ref> Fares on the ferry routes were reduced in July 1952 as a result of increased patronage and operational changes made under the TBA.<ref>{{cite news |last=Cunningham |first=Ross |date=July 16, 1952 |title=State Cuts Sound and San Juan Ferry Fares |page=1 |work=The Seattle Times}}</ref> The first fare increase—up to 10 cents for passengers and 20 cents for vehicles—went into effect in January 1955 to cover higher wages.<ref>{{cite news |date=December 31, 1954 |title=All Ferry Fares Up Next Month |page=1 |work=The Bremerton Sun |url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/kitsap-sun-all-ferry-fares-up-next-month/190004836/ |via=Newspapers.com |accessdate=January 27, 2026}}</ref> Several fare increases followed, including a 32{{nbsp}}percent hike, to keep pace with pension contributions for ferry workers as well as maintenance needs.<ref>{{harvp|Neal|Janus|2001|page=134}}</ref> The first gas tax subsidy for the ferry system was appropriated by the state legislature in 1959 to pay for interest on the bonds issued earlier in the decade.<ref name="History-1981"/> The state government had envisioned a series of bridges across Puget Sound built by the TBA to connect the Kitsap Peninsula that would largely replace the need for ferries by the 1960s. The first proposal, which would traverse Vashon Island and incorporate a floating bridge to Fauntleroy in West Seattle, was left unfunded by the state legislature in the 1959 session.<ref name="PI-1986"/><ref name="Williams-83"/> Most of the other bridges were ultimately never built due to local opposition and left the ferry system as the primary means of crossing Puget Sound for vehicles.<ref name="PI-1986"/><ref name="Stein-35">{{harvp|Stein|2001|pages=35–37, 41}}</ref> The Hood Canal Bridge, opened in August 1961, replaced the Lofall–South Point ferry and is the last major crossing built across Puget Sound.<ref>{{harvp|Stein|2001|pages=39–40}}</ref> Revenue from the bridge's tolls was used to cover annual debt service payments for the earlier bonds issued by the TBA for the ferry system.<ref name="WSF-Pamhplet1971">{{cite web |year=1971 |title=Washington State Ferries—From small beginnings to the finest ferry fleet in the nation |pages=10, 12–14 |publisher=Washington State Toll Bridge Authority |url=https://cdm16977.contentdm.oclc.org/digital/collection/p16977coll13/id/570 |via=WSDOT Library Digital Collections |accessdate=January 28, 2026}}</ref>
===Fleet expansion and financial issues=== thumb|right|{{MV|Evergreen State}}, the first new vessel built for Washington State Ferries
The initial Washington State Ferries fleet primarily comprised vessels that were acquired from Black Ball that ranged from small steamships and wooden ships to larger ferries that ran on diesel power; most were designed for smaller vehicles and would need to be expanded, renovated, or replace to handle the needs of a modern system.<ref name="HL-PSN"/><ref name="Stein-29">{{harvp|Stein|2001|pages=29–31}}</ref> Three other vessels had been acquired from other sources: the ''Leschi'' from the King County Ferry District; and two ferries owned by the Department of Highways and used on the Tacoma Narrows crossing until 1950.<ref name="Stein-29"/> Beginning in 1952, the TBA issued five rounds of new bonds to finance the renovation of terminals and acquisition of ten vessels that could carry 60 to 100 vehicles.<ref name="History-1981"/><ref>{{cite news |date=June 1, 1951 |title=State Takes Over Control of Ferry Lines |page=1 |work=Seattle Post-Intelligencer}}</ref> Two ferries were purchased from the Claiborne–Annapolis Ferry Company in Maryland and underwent retrofitting in Seattle until they were rechristened ''Olympic'' and ''Rhododendron'' in 1953.<ref name="Stein-35"/> The three ''Evergreen State''-class ferries were the first new vessels built for Washington State Ferries and the system's largest, each able to carry 1,000 passengers and 100 vehicles. They were built from 1954 to 1959 using three surplus electric drive motors from decommissioned U.S. Navy destroyer escorts.<ref name="Stein-35"/><ref>{{cite news |last=Brown |first=Andrea |date=February 15, 2022 |title=He's the guy who bought a boat — a big old $290,000 state ferry |url=https://www.heraldnet.com/news/hes-the-guy-who-bought-a-boat-a-big-old-290000-state-ferry/ |work=The Everett Herald |accessdate=January 27, 2026}}</ref> The first vessel, {{MV|Evergreen State}}, abandoned the indigenous names that had been used by Black Ball since the 1930s; the proposed names for the second and third vessels were scrapped in favor of a return to indigenous names in 1958 after public outcry.<ref name="Stein-35"/>
From 1951 to 1955, most of the terminals and slips used and owned by the ferry system were renovated and rebuilt with funding from bond issues.<ref>{{cite report |last=McDowell |first=F. J. |date=January 1, 1956 |title=Analysis of Operations of Washington State Ferries |pages=69–76 |publisher=Washington State Department of Highways |url=https://cdm16977.contentdm.oclc.org/digital/collection/p16977coll13/id/2340/ |via=WSDOT Library Digital Collections |accessdate=January 27, 2026}}</ref> New terminals in Edmonds, Kingston, and Mukilteo were built by local port districts with improved vehicle loading capabilities and leased back to the state government.<ref name="Gilman1954"/> Washington State Ferries opened a dedicated maintenance facility at Eagle Harbor on Bainbridge Island in 1964 after it purchased an existing ship repair yard.<ref name="Neal-137">{{harvp|Neal|Janus|2001|pages=137–138}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |date=January 3, 1964 |title=State Ferries' Maintenance Shops Moving |page=31 |work=Seattle Post-Intelligencer}}</ref> The system's flagship terminal, Colman Dock in Seattle, underwent an extensive renovation that was completed in May 1966 at a cost of $3{{nbsp}}million (equivalent to ${{Format price|{{Inflation|US-GDP|3000000|1966}}}} in {{Inflation-year|US-GDP}} dollars).{{inflation-fn|US-GDP}} The passenger waiting area was replaced by a two-story building connected to two slips that were wide enough to load two vehicles at a time.<ref>{{cite news |last=Page |first=Don |date=May 19, 1966 |title=Dedication Day at Ferry Terminal |page=6 |work=Seattle Post-Intelligencer}}</ref><ref name="Stein-41">{{harvp|Stein|2001|pages=41–42}}</ref> Washington State Ferries commissioned the construction of its next large vessels, the {{convert|382|ft|m|adj=mid}} Super class, to replace a set of retired Black Ball ferries that had become too costly to maintain. The four Super class ferries, designed to travel at {{convert|20|kn|mph kph}}, carried over 2,000 passengers and 160 vehicles when they debuted in 1966 and 1967.<ref name="Stein-41"/> The first on-board galley on Washington State Ferries opened in 1967.<ref name="PI-Food2003">{{cite news |last=Buchanan |first=Wyatt |date=December 27, 2003 |title=A move to save ferry food service |page=B1 |work=Seattle Post-Intelligencer}}</ref> The ferry system carried over 5{{nbsp}}million passengers and nearly 4.8{{nbsp}}million vehicles across all its routes in 1968.<ref>{{cite web |year=1974 |title=Washington State Ferries Comparative Yearly Traffic Statistics, January 1 Through December 31 (1968 – 1967) |page=2 |publisher=Washington State Ferries |url=https://cdm16977.contentdm.oclc.org/digital/collection/p16977coll13/id/4079/ |via=WSDOT Library Digital Collections |accessdate=January 27, 2026}}</ref> The last remaining steam-powered ferry on the West Coast, {{SS|San Mateo}}, was retired from the state ferry system in 1969 and later designated as a historic landmark.<ref>{{cite news |last=Demoro |first=Harre W. |author-link=Harre W. Demoro |date=August 21, 1989 |title=End of the Line for Old Ferry |page=A6 |work=San Francisco Chronicle |url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/san-francisco-chronicle-end-of-the-line/190005480/ |via=Newspapers.com |accessdate=January 27, 2026}}</ref>
The aging roster of former Black Ball vessels, along with a slow replacement schedule, contributed to increased operating costs for the ferry system during the 1960s. Some of the capital costs were covered with subsidies from the state government and grants from the federal government, but were still insufficient to continue replacement of vessels that were too small to handle increased automobile traffic.<ref>{{cite news |last=Haigh |first=John |date=June 22, 1969 |title=Washington State Ferries: As Boats Get Older, What's to Be Done? |department=Sunday Magazine |page=10 |work=The Seattle Times}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |last=Wells |first=Jay |date=June 1, 1969 |title=Legislative Inaction Makes Future Dim For Ferry Riders |page=26 |work=The Seattle Times}}</ref> The TBA raised fares for three consecutive years at the end of the decade to balance the system's budget and later reduced overnight sailings to save costs.<ref>{{cite news |date=June 12, 1970 |title=State Ferries Need No Fare Increase |page=26 |work=Seattle Post-Intelligencer |agency=United Press International}}</ref><ref name="Demoro-122">{{harvp|Demoro|1971|page=122}}</ref> The Department of Highways commissioned a study of further cost savings measures, including route consolidations and bridge construction to replace short ferries.<ref name="Neal-139">{{harvp|Neal|Janus|2001|pages=139–140}}</ref> The replacement of automobile ferries on the Seattle–Bremerton route with passenger-only vessels was suggested, along with a new bridge to connect Bainbridge Island to the Kitsap Peninsula.<ref>{{cite news |last=Ferguson |first=Adele |date=August 3, 1972 |title=Ferry Alternatives Met With Grumbles |page=1 |work=The Bremerton Sun |url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/kitsap-sun-ferry-alternatives-met-with-g/188359005/ |via=Newspapers.com |accessdate=January 28, 2026}}</ref> The final study did not find large cost savings in route consolidations or replacement with passenger-only sailings;<ref>{{cite news |last=Ferguson |first=Adele |date=November 17, 1972 |title=Ferry Consolidation Not Recommended Now |page=1 |work=The Bremerton Sun |url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/kitsap-sun-ferry-consolidation-not-recom/190315481/ |via=Newspapers.com |accessdate=January 31, 2026}}</ref> the state legislature did not take up the proposal and instead allocated a portion of gas tax revenue for operations and maintenance of the ferries, as well as debt and interest payments for the bonds, in 1972.<ref name="Demoro-122"/><ref>{{cite news |last=Ferguson |first=Adele |date=February 21, 1972 |title=Evans Signs Gas Tax For Ferries Into Law |page=1 |work=The Bremerton Sun |url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/kitsap-sun-evans-signs-gas-tax-for-ferri/190315509/ |via=Newspapers.com |accessdate=January 31, 2026}}</ref>
Washington State Ferries financed the construction of its two largest vessels—the {{convert|440|ft|m|adj=mid}} Jumbo class—with gas tax revenue and placed an order with Todd Shipyards in Seattle.<ref name="Demoro-122"/><ref>{{cite news |last=Ferguson |first=Adele |date=April 30, 1971 |title='Delighted' Evans Says Todd Will Build Two New Ferries |page=2 |work=The Bremerton Sun |url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/kitsap-sun-delighted-evans-says-todd-w/190315606/ |via=Newspapers.com |accessdate=January 31, 2026}}</ref> Both vessels entered service in 1973 and were able to carry up to 2,000 passengers and 206 vehicles.<ref>{{harvp|Neal|Janus|2001|page=137}}</ref> The ferry system eliminated several of its mid-day sailings and tied up one of the new Jumbo class vessels as part of fuel rationing measures at the onset of petroleum shortages and price hikes in late 1973.<ref>{{cite news |last=Ferguson |first=Adele |date=December 11, 1973 |title=State OK's Slower Ferry Plan |page=1 |work=The Bremerton Sun |url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/kitsap-sun-state-oks-slower-ferry-plan/190316473/ |via=Newspapers.com |accessdate=January 31, 2026}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |last=Page |first=Don |date=November 15, 1973 |title=Ferry Cuts in Works; Suit to Fight 50 mph |page=A1 |work=Seattle Post-Intelligencer}}</ref> The federal government imposed controls on fuel use in November 1973 and released {{convert|80,000|USgal}} for use that month by Washington State Ferries after a request was made.<ref>{{cite news |last=Broatch |first=Linda |date=November 28, 1973 |title=Ferries Still Running |page=1 |work=The Bremerton Sun |url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/kitsap-sun-ferries-still-running/190363298/ |via=Newspapers.com |accessdate=February 1, 2026}}</ref> The Jumbo ferries also used only two of their four engines during off-peak sailings and slowed their speed to {{convert|15|kn|mph kph}} instead of the normal {{convert|20|kn|mph kph}}.<ref>{{cite news |last=Page |first=Don |date=January 25, 1974 |title='Big E' on the Move—Double W, Too |page=B8 |work=Seattle Post-Intelligencer}}</ref> The ferry system's fuel contract with Mobil Oil had increased from 15{{nbsp}}cents in 1973 to 34{{nbsp}}cents in 1977—totaling $4.5{{nbsp}}million annually (equivalent to ${{Format price|{{Inflation|US-GDP|4500000|1977}}}} in {{Inflation-year|US-GDP}} dollars).{{inflation-fn|US-GDP}}<ref>{{cite news |date=June 20, 1973 |title=5% Boost in Ferry Rates Considered |page=A3 |work=Seattle Post-Intelligencer}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |last=Maier |first=Scott |date=November 30, 1977 |title=Fill 'er up? Fuel big item for jumbo ferry |page=B10 |work=The Seattle Times}}</ref> By 1979, the fuel rate had increased to 55{{nbsp}}cents per gallon and shortages resulted in the use of market prices for additional fuel at a cost of 62{{nbsp}}cents per gallon.<ref>{{cite news |date=July 18, 1979 |title=Ferry rates to rise at least 8 percent |page=C12 |work=The Seattle Times |agency=Associated Press}}</ref>
The ferry system added a new route, between Port Townsend and Keystone on Whidbey Island, in June 1974. It replaced a seasonal service run by a private company that had relinquished its franchise and sold its facilities to the state government.<ref>{{cite news |date=June 7, 1974 |title=Keystone ferry run launched |page=A2 |work=The Everett Herald |url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-daily-herald-keystone-ferry-run-laun/142787110/ |via=Newspapers.com |accessdate=March 5, 2024}}</ref> The new Port Townsend terminal would later be served by a temporary route from Edmonds during the reconstruction of the Hood Canal Bridge after a portion collapsed in 1979.<ref name="Stein-45">{{harvp|Stein|2001|pages=45–46}}</ref> The ferry system increased passenger and vehicle fares several times in the late 1970s and early 1980s to compensate for increased wage and fuel costs.<ref name="History-1981"/><ref name="Stein-45"/> A summer vehicle surcharge of 20{{nbsp}}percent was introduced for the first time in 1979.<ref>{{cite news |date=June 14, 1979 |title=Surcharges to increase ferry rates Sunday |page=H1 |work=The Seattle Times}}</ref> The increase in workers' wages came in response to several strikes by unions from 1976 to 1981, including a walkout by members of the International Organization of Masters, Mates & Pilots in September 1976.<ref name="Neal-141">{{harvp|Neal|Janus|2001|pages=141–143}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |last=Page |first=Don |date=September 4, 1976 |title=No Ferries Despite Order |page=A1 |work=Seattle Post-Intelligencer}}</ref>
===Passenger routes and larger vessels===
The TBA and several other state agencies were consolidated into the new Washington State Department of Transportation (WSDOT), established on September 21, 1977.<ref>{{cite web |last=Oldham |first=Kit |date=March 15, 2005 |title=Legislature creates Washington State Department of Transportation (WSDOT) effective September 21, 1977. |url=https://www.historylink.org/File/7274 |work=HistoryLink |accessdate=February 1, 2026}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |last=Mertena |first=Bill |date=September 19, 1977 |title=Want to roll dice for drinks? It's OK as of tomorrow |page=A14 |work=The Seattle Times |agency=Associated Press}}</ref> Some of the oversight powers for Washington State Ferries, including fare decisions, were vested in the new Washington State Transportation Commission, which is appointed by the governor.<ref name="Neal-139"/><ref>{{cite web |date=April 2004 |title=Guide to the Records of the Washington Toll Bridge Authority |page=8 |url=https://www.sos.wa.gov/sites/default/files/2022-05/Washington-Toll-Bridge-Authority-1937-1977.pdf |publisher=Washington State Archives |accessdate=February 16, 2025}}</ref> The six conventional-sized vessels of the ''Issaquah'' class were ordered by WSDOT in 1978 to serve shorter routes that would not be suitable for larger classes.<ref name="Neal-141"/> They were the first vessels to use computerized controls, but suffered from glitches and power failures that led to several dock rammings when they entered service in the early 1980s.<ref name="Stein-45"/><ref>{{cite news |last=Whitely |first=Peyton |date=December 8, 1981 |title=New ferry tests started after brief dispute |page=A1 |work=The Seattle Times}}</ref> A lawsuit between the state government and the builder of the ''Issaquah'' class was settled out of court in 1985; the computerized control systems on the vessels were later replaced.<ref name="Neal-141"/><ref>{{cite news |last=Bailey |first=Gil |date=November 12, 1988 |title=Ferry system sees $682,000 go down the drain |page=B1 |work=Seattle Post-Intelligencer}}</ref> Several of the ferry system's oldest vessels, including the Steel Electrics and ''Rhododendron'', were refurbished and remained in service due to the issues with the ''Issaquah'' class.<ref name="Stein-45"/>
In 1985, Washington State Ferries announced plans to launch its first permanent passenger-only routes, which would connect Colman Dock in Downtown Seattle to Bremerton and Vashon Island. The program would replace the need to order two more automobile ferries and was funded by a portion of the state legislature's 1977 bonds that financed the ''Issaquah'' class.<ref>{{cite news |last=Bailey |first=Gil |date=May 7, 1985 |title=State plans extra ferry runs carrying people but no autos |page=D1 |work=Seattle Post-Intelligencer}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |date=February 1, 1985 |title=Vashon-Seattle ferries for people only proposed |page=C5 |work=Seattle Post-Intelligencer}}</ref> The agency previously trialed the use of a Boeing Jetfoil, a passenger-only hydrofoil, for seven weeks in 1978 but ultimately decided to acquire conventional catamarans instead.<ref>{{cite news |last=Deshais |first=Nicholas |date=February 16, 2025 |title=Boeing-built hydrofoils once skimmed across Puget Sound |url=https://www.seattletimes.com/seattle-news/transportation/boeing-built-hydrofoils-once-skimmed-across-puget-sound/ |work=The Seattle Times |accessdate=January 15, 2026}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |last=Young |first=Caroline |date=August 24, 1984 |title=Jetfoil will ply Seattle to B.C. route |page=B6 |work=Seattle Post-Intelligencer}}</ref> The first passenger-only service, between Bremerton and Seattle, began in October 1986 using the {{MV|Express}}, a catamaran with 245 seats that was acquired from a tour company. The scheduled travel time for the service was 30{{nbsp}}minutes, compared to nearly 60{{nbsp}}minutes for the normal automobile ferries on the route.<ref>{{cite news |last=Bailey |first=Gil |date=October 15, 1986 |title='The wave of the future' debuts today |page=A1 |work=Seattle Post-Intelligencer}}</ref> The ''Express'' (later renamed ''Tyee'')<ref name="Stein-45"/> was struck by engine and mechanical issues in her first years of state operation; in 1988, the state government ordered the construction of two new catamarans to expand service and relegate the older vessel to backup status.<ref>{{cite news |last=Bailey |first=Gil |date=July 20, 1988 |title=Repaired ferry returning to service |page=B4 |work=Seattle Post-Intelligencer}}</ref><ref name="PI-Passenger1989">{{cite news |last=Bailey |first=Gil |date=August 3, 1989 |title=Passenger ferries ready when money is there |page=B2 |work=Seattle Post-Intelligencer}}</ref> The ''Tyee'' was used by several heads of state, including U.S. president Bill Clinton, during the 1993 APEC summit on Blake Island.<ref>{{cite news |last=Goldsmith |first=Steven |date=November 17, 1993 |title=Of ferries, tight security and parties |page=A6 |work=Seattle Post-Intelligencer}}</ref>
The operation of the Bremerton and Vashon Island passenger-only routes was to be funded by a gas tax increase in 1989, but a legislative dispute led to the suspension of service and a delayed debut for the two new vessels.<ref name="PI-Passenger1989"/> The three ferries were loaned to the San Francisco Bay Ferry system in October 1989 after the Loma Prieta earthquake caused a section of the San Francisco–Oakland Bay Bridge to collapse.<ref>{{cite news |last=Dietrich |first=Bill |date=December 20, 1989 |title=In S.F., our boats are ferry well-received |page=A1 |work=The Seattle Times}}</ref> They returned to the Seattle area in January 1990.<ref>{{cite news |last=Demoro |first=Harre W. |date=January 19, 1990 |title=Ferries Returning To Washington |page=A3 |work=San Francisco Chronicle}}</ref> The Bremerton passenger-only ferry resumed on April 23, 1990, with service from the new {{MV|Skagit}}; the Seattle–Vashon Island route debuted on the same day using {{MV|Kalama}}. The two vessels, each able to carry 250 passengers per trip, were at standing-room only capacity on many runs and had a total ridership of 11,000 passengers in their first week.<ref>{{cite news |last=Bailey |first=Gil |date=May 2, 1990 |title=It's standing room only: Passenger-only ferry service successful—despite bruises |page=B2 |work=Seattle Post-Intelligencer}}</ref> Property owners on Rich Passage, which lies on the western half of the Bremerton route, accused the ferry system of damaging their beaches with the increased wake from the catamarans at full speed. Both of the new ferries were moved to the Vashon Island route and replaced by the slower ''Tyee'' until the new {{MV|Chinook}}, designed for low-wake use at a maximum speed of {{convert|40|kn|mph kph}}, entered service in 1998.<ref>{{cite news |last=Lange |first=Larry |date=May 16, 1998 |title=New passenger ferry tests the waters |page=B1 |work=Seattle Post-Intelligencer}}</ref><ref name="Sun-Demise">{{cite news |last=King |first=Niki |date=September 20, 2003 |title=Riders mourn demise of foot ferry service |page=A1 |work=Kitsap Sun |url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/kitsap-sun-riders-mourn-demise-of-foot-f/188356891/ |via=Newspapers.com |accessdate=January 6, 2026}}</ref> A county judge issued an injunction in 1999 to reduce the speed of the ''Chinook'' to {{convert|12|kn|mph kph}}, which lengthened the Bremerton run to 50 minutes, in response to a lawsuit that sought financial compensation from wake damage on Rich Passage.<ref>{{cite news |last1=Foster |first1=George |last2=Slivka |first2=Judd |date=July 28, 1999 |title=Commuters feel ruling leaves them high, dry |page=A1 |work=Seattle Post-Intelligencer}}</ref>
The ferry system ordered the construction of their largest class, the Jumbo Mark II, in 1992 at a cost of $248.8{{nbsp}}million (equivalent to ${{Format price|{{Inflation|US-GDP|248800000|1992}}}} in {{Inflation-year|US-GDP}} dollars){{inflation-fn|US-GDP}} for three vessels. They are {{convert|460|ft|m}} long with a capacity of 2,500 passengers and 218 vehicles.<ref>{{cite news |last=Foster |first=George |date=August 19, 1997 |title=State gets new ferry Tacoma—five years late |page=B1 |work=Seattle Post-Intelligencer}}</ref> The first of the class, {{MV|Tacoma}}, entered service in 1997 and was followed by {{MV|Puyallup}} and {{MV|Wenatchee}} in 1999.<ref>{{cite news |last=Friedrich |first=Ed |date=January 17, 1999 |title=Kingston in line for new boat |page=A3 |work=The Sun |url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/kitsap-sun-kingston-in-line-for-new-boat/190398751/ |via=Newspapers.com |accessdate=February 1, 2026}}</ref> Washington voters approved Initiative 695 in November 1999, which reduced most of the motor vehicle excise tax used to fund 22{{nbsp}}percent of ferry operations and 77{{nbsp}}percent of capital projects.<ref name="Times-Garber2008">{{cite news |last=Garber |first=Andrew |date=May 18, 2008 |title=How Washington's ferry system got into a mess with no easy fix in sight |page=A1 |url=https://www.seattletimes.com/seattle-news/how-washingtons-ferry-system-got-into-a-mess-with-no-easy-fix-in-sight/ |work=The Seattle Times |accessdate=February 2, 2026}}</ref> The initiative was later invalidated by the state supreme court, but the tax reduction was instituted by the state legislature in the 2000 session.<ref>{{cite news |last=George |first=Hunter T. |date=October 26, 2000 |title=I-695 may be history, but effects will linger |url=https://www.heraldnet.com/news/i-695-may-be-history-but-effects-will-linger/ |work=The Everett Herald |agency=Associated Press |accessdate=February 2, 2026}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |last=Tu |first=Janet I. |date=June 1, 2001 |title=Vashon Islanders symbolize love-hate relationship with ferries as they turn 50 |url=https://archive.seattletimes.com/archive/20010601/ferries01m/vashon-islanders-symbolize-love-hate-relationship-with-ferries-as-they-turn-50 |work=The Seattle Times |accessdate=February 2, 2026}}</ref> Renovations to several terminals and further expansion of the passenger-only ferries to Kingston and Southworth were scrapped as a result of the funding cuts.<ref name="PI-50Years">{{cite news |last=Lange |first=Larry |date=June 1, 2001 |title=50 years of ferry progress: Better coffee, higher fares |page=B1 |work=Seattle Post-Intelligencer}}</ref> Mid-day and late-night service on several routes was reduced in June 2000 to address a $5.8{{nbsp}}million shortfall (equivalent to ${{Format price|{{Inflation|US-GDP|5800000|2000}}}} in {{Inflation-year|US-GDP}} dollars){{inflation-fn|US-GDP}} in the appropriated budget.<ref>{{cite news |last=Foster |first=George |date=June 22, 2000 |title=Cuts in ferry schedules anger Vashon Islanders |page=B3 |work=Seattle Post-Intelligencer}}</ref> In June 2001, fares were increased by an average of 20{{nbsp}}percent—and as high as 76{{nbsp}}percent for passenger-only routes—to cover a deficit in the operating budget; a series of increases was then intended to bring farebox recovery from 60{{nbsp}}percent to 80{{nbsp}}percent.<ref name="PI-50Years"/><ref>{{cite news |last1=Foster |first1=George |last2=Lange |first2=Larry |date=May 4, 2001 |title=Ferry riders walking, and driving, into big fare boost |page=A1 |url=https://www.seattlepi.com/local/transportation/article/ferry-riders-walking-and-driving-into-big-fare-1053860.php |work=Seattle Post-Intelligencer |accessdate=February 2, 2026}}</ref> The Bremerton passenger-only route ceased service on September 19, 2003;<ref name="Sun-Demise"/> the Seattle–Vashon route received emergency funding to operate for at least two more years.<ref>{{cite news |last=Murakami |first=Kery |date=June 19, 2003 |title=Plan would reduce foot ferries |page=B1 |work=Seattle Post-Intelligencer}}</ref> The King County Ferry District, a new special district, took over the Vashon route in September 2009 using separate vessels after financing the final year of state service.<ref name="Times-VashonFoot"/><ref>{{cite news |last=Sunde |first=Scott |date=April 9, 2009 |title=Feds ask to fund ferry buy for King County |url=https://www.seattlepi.com/local/transportation/article/feds-ask-to-fund-ferry-buy-for-king-county-1303224.php |work=Seattle Post-Intelligencer |accessdate=February 2, 2026}}</ref>
===Fare increases and vessel replacements=== [[File:MV Chetzemoka approaching Tahlequah, Vashon, WA ferry dock 04.jpg|thumb|right|{{MV|Chetzemoka}}, the first Kwa-di Tabil class ferry, at the Tahlequah ferry terminal on Vashon Island]]
The ferry system began a program of annual fare increases to fund more of its operating budget, which had been improved with a gas tax adjustment passed by the state legislature in 2003. Several routes had service reduced during the winter months, including a seasonal suspension of international trips to Sidney, British Columbia.<ref name="PI-Service2003">{{cite news |last=Murakami |first=Kery |date=December 9, 2003 |title=Chipping away at ferry service 'isn't easy' |page=B1 |url=https://www.seattlepi.com/local/transportation/article/chipping-away-at-ferry-service-isn-t-easy-1131646.php |work=Seattle Post-Intelligencer |accessdate=February 2, 2026}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |last=Gilmore |first=Susan |date=December 19, 2002 |title=Passenger-only ferries may end; Elimination of other runs also proposed in overhaul of state system's finances |page=A1 |work=The Seattle Times}}</ref> The agency also sought to increase their non-fare revenue through an expansion of restaurants at Colman Dock, construction of a paid parking lot at the Anacortes terminal, and renegotiated contracts for the on-board galley and vending machines.<ref name="PI-Service2003"/><ref>{{cite news |last=Galloway |first=Angela |date=September 9, 2004 |title=State ferry system chief announces resignation |page=B2 |url=https://www.seattlepi.com/local/transportation/article/state-ferry-system-chief-announces-resignation-1153703.php |work=Seattle Post-Intelligencer |accessdate=February 2, 2026}}</ref> Sodexho terminated their contract with the ferry system in January 2004 and left the system without on-board galley and food service.<ref>{{cite news |last=Friedrich |first=Ed |date=January 1, 2004 |title=The kitchen is closed |page=A1 |work=Kitsap Sun |url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/kitsap-sun-the-kitchen-is-closed/190467292/ |via=Newspapers.com |accessdate=February 2, 2026}}</ref> A consortium of local suppliers won bids for the contract and negotiated with unions to restore food service beginning with the Fauntleroy–Vashon–Southworth route in October 2004; a full rollout of the new galleys was completed the following year.<ref>{{cite news |last=King |first=Niki |date=October 13, 2004 |title=Ferry riders sink teeth into return of food |page=A1 |work=Kitsap Sun |url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/kitsap-sun-ferry-riders-sink-teeth-into/190467216/ |via=Newspapers.com |accessdate=February 2, 2026}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |date=July 15, 2005 |title=Food service returns to Washington State Ferries |page=C3 |work=Peninsula Daily News |agency=Associated Press |url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/peninsula-daily-news-food-service-return/190467567/ |via=Newspapers.com |accessdate=February 2, 2026}}</ref> The ferries were switched to low-sulfur diesel fuel beginning in July 2004 to comply with updated federal pollution mandates;<ref>{{cite news |last=Dibble |first=Dana |date=July 4, 2004 |title=Green fever: Catch it on a roadway nearby or on the waters of Elliott Bay |page=C4 |work=The Seattle Times}}</ref> a trial of B20 biodiesel was halted after crews reported issues with filtration in fuel tanks exposed to cold conditions.<ref>{{cite news |last=Andersen |first=Peggy |date=November 24, 2005 |title=Biodiesel use highest in Puget Sound |page=E4 |work=Peninsula Daily News |agency=Associated Press |url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/peninsula-daily-news-biodiesel-use-highe/190468109/ |via=Newspapers.com |accessdate=February 2, 2026}}</ref>
Plans to construct five conventional ferries, each {{convert|342|ft|m}} long and able to carry up to 1,200 passengers and 130 vehicles, were announced in early 2005. They were intended to replace the ''Rhodenderon'' and the four Steel Electric ferries that had been in service on the West Coast since 1927 and were primarily assigned to the San Juan Islands and Port Townsend–Keystone routes.<ref>{{cite news |date=February 12, 2005 |title=New ferries, new security coming |page=A1 |work=Kitsap Sun |agency=Associated Press |url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/kitsap-sun-new-ferries-new-security-com/190468093/ |via=Newspapers.com |accessdate=February 2, 2026}}</ref><ref name="Times-SE2007">{{cite news |last=Gilmore |first=Susan |date=November 22, 2007 |title=Rough weekend ahead: 4 ferries yanked |page=A1 |url=https://archive.seattletimes.com/archive/20071122/ferries22m/rough-weekend-ahead-4-ferries-yanked |work=The Seattle Times |accessdate=February 2, 2026}}</ref> The agency then announced that it would assign the new ferries, enlarged to 144 vehicles, to other routes and keep at least two Steel Electric vessels in service beyond 2009.<ref>{{cite news |last=Manry |first=Kaitlin |date=June 23, 2007 |title=Keystone left with older ferries |url=https://www.heraldnet.com/news/keystone-left-with-older-ferries/ |work=The Everett Herald |accessdate=February 2, 2026}}</ref> All four Steel Electric ferries were pulled from service in November 2007 after inspections found evidence of pitted steel in the hull of {{MV|Quinault}}.<ref name="Times-SE2007"/><ref name="Sun-SE">{{cite news |last=Friedrich |first=Ed |date=January 20, 2008 |title=Ferry Scramble Traced to a Bit of Bad Steel |page=A1 |url=https://archive.kitsapsun.com/news/local/ferry-scramble-traced-to-a-bit-of-bad-steel-ep-422365099-358709551.html |work=Kitsap Sun |accessdate=February 2, 2026}}</ref> The Port Townsend–Keystone route was temporarily suspended due to the lack of vessels able to navigate the Keystone harbor; it was later replaced by a passenger-only ferry between the two terminals and later an extended trip to Colman Dock in Seattle.<ref name="Sun-SE"/><ref name="Times-Gregoire">{{cite news |last=Gilmore |first=Susan |date=December 13, 2007 |title=Gregoire plans to spend $100 million for 3 new ferries |url=http://seattletimes.nwsource.com/html/localnews/2004069291_webferries13m.html |work=The Seattle Times |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20071215210600/http://seattletimes.nwsource.com/html/localnews/2004069291_webferries13m.html |archive-date=December 15, 2007 |accessdate=February 2, 2026}}</ref> An emergency order for three smaller ferries, each able to carry 54 vehicles and navigate Keystone's harbor, was announced in December by governor Christine Gregoire; it proposed using some of the funding allocated for the five 144-vehicle ferries order that had been awarded to Todd Shipyard.<ref name="Times-Gregoire"/> The state leased the ''Steilacoom II'', a 50-vehicle ferry operated by Pierce County, to restore automobile crossings on the Port Townsend–Keystone route in February 2008.<ref>{{cite news |last=Chew |first=Jeff |date=September 10, 2008 |title=Lawmakers take first ride |page=A6 |work=Peninsula Daily News |url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/peninsula-daily-news-lawmakers-take-firs/190469716/ |via=Newspapers.com |accessdate=February 2, 2026}}</ref>
A design based on {{MV|Island Home}}, a 76-vehicle ferry operated by the Steamship Authority in Massachusetts, was chosen in 2008 for the three ferries to expedite the bidding process.<ref>{{cite news |last=Gilmore |first=Susan |date=May 27, 2008 |title=State chooses new ferry for Port Townsend run |page=B2 |url=http://seattletimes.nwsource.com/html/localnews/2004440059_islandhome27m.html |work=The Seattle Times |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080917165507/http://seattletimes.nwsource.com/html/localnews/2004440059_islandhome27m.html |archive-date=September 17, 2008 |accessdate=February 2, 2026}}</ref> The first of the 64-vehicle Kwa-di Tabil class, {{MV|Chetzemoka}}, entered service in November 2010 and replaced the ''Steilacoom II''. The ''Chetzemoka'' was designed with a list when empty to offset full loads, which typically include freight.<ref>{{cite news |last=Bermant |first=Charlie |date=November 15, 2010 |title=Breaking in the new ferry: Residents, lawmakers celebrate maiden voyage |page=A1 |work=Peninsula Daily News |url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/peninsula-daily-news-breaking-in-the-new/190470136/ |via=Newspapers.com |accessdate=February 2, 2026}}</ref> The two other vessels in the class entered service in 2011 and 2012 with a total program cost of $213.2{{nbsp}}million.<ref>{{cite news |last=Bermant |first=Charlie |date=January 8, 2012 |title=PT, Kennewick celebrate new ferry |page=A5 |work=Peninsula Daily News |url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/peninsula-daily-news-pt-kennewick-celeb/190470253/ |via=Newspapers.com |accessdate=February 2, 2026}}</ref> The original order for the 144-vehicle ferries, later named the Olympic class, was approved in November 2011 using a design based on the ''Issaquah'' class due to its versatility.<ref>{{cite news |last=Friedrich |first=Ed |date=November 2, 2011 |title=State greenlights new ferry |page=1A |work=Kitsap Sun |url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/kitsap-sun-state-greenlights-new-ferry/190470464/ |via=Newspapers.com |accessdate=February 2, 2026}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |date=June 19, 2012 |title=New class of ferry to be named after the Olympics |url=https://www.bainbridgereview.com/news/new-class-of-ferry-to-be-named-after-the-olympics/ |work=Bainbridge Island Review |accessdate=February 2, 2026}}</ref> The first ferry, {{MV|Tokitae}}, entered service in 2014 and allowed for the retirement of the ''Evergreen State'' class to begin.<ref>{{cite news |last=Haglund |first=Noah |date=June 8, 2014 |title=Whidbey Island welcomes new ferry Tokitae |url=https://www.heraldnet.com/news/whidbey-island-welcomes-new-ferry-tokitae/ |work=The Everett Herald |accessdate=February 2, 2026}}</ref> Funding for the third vessel in the class was passed by the state legislature in 2014 and followed by $122{{nbsp}}million for a fourth vessel in a 2015 transportation package.<ref>{{cite news |last=Clarridge |first=Christine |date=December 29, 2015 |title=Newest state ferry will need a name, and not just any name will do |url=https://www.seattletimes.com/seattle-news/transportation/newest-state-ferry-will-need-a-name-and-not-just-any-name-will-do/ |work=The Seattle Times |accessdate=February 2, 2026}}</ref> The fourth vessel, {{MV|Chimacum}}, entered service in May 2017 as an emergency replacement on the Seattle–Bremerton route after {{MV|Kitsap}} needed repairs.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Friedrich |first=Ed |date=May 23, 2017 |title=Chimacum rushing into emergency service |url=https://www.kitsapsun.com/story/news/local/2017/05/23/chimacum-rushing-into-emergency-service/102079240/ |work=Kitsap Sun |accessdate=February 2, 2026}}</ref> ===Fleet and personnel shortages=== [[File:MV Spokane empty passenger cabin during COVID crisis.jpg|thumb|right|Closed seating areas on {{MV|Spokane}} during the early stages of the COVID-19 pandemic]]
The ferry system's ridership peaked at 26.8{{nbsp}}million total passengers in 1999 and declined by 16{{nbsp}}percent by 2010 as the number of commuters and frequent riders decreased. Annual fare increases allowed the agency to reach $147{{nbsp}}million in revenue to fund operations, but left insufficient funding for new vessels and other capital projects.<ref>{{cite news |last=Gilmore |first=Susan |date=October 11, 2011 |title=Ferry riders take fewer trips, but revenue up |page=B6 |url=https://www.seattletimes.com/seattle-news/ferry-riders-take-fewer-trips-but-revenue-up/ |work=The Seattle Times |accessdate=February 9, 2026}}</ref><ref name="Business2012">{{cite news |last=Hall |first=C. B. |date=May 2012 |title=That Sinking Feeling |url=http://seattlebusinessmag.com/article/sinking-feeling?page=0,0 |work=Seattle Business Magazine |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120521235402/http://seattlebusinessmag.com/article/sinking-feeling?page=0,0 |archive-date=May 21, 2012 |accessdate=February 9, 2026}}</ref> Washington State Ferries adopted a new long-range plan in 2019 that proposed the replacement of 13 vessels and construction of the fleet's first hybrid electric ferries by 2040.<ref>{{cite news |last=Sundell |first=Allison |date=January 3, 2019 |title=Long-term ferries plan calls for electric-hybrid vessels, 16 new boats |url=https://www.king5.com/article/news/local/long-term-ferries-plan-calls-for-electric-hybrid-vessels-16-new-boats/281-208cb060-617e-4296-bfad-cce4d171bf0f |publisher=KING 5 News |accessdate=February 9, 2026}}</ref> The conversion of the Jumbo Mark II class ferries to hybrid propulsion was announced by governor Jay Inslee in 2018 and scheduled to be completed by 2023 using funding from a settlement in the Volkswagen emissions lawsuit.<ref name="Times-Electric2018">{{cite news |last=Baruchman |first=Michelle |date=May 4, 2018 |title=Washington State Ferries plans to convert its biggest vessels to electric power |url=https://www.seattletimes.com/seattle-news/transportation/washington-state-ferries-plans-to-convert-its-biggest-vessels-to-electric-power/ |work=The Seattle Times |accessdate=January 14, 2026}}</ref> A multi-year project to replace most of Colman Dock began in 2017; the timber pilings that held up the dock had deteriorated and the terminal building had been deemed seismically vulnerable. The $350{{nbsp}}million project was funded by the state government and grants from the federal government.<ref>{{cite news |last=Gutman |first=David |date=August 1, 2017 |title=Work begins on 5-year, $350 million renovation of Colman Dock |url=https://www.seattletimes.com/seattle-news/transportation/work-begins-on-5-year-350-million-renovation-of-colman-dock/ |work=The Seattle Times |accessdate=February 9, 2026}}</ref>
In 2017, Washington State Ferries funded the installation of bridge and engine room simulators at the Seattle Maritime Academy to train current employees as well as new crewmembers. The majority of the system's chief engineers and captains would become eligible for retirement within 10 years, leading to a potential shortage of trained officers.<ref>{{cite news |last=Gutman |first=David |date=February 23, 2017 |title=Washington State Ferries looks to train workforce of its future as retirements loom |url=https://www.seattletimes.com/seattle-news/transportation/washington-state-ferries-looks-to-train-workforce-of-its-future-as-retirements-loom/ |work=The Seattle Times |accessdate=February 9, 2026}}</ref> From 2017 to 2022, 66 captains and 24 mates had left the ferry system, largely because of retirements. The staffing shortage led to on-time performance dropping from 96{{nbsp}}percent in 2012 to 85{{nbsp}}percent in 2022; in the San Juan Islands, 45{{nbsp}}percent of trips in early 2022 were delayed.<ref name="Times-Delays2022">{{cite news |last=Saldanha |first=Alison |date=August 24, 2022 |title=WA ferry delays hit highest mark in past decade |url=https://www.seattletimes.com/seattle-news/transportation/wa-ferry-delays-hit-highest-mark-in-past-decade/ |work=The Seattle Times |accessdate=March 1, 2023}}</ref>
During the COVID-19 pandemic, WSF reduced service on most routes and suspended trips to Sidney on the Anacortes–San Juan Islands route.<ref name="Times-Delays2022"/> 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.<ref>{{cite news |last=Kroman |first=David |date=March 1, 2023 |title=WA ferries restores service to some routes, delays others |url=https://www.seattletimes.com/seattle-news/transportation/wa-ferries-restores-service-to-some-routes-delays-others/ |work=The Seattle Times |accessdate=March 1, 2023}}</ref> 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.<ref>{{cite news |last=Smith |first=Matthew |date=June 8, 2023 |title=WA State Ferries charts new course amid aging fleet, staffing shortages, pandemic woes |url=https://www.fox13seattle.com/news/wa-state-ferries-charts-new-course-amid-aging-fleet-staffing-shortages-pandemic-woes |publisher=Fox 13 News |accessdate=June 12, 2023}}</ref> 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.<ref>{{cite news |last=Kroman |first=David |date=June 20, 2023 |title=WA ferry service on several routes won't return to normal this year |url=https://www.seattletimes.com/seattle-news/transportation/wa-ferry-service-on-several-routes-wont-return-to-normal-this-year/ |work=The Seattle Times |accessdate=June 21, 2023}}</ref> 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.<ref>{{cite news |last=Deshais |first=Nicholas |date=June 12, 2025 |title=Ferry system begins returning to prepandemic levels, starting Sunday |url=https://www.seattletimes.com/seattle-news/transportation/ferry-system-begins-returning-to-pre-pandemic-levels-starting-sunday/ |work=The Seattle Times |accessdate=June 24, 2025}}</ref><ref name="Times-July2025">{{cite news |last=Deshais |first=Nicholas |date=July 2, 2025 |title=400,000 ferry passengers expected July 4 weekend with added boat |url=https://www.seattletimes.com/seattle-news/transportation/400000-ferry-passengers-expected-july-4-including-on-this-new-run/ |work=The Seattle Times |accessdate=July 2, 2025}}</ref>
==Routes== [[File:Washington Ferries map.svg|thumb|right|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|2025}}, the Washington State Ferries system has 8 routes with an average of 392 daily scheduled sailings that serve 20 terminals located primarily on Puget Sound and in the San Juan Islands.<ref name="WSF-FactSheet">{{cite web |date=February 2025 |title=Washington State Ferries – Fact Sheet |url=https://wsdot.wa.gov/sites/default/files/2025-02/WSF-FactSheet-February2025.pdf |publisher=Washington State Department of Transportation |accessdate=December 30, 2025}}</ref><ref name="ReportFY2025">{{cite web |date=December 2025 |title=FY 2025 WSDOT Ferries Division Performance Report |pages=5–9, 23–24, 44, 47–50, 51–54 |url=https://app.leg.wa.gov/ReportsToTheLegislature/Home/GetPDF?fileName=Ferries-Report-FY2025PerformanceMeasures_a291955b-0cb1-468c-b507-a540c350b3d1.pdf |publisher=Washington State Department of Transportation |via=Washington State Legislature |accessdate=January 27, 2026}}</ref> The network spans {{convert|185.20|mi|km}} and serves an estimated population of 3.9{{nbsp}}million residents across an area of {{convert|1,945|sqmi|sqkm}}.<ref name="FTA-Database"/> These routes are part of the state highway system and carry freight traffic and emergency services in addition to passengers and automobiles.<ref name="WSF-FactSheet"/> All of the system's route run year-round, but some have additional service during the peak summer months and on weekends.<ref name="Times-July2025"/><ref name="WSF-Restoration">{{cite web |date=March 8, 2022 |title=Washington State Ferries COVID-19 Service Restoration Plan |page=7 |url=https://wsdot.wa.gov/sites/default/files/2022-03/WSF-COVID19-ServiceRestorationPlan.pdf |publisher=Washington State Department of Transportation |accessdate=January 6, 2026}}</ref> 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.<ref name="WSF-Restoration"/>
The busiest route is the Seattle–Bainbridge Island ferry, which carried 5.2{{nbsp}}million total riders in 2025; the Mukilteo–Clinton ferry carried 2.1{{nbsp}}million total vehicles in 2025, the most of any route.<ref name="WSF-Ridership">{{cite web |date=January 5, 2026 |title=Washington State Ferries – Traffic Statistics Rider Segment report, Jan 1, 2025 thru Dec 31, 2025 |url=https://wsdot.wa.gov/sites/default/files/2026-01/WashingtonStateFerries-TrafficStatistics-2025Annual.pdf |publisher=Washington State Department of Transportation |accessdate=January 6, 2026}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |last=Hansen |first=Jordan |date=January 20, 2025 |title=Ferry system increases ridership by a half million in 2024 |url=https://www.heraldnet.com/news/ferry-system-increases-ridership-by-a-half-million-in-2024/ |work=The Everett Herald |accessdate=August 21, 2025}}</ref> The Mukilteo–Clinton ferry also had the most sailings, at over 25,700 in 2025, followed by the Anacortes–San Juan Islands route, which serves five terminals.<ref name="WSF-OTPR">{{cite web |date=January 5, 2026 |title=WSF On Time Performance Report, December 2025 |url=https://wsdot.wa.gov/sites/default/files/2026-01/December2025-On-Time-Performance-Report.pdf |publisher=Washington State Department of Transportation |accessdate=January 5, 2026}}</ref> 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.<ref>{{cite news |last=Kroman |first=David |date=July 21, 2023 |title=Fauntleroy ferry dock back in service after mechanical failure |url=https://www.seattletimes.com/seattle-news/transportation/fauntleroy-ferry-dock-out-of-service-after-mechanical-failure/ |work=The Seattle Times |accessdate=January 10, 2026}}</ref><ref name="KING-Triangle">{{cite news |last=Graf |first=Heather |date=September 14, 2017 |title=Ferry frustration: Long lines, empty boats on Vashon Island route |url=https://www.king5.com/article/traffic/traffic-news/ferry-frustration-long-lines-empty-boats-on-vashon-island-route/281-475058779 |publisher=KING 5 News |accessdate=January 10, 2026}}</ref> The longest route spans {{convert|40|nmi|mi km}} from Anacortes to Sidney, British Columbia, and takes 2.5{{nbsp}}hours to traverse.<ref name="WSF-OD2013"/> 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.<ref>{{cite news |last=Pringle |first=Joan |date=February 3, 2009 |title=Northwest international ferries at a glance |url=https://www.goskagit.com/news/specialreports/northwest-international-ferries-at-a-glance/article_fe843324-873d-59dd-93e6-bbbffad14ba9.html |work=Skagit Valley Herald |url-access=subscription |accessdate=January 6, 2026}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |last=Schwartz |first=Ralph |date=March 4, 2023 |title=Anacortes-to-B.C. ferry delayed until 2030 |url=https://www.cascadiadaily.com/2023/mar/04/anacortes-to-bc-ferry-delayed-until-2030/ |work=Cascadia Daily News |accessdate=December 30, 2025}}</ref> The shortest route is the Point Defiance–Tahlequah ferry between Tacoma and Vashon Island, which is {{convert|1.5|nmi|mi km}} long and has a crossing time of 15{{nbsp}}minutes.<ref name="WSF-OD2013"/><ref>{{cite news |last=Broom |first=Jack |date=July 26, 2002 |title=Showing Off: Welcome aboard as we float a few facts on the state's ferries |url=https://archive.seattletimes.com/archive/20020726/showingoff26/showing-off-welcome-aboard-as-we-float-a-few-facts-on-the-states-ferries |work=The Seattle Times |accessdate=January 6, 2026}}</ref>
A 1949 state law prohibits private companies from operating their own ferry service within {{convert|10|mi|km}} of a Washington State Ferries route without an exemption to prevent competition.<ref>{{cite news |last=Bruscas |first=Angelo |date=June 5, 1990 |title=Two private ferry systems proposed but operators fear the state won't cooperate or act quickly |page=B1 |work=Seattle Post-Intelligencer}}</ref> Public transportation benefit areas on Puget Sound, which typically operate bus service, have been exempt from the restriction since 2003.<ref>{{cite news |last=Friedrich |first=Ed |date=April 24, 2003 |title=Locke signs Transit's ferry bill |page=A1 |work=Kitsap Sun |url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/kitsap-sun-locke-signs-transits-ferry-b/190472127/ |via=Newspapers.com |accessdate=February 2, 2026}}</ref> The Kitsap Fast Ferries system launched in 2017 and has three routes that run passenger-only catamarans to Downtown Seattle, including a route parallel to the Seattle–Bremerton ferry; the King County Water Taxi operates two routes to West Seattle and Vashon Island.<ref>{{cite news |last=Fletcher |first=Zachary |date=June 8, 2022 |title=Kitsap Transit eyeing its own landing dock on Seattle waterfront |url=https://www.kitsapsun.com/story/news/2022/06/08/kitsap-transit-eyeing-new-dock-seattle-waterfront/9999910002/ |work=Kitsap Sun |accessdate=February 2, 2026}}</ref>
{| class="wikitable sortable plainrowheaders" style="text-align:center" |+ {{screen reader-only|Washington State Ferries routes}} |- ! scope="colgroup" rowspan="2" colspan="2" | Route<ref name="WSF-RS">{{cite web |date=July 2025 |title=Washington State Ferries Route Statements For Fiscal Years 2019 to 2024 |pages=3–4, 8, 14–23 |url=https://wsdot.wa.gov/sites/default/files/2025-07/WSF-RouteStatements-FY2024.pdf |publisher=Washington State Department of Transportation |accessdate=January 6, 2026}}</ref> ! scope="col" rowspan="2" | Highway<ref name="TDM-Q">{{cite web |date=April 2016 |title=Appendix Q: Terminal Reference Data |page=Q{{hyphen}}1 |url=https://wsdot.wa.gov/publications/manuals/fulltext/M3082/AppendixQ.pdf |work=WSF Terminal Design Manual |publisher=Washington State Department of Transportation |accessdate=January 6, 2026}}</ref> ! scope="col" rowspan="2" class="unsortable" | Terminals<ref name="WSF-FactSheet"/> ! scope="col" rowspan="2" | Length<ref name="WSF-OD2013">{{cite web |date=August 2014 |title=Washington State Ferries 2013 Origin–Destination Travel Survey Report |pages=4{{hyphen}}15, 4{{hyphen}}49, 5{{hyphen}}16, 5{{hyphen}}43, 6{{hyphen}}17, 6{{hyphen}}49, 6{{hyphen}}81, 7{{hyphen}}15, 7{{hyphen}}43, 7{{hyphen}}71, 7{{hyphen}}99 |url=https://wsdot.wa.gov/sites/default/files/2021-10/WSF-2013OriginDestinationSurvey-FullReport.pdf |publisher=Washington State Department of Transportation |accessdate=January 6, 2026}}</ref> ! scope="col" rowspan="2" | Travel time<ref name="WSF-OD2013"/> ! scope="col" rowspan="2" | Began operation ! scope="colgroup" colspan="3" | Ridership (2025)<ref name="WSF-Ridership"/> |- ! scope="col" | Vehicles ! scope="col" | Passengers ! scope="col" | Total |- ! 10 ! scope="row" | Seattle–Bremerton | align="left" | {{nowrap|{{jct|state=WA|SR|304}}}} | align="left" | Bremerton<hr />Colman Dock (Seattle) | {{convert|13.5|nmi|mi km|abbr=on|disp=br()}} | 60 minutes | align="right" | {{dts|1951|06|01}}<ref name="Stein-25"/> | 457,025 | 849,238 | 1,306,263 |- ! 20 ! scope="row" | Seattle–Bainbridge Island | align="left" | {{nowrap|{{jct|state=WA|SR|305}}}} | align="left" | Bainbridge Island<hr />Colman Dock (Seattle) | {{convert|7.5|nmi|mi km|abbr=on|disp=br()}} | 35 minutes | align="right" | {{dts|1951|06|01}}<ref name="Stein-25"/> | 1,525,098 | 3,591,448 | 5,217,546 |- ! 30 ! scope="row" | Fauntleroy–Vashon–Southworth | align="left" | {{nowrap|{{jct|state=WA|SR|160}}}} | align="left" | Southworth<hr />Vashon Island<hr />Fauntleroy (West Seattle) | {{convert|4.1|nmi|mi km|abbr=on|disp=br()}}{{efn|Measures the non-stop distance and time from Southworth to Fauntleroy}} | 30 minutes | align="right" | {{dts|1951|06|01}}<ref name="Stein-25"/> | 1,423,172 | 944,206 | 2,367,378 |- ! 40 ! scope="row" | Point Defiance–Tahlequah | align="left" | {{nowrap|{{jct|state=WA|SR|163}}}} | align="left" | Point Defiance (Tacoma)<hr />Tahlequah (Vashon Island) | {{convert|1.5|nmi|mi km|abbr=on|disp=br()}} | 15 minutes | align="right" | {{dts|1951|06|01}}<ref name="Stein-25"/> | 538,406 | 422,176 | 960,584 |- ! 50 ! scope="row" | Edmonds–Kingston | align="left" | {{nowrap|{{jct|state=WA|SR|104}}}} | align="left" | Kingston<hr />Edmonds | {{convert|4.5|nmi|mi km|abbr=on|disp=br()}} | 30 minutes | align="right" | {{dts|1951|06|01}}<ref name="Stein-25"/> | 1,992,765 | 1,870,671 | 3,863,436 |- ! 60 ! scope="row" | Mukilteo–Clinton | align="left" | {{nowrap|{{jct|state=WA|SR|525}}}} | align="left" | Mukilteo<hr />Clinton (Whidbey Island) | {{convert|2.3|nmi|mi km|abbr=on|disp=br()}} | 20 minutes | align="right" | {{dts|1951|06|01}}<ref name="Stein-25"/> | 2,108,135 | 1,603,369 | 3,711,504 |- ! 70 ! scope="row" | Port Townsend–Coupeville | align="left" | {{nowrap|{{jct|state=WA|SR|20}}}} | align="left" | Port Townsend<hr />Coupeville (Whidbey Island) | {{convert|4.5|nmi|mi km|abbr=on|disp=br()}} | 30 minutes | align="right" | {{dts|1974|06|06}}<ref>{{cite news |last=Carter |first=Glen |date=June 6, 1974 |title=Ferry gets brass-band send-off in news service |page=C2 |work=The Seattle Times}}</ref> | 334,462 | 392,746 | 727,208 |- ! 80 ! scope="row" | Anacortes–San Juan Islands | align="left" | {{nowrap|{{jct|state=WA|SR-Spur|20}}}} | align="left" | Friday Harbor<hr />Orcas Island<hr />Shaw Island<hr />Lopez Island<hr />Anacortes | {{convert|11 to 17|nmi|mi km|abbr=on|disp=br()}} | 50 to 125 minutes{{efn|Depending on which terminals are served on the sailing}} | align="right" | {{dts|1951|06|01}}<ref name="Stein-25"/> | 941,849 | 1,012,777 | 1,954,626 |- ! 85 ! scope="row" | Anacortes–Sidney | align="left" | {{nowrap|{{jct|state=WA|SR-Spur|20}}}} | align="left" | Sidney, British Columbia<hr />Friday Harbor<hr />Anacortes | {{convert|40|nmi|mi km|abbr=on|disp=br()}} | 160 minutes | align="right" | {{dts|1951|06|01}}<ref name="Stein-25"/> | colspan="3" | ''Suspended since 2020''<ref>{{cite web |title=Sidney B.C. Terminal |url=https://wsdot.com/ferries/vesselwatch/terminaldetail.aspx?terminalid=19 |publisher=Washington State Department of Transportation |accessdate=January 6, 2026}}</ref> |}
===Former and temporary routes===
Since it began operation under state management in June 1951, the ferry system has discontinued two of its automobile routes and retained the remaining parts of the network. A run from Seattle to Indianola and Suquamish in northern Kitsap County was eliminated in September 1951 after tolls were removed from the Agate Pass Bridge.<ref name="Sun1989">{{cite news |last=Milligan |first=Jessie |date=August 18, 1989 |title=Ferries are always the talk of the town |pages=[https://www.newspapers.com/article/kitsap-sun-ferries-are-always-the-talk-o/189436715/ A1], [https://www.newspapers.com/article/kitsap-sun-ferries-are-always-the-talk-o/189436748/ A5] |work=The Sun |url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/kitsap-sun-ferries-are-always-the-talk-o/189436715/ |via=Newspapers.com |accessdate=January 20, 2026}}</ref><ref name="Times-Suquamish"/> The South Point–Lofall route was retired in August 1961 after the Hood Canal Bridge opened to traffic.<ref name="Times-Canal1961"/> It resumed on a temporary basis in 1979 after the bridge collapsed in a windstorm and ran until 1982.<ref name="Sun1989"/><ref name="PDN-Bridge1982"/> Washington State Ferries also operated a direct ferry from Port Townsend to Edmonds from 1979 to 1980 during the bridge replacement project.<ref name="Sun1989"/><ref name="HL-PortTownsend"/> The route was revived for a maintenance closure of the Hood Canal Bridge in May 2009 to carry freight traffic to the Olympic Peninsula.<ref>{{cite news |last=Chew |first=Jeff |date=May 15, 2009 |title=Customers say Internet quicker than phone for ferry reservations |page=A4 |url=https://www.peninsuladailynews.com/news/customers-say-internet-quicker-than-phone-for-ferry-reservations/ |work=Peninsula Daily News |accessdate=January 20, 2026}}</ref> A passenger-only route from Seattle to Vashon Island ran from 1990 to 2009 and was transferred to the King County Water Taxi.<ref name="Times-VashonFoot"/><ref name="Sun-Tanzania">{{cite news |last=Friedrich |first=Ed |date=February 18, 2011 |title=Former Washington State Ferries Skagit, Kalama get new lives in Tanzania |url=https://archive.kitsapsun.com/news/local/former-washington-state-ferries-skagit-kalama-get-new-lives-in-tanzania-ep-418836956-357340891.html |work=Kitsap Sun |accessdate=January 4, 2026}}</ref>
{| class="wikitable sortable plainrowheaders" |+ {{screen reader-only|Former Washington State Ferries routes}} |- ! scope="col" | Route ! scope="col" class="unsortable" | Terminals ! scope="col" | Began operation ! scope="col" | Ended operation ! scope="col" class="unsortable" | Notes |- ! scope="row" | Edmonds–Port Townsend | Port Townsend<hr />Edmonds | align="right" | {{dts|1979|02|21}}<ref name="HL-PortTownsend">{{cite web |last=Stein |first=Alan J. |date=January 20, 2003 |title=Ferry service returns to Port Townsend after a 40-year absence on February 21, 1979. |url=https://www.historylink.org/File/5080 |work=HistoryLink |accessdate=January 6, 2026}}</ref> | align="right" | {{dts|1980|02|09}}<ref name="HL-PortTownsend"/> | Temporary service after collapse of the Hood Canal Bridge<ref name="HL-PortTownsend"/> |- ! scope="row" | Seattle–Bremerton POF | Bremerton<hr />Colman Dock (Seattle) | align="right" | {{dts|1986|10|15}}<ref>{{cite news |last=Darby |first=Creg |date=October 15, 1986 |title=Fog slows new ferry, but riders liked it |page=A1 |work=The Sun |url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/kitsap-sun-fog-slows-new-ferry-but-ride/188357201/ |via=Newspapers.com |accessdate=January 6, 2026}}</ref> | align="right" | {{dts|2003|09|19}}<ref>{{cite news |last=Murakami |first=Kery |date=September 20, 2003 |title=An end to the passenger-only ferry |page=B1 |url=https://www.seattlepi.com/news/article/an-end-to-the-passenger-only-ferry-1124876.php |work=Seattle Post-Intelligencer |accessdate=January 6, 2026}}</ref> | Passenger-only ferry; suspended from July 1989 to April 1990<ref name="Sun-Demise"/> |- ! scope="row" | Seattle–Port Townsend | Port Townsend<hr />Colman Dock (Seattle) | align="right" | {{dts|2007|12|13}}<ref name="PDN-PT2007">{{cite news |last1=Cael |first1=Evan |last2=Gawley |first2=Brian |date=December 23, 2007 |title=Port Townsend-Seattle ferry popular, but service will end Jan. 6 |url=https://www.peninsuladailynews.com/news/port-townsend-seattle-ferry-popular-but-service-will-end-jan-6/ |work=Peninsula Daily News |accessdate=January 6, 2026}}</ref> | align="right" | {{dts|2008|02|08}}<ref>{{cite news |last=Chew |first=Jeff |date=February 10, 2008 |title=Bids for new PT ferry will begin Friday |page=A6 |work=Peninsula Daily News |url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/peninsula-daily-news-bids-for-new-pt-fer/188357815/ |via=Newspapers.com |accessdate=January 6, 2026}}</ref> | Passenger-only ferry to replace the suspended Port Townsend–Keystone run<ref name="PDN-PT2007"/> |- ! scope="row" | Seattle–Suquamish | Suquamish<hr />Indianola<hr />Colman Dock (Seattle) | align="right" | {{dts|1951|06|01}}<ref>{{cite news |last=Barr |first=Robert A. |date=May 31, 1951 |title=Curtailed Ferry Service Puzzles Indianolans |page=43 |work=The Seattle Times}}</ref> | align="right" | {{dts|1951|09|28}}<ref name="Times-Suquamish">{{cite news |date=September 23, 1951 |title=Another Ferry To Bow to Auto |page=40 |work=The Seattle Times}}</ref> | Replaced by the Agate Pass Bridge after tolls were lifted<ref name="Times-Suquamish"/> |- ! scope="row" | Seattle–Vashon Island POF | Vashon Heights<hr />Colman Dock (Seattle) | align="right" | {{dts|1990|04|23}}<ref>{{cite news |last=Gough |first=William |date=April 22, 1990 |title=Afoot and afloat: Passenger-only ferries launch Sound service with pomp and fanfare |page=B2 |url=https://archive.seattletimes.com/archive/19900422/1067788/afoot-and-afloat----passenger-only-ferries-launch-sound-service-with-pomp-and-fanfare |work=The Seattle Times |accessdate=January 10, 2026}}</ref> | align="right" | {{dts|2009|09|28}}<ref name="Times-VashonFoot">{{cite news |last=Gilmore |first=Susan |date=September 21, 2009 |title=Fares to rise on Vashon foot ferry |page=B1 |work=The Seattle Times}}</ref> | Passenger-only ferry; replaced by the King County Water Taxi<ref name="Times-VashonFoot"/> |- ! scope="row" | South Point–Lofall (1951–1961) | South Point<hr />Lofall | align="right" | {{dts|1951|06|01}}<ref name="Stein-25"/> | align="right" | {{dts|1961|08|12}}<ref name="Times-Canal1961">{{cite news |last=Burt |first=Lyle |date=August 12, 1961 |title=Captain to Retire: Canal Span Ends Ferry Run |page=1 |work=The Seattle Times}}</ref> | Replaced by the Hood Canal Bridge;<ref name="Times-Canal1961"/> temporarily reactivated on February 5, 1963, due to emergency bridge repairs<ref>{{cite news |date=February 8, 1963 |title=All in a Day: Ferries Take Bridge Crisis in Stride |page=45 |work=The Seattle Times}}</ref> |- ! scope="row" | South Point–Lofall (1979–1982) | South Point<hr />Lofall | align="right" | {{dts|1979|02|26}}<ref>{{cite news |last=Williams |first=Carol |date=February 26, 1979 |title=Passengers 'Smile' As Lofall Service Begins |page=1 |work=Bremerton Sun |url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/kitsap-sun-passengers-smile-as-lofall/188356085/ |via=Newspapers.com |accessdate=January 6, 2026}}</ref> | align="right" | {{dts|1982|10|23}}<ref name="PDN-Bridge1982">{{cite news |last=Wilson |first=Janne |date=October 24, 1982 |title=2 wheels 1st to cross: Asphalt artery between peninsulas cut no more |page=A1 |work=The Daily News |location=Port Angeles, Washington |url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-daily-news-2-wheels-1st-to-cross-as/188355927/ |via=Newspapers.com |accessdate=January 6, 2026}}</ref> | Temporary service after collapse of the Hood Canal Bridge; passenger-only vessel replaced by barges and a full-sized ferry in December 1979<ref>{{cite news |date=February 8, 1980 |title=Kitsap's Own Soap Opera: A Chronology of Events |page=13 |work=Bremerton Sun |url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/kitsap-sun-kitsaps-own-soap-opera-a-ch/188355428/ |via=Newspapers.com |accessdate=January 6, 2026}}</ref> |}
==Terminals== {{Multiple image|total_width = 270 | direction = vertical | header = Mukilteo ferry terminal | image1 = Mukilteo's new ferry terminal waiting area.jpg | alt1 = | caption1 = The interior of the passenger waiting area | image2 = Queuing area at Mukilteo's new ferry terminal.jpg | alt2 = | caption2 = The holding area and exit lanes | image3 = Mukilteo's new ferry terminal toll booths.jpg | alt3 = | caption3 = The tollbooths for vehicle traffic }}
The ferry system serves 20 terminals on Puget Sound and in the San Juan Islands that are designed to accommodate certain classes of its fleet.<ref name="WSF-FactSheet"/> Most terminals have one or two slips from which ferries can load vehicles and some have an additional tie-up slip for overnight use outside of revenue service. The slip is typically connected to land by a trestle bridge and to the ferry vessel via a movable transfer span that is hoisted by a tower. Some terminals have an overhead loading walkway for passengers that connects the terminal's waiting area to the vessel, where a gangplank is lowered onto the deck.<ref name="WSF-TerminalsManual">{{cite web |date=July 2025 |title=Ferry Terminal Inspection Procedures Manual |pages=12–14, 16, 18, 21–24 |url=https://www.wsdot.wa.gov/publications/manuals/fulltext/M3105/Ferry-Terminal-Inspection-Procedures-Manual.pdf |publisher=Washington State Department of Transportation |accessdate=January 11, 2026}}</ref><ref name="Herald-Mukilteo2021">{{cite news |last=Brown |first=Andrea |date=April 30, 2021 |title=Two legs or four: All welcome to board Mukilteo's ferry ramp |url=https://www.heraldnet.com/news/two-legs-or-four-all-welcome-to-board-mukilteos-ferry-ramp/ |work=The Everett Herald |accessdate=January 11, 2026}}</ref> At terminals without an overhead walkway, such as in the San Juan Islands, walk-on passengers travel down the slip and board the vehicle deck alongside cyclists.<ref name="Herald-Mukilteo2021"/><ref>{{cite web |title=Anacortes Terminal and Cameras |url=https://wsdot.com/ferries/vesselwatch/terminaldetail.aspx?terminalid=1 |publisher=Washington State Department of Transportation |accessdate=January 11, 2026}}</ref> The interior of the waiting area includes seating, restrooms, drinking fountains, vending machines for snacks, ticket kiosks, a ticket booth, brochures and information stands, and public art.<ref name="TDM-400">{{cite web |date=April 2016 |title=Chapter 400: Passenger Buildings |pages=4, 6–13 |url=https://wsdot.wa.gov/publications/manuals/fulltext/M3082/430.pdf |work=WSF Terminal Design Manual |publisher=Washington State Department of Transportation |accessdate=January 11, 2026}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |last=Garza |first=Cecilia |date=January 27, 2014 |title=Work starts on $4.7 million makeover of Bainbridge Island ferry terminal |url=https://www.bainbridgereview.com/news/work-starts-on-4-7-million-makeover-of-bainbridge-island-ferry-terminal/ |work=Bainbridge Island Review |accessdate=January 11, 2026}}</ref> Some terminals also have a separate office for supervisors that includes a break room, lockers, and a bedroom for overnight use.<ref name="TDM-430">{{cite web |date=April 2016 |title=Chapter 430: Terminal Supervisor Buildings |pages=4–6 |url=https://wsdot.wa.gov/publications/manuals/fulltext/M3082/430.pdf |work=WSF Terminal Design Manual |publisher=Washington State Department of Transportation |accessdate=January 11, 2026}}</ref>
Each terminal has a designated holding area for vehicles that have passed through tollbooths and are prepared to board a vessel. They are divided into lanes that board in order; vehicles carrying ferry employees or passengers with medical exemptions granted by the agency board first, along with cyclists and motorcyclists.<ref name="Times-Boiling">{{cite news |last=Clarridge |first=Christine |date=July 22, 2022 |title=Ferry fury in WA hits boiling point |url=https://www.seattletimes.com/seattle-news/ferry-line-cutting-in-wa-is-at-a-peak/ |work=The Seattle Times |accessdate=January 11, 2026}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |last=Martin |first=Casey |date=June 18, 2025 |title=First on, first off: A motorcyclist's guide to Washington State Ferries |url=https://www.kuow.org/stories/first-on-first-off-a-motorcyclist-s-guide-to-washington-state-ferries |publisher=KUOW |accessdate=January 11, 2026}}</ref> At some terminals, the holding area has its own set of restrooms and a turnstile gate that allows passengers in vehicles to exit and re-enter the fenced area.<ref>{{cite news |last=Erickson |first=Kira |date=July 30, 2021 |title=People with mobility issues find new ferry terminal lacking |url=https://www.heraldnet.com/news/for-some-mukilteos-new-ferry-terminal-aggravates-challenges/ |work=The Everett Herald |accessdate=January 11, 2026}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |date=April 2016 |title=Chapter 500: Access, Approaches, and Exits |pages=12–13 |url=https://wsdot.wa.gov/publications/manuals/fulltext/M3082/500.pdf |work=WSF Terminal Design Manual |publisher=Washington State Department of Transportation |accessdate=January 11, 2026}}</ref> A designated queue lane on the shoulder of highways approaching the terminal is used during busy sailing periods. The lanes are monitored by Washington State Patrol officers, who are able to issue a $139{{nbsp}}citation for line-cutting and direct vehicles to be back of the queue.<ref name="Times-Boiling"/><ref>{{cite news |last=Yardley |first=William |date=April 11, 2007 |title=No Cutting in Line for Puget Sound Ferries, Under Penalty of Law |url=https://www.nytimes.com/2007/04/11/us/11nice.html |work=The New York Times |url-access=limited |accessdate=January 11, 2026}}</ref> A hotline to report line-cutters to WSF was set up in 2010; violators are issued warnings in the mail until the program was shut down in 2021.<ref>{{cite news |last=Lee |first=Jessica |date=August 7, 2017 |title=What happens to drivers who cut lines at Washington State Ferry terminals? |url=https://www.seattletimes.com/seattle-news/transportation/what-happens-to-drivers-who-cut-lines-at-washington-state-ferry-terminals/ |work=The Seattle Times |accessdate=January 11, 2026}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |last=Pilling |first=Nathan |date=September 23, 2021 |title=WSDOT retires hotline for reporting ferry line cutters, HOV lane violations |url=https://www.kitsapsun.com/story/news/2021/09/23/wsdot-retires-hotline-reporting-ferry-line-hov-lane-violations/5816548001/ |work=Kitsap Sun |accessdate=January 11, 2026}}</ref> Some terminals also have parking lots that are owned by WSF, local governments, or private companies.<ref>{{cite news |last=Baurick |first=Tristan |date=December 2, 2011 |title=Some on Bainbridge fuming over parking tickets at ferry terminal |url=https://archive.kitsapsun.com/news/local/some-on-bainbridge-fuming-over-parking-tickets-at-ferry-terminal-ep-417961949-356984521.html |work=Kitsap Sun |accessdate=January 11, 2026}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |last=Sooter |first=Tad |date=September 9, 2012 |title=Disabled drivers can park for free at Bainbridge ferry terminal |url=https://archive.kitsapsun.com/news/local/disabled-drivers-can-park-for-free-at-bainbridge-ferry-terminal-ep-417184742-356533611.html |work=Kitsap Sun |accessdate=January 11, 2026}}</ref>
The flagship terminal of Washington State Ferries is Colman Dock in Downtown Seattle, which serves 9{{nbsp}}million annual passengers on the system's Bainbridge Island and Bremerton routes. It has three slips for the state ferries and an adjacent terminal for the Kitsap Fast Ferries and King County Water Taxi passenger-only routes.<ref>{{cite news |date=July 5, 2024 |title=Colman Dock slip three work to start Monday |url=https://www.djc.com/news/co/12164676.html |work=Seattle Daily Journal of Commerce |url-access=subscription |accessdate=January 11, 2026}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |last=Baruchman |first=Michelle |date=February 10, 2021 |title=More Puget Sound-area foot ferries could cut travel times, new study says |url=https://www.seattletimes.com/seattle-news/transportation/more-puget-sound-area-foot-ferries-could-cut-travel-times-new-study-says/ |work=The Seattle Times |accessdate=January 11, 2026}}</ref> Colman Dock was reopened in 2022 after a five-year construction project that replaced the old terminal at the site with a {{convert|20,000|sqft|sqm|adj=mid}} waiting area and new spaces.<ref name="Times-Colman2022">{{cite news |last=Zhou |first=Amanda |date=November 18, 2022 |title=Seattle's new ferry terminal at Colman Dock opens with upgrades |url=https://www.seattletimes.com/seattle-news/transportation/seattles-new-ferry-terminal-at-colman-dock-opens-with-upgrades/ |work=The Seattle Times |accessdate=January 11, 2026}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |last=Kroman |first=David |date=July 27, 2023 |title=WA ferry passengers are about to see a transformed Colman Dock |url=https://www.seattletimes.com/seattle-news/transportation/wa-ferry-passengers-about-to-see-a-transformed-colman-dock-heres-your-preview/ |work=The Seattle Times |accessdate=January 11, 2026}}</ref> Most of the terminals in the ferry system are owned and operated directly by Washington State Ferries; the four facilities in the San Juan Islands are contracted out to private operators who also own nearby stores.<ref name="TDM-P"/> From 1976 to 2004, four nuns from the Franciscan Sisters of the Eucharist ran the Shaw Island terminal and its adjacent general store; their contract included operation of the hydraulic ramps for the transfer span and directing traffic in the holding area.<ref>{{cite news |last=Tuinstra |first=Rachel |date=September 24, 2003 |title=Shaw Island's renowned nuns saying farewell |page=A1 |url=https://archive.seattletimes.com/archive/20030924/shaw24m/shaw-islands-renowned-nuns-saying-farewell |work=The Seattle Times |accessdate=January 11, 2026}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |last=Oldham |first=Kit |date=October 12, 2005 |title=Franciscan nuns depart Shaw Island, after running the island ferry terminal and store for 27 years, on June 2, 2004. |url=https://www.historylink.org/File/7504 |work=HistoryLink |accessdate=January 11, 2026}}</ref> The terminal in Sidney, British Columbia, is owned by the town's government and operated by BC Ferries, the province's system; both entities charge a docking fee to Washington State Ferries for use of the terminal.<ref>{{cite news |last=McCullouch |first=Sandra |date=April 1, 2009 |title=Anacortes ferry clears key obstacle |page=A1 |work=Times Colonist |url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/times-colonist-anacortes-ferry-clears-ke/188741767/ |via=Newspapers.com |accessdate=January 11, 2026}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |last=Pringle |first=Joan |date=April 4, 2012 |title=Ferries, Sidney agree on 20-year lease |url=https://www.goskagit.com/anacortes/news/ferries-sidney-agree-on-20-year-lease/article_80185548-a49c-58de-b4df-61482d751c67.html |work=Skagit Valley Herald |url-access=subscription |accessdate=January 11, 2026}}</ref>
The Washington State Transportation Commission regulates the name of the terminals. In 2010, it approved the renaming of the Keystone terminal on Whidbey Island for the nearby city of Coupeville after lobbying from local officials and business leaders.<ref>{{cite news |last=Judd |first=Ron |date=October 3, 2010 |title=Town swipes Keystone's claim to fame — its ferry-route name |url=https://www.seattletimes.com/life/town-swipes-keystones-claim-to-fame-8212-its-ferry-route-name/ |work=The Seattle Times |accessdate=January 11, 2026}}</ref>
{| class="wikitable sortable plainrowheaders" style="text-align:center" |+ Washington State Ferries terminals<ref name="TDM-P">{{cite web |date=April 2016 |title=Appendix P: Route Information |url=https://wsdot.wa.gov/publications/manuals/fulltext/m3082/AppendixP.pdf |work=WSF Terminal Design Manual |publisher=Washington State Department of Transportation |accessdate=January 11, 2026}}</ref> |- ! scope="col" | Terminal ! scope="col" | County ! scope="col" | Year built{{efn|Reflects the date that the current structure was built}} ! scope="col" | Slips ! scope="col" class="unsortable" | Connections |- ! scope="row" align="left" | Anacortes | align="left" | Skagit | 1959 | 2 | align="left" | |- ! scope="row" align="left" | Bainbridge Island | align="left" | Kitsap | 1966 | 2 | align="left" | |- ! scope="row" align="left" | Bremerton | align="left" | Kitsap | 1990 | 2 | align="left" | {{rint|ferry}} Kitsap Fast Ferries<br />{{rint|ferry}} Kitsap Foot Ferries |- ! scope="row" align="left" | Clinton | align="left" | Island | 1987 | 2 | align="left" | |- ! scope="row" align="left" | Coupeville | align="left" | Island | 1979<ref>{{cite news |last=Chew |first=Jeff |date=August 11, 2003 |title=Widening of U.S. 101 still delayed |pages=A1–A2 |work=Peninsula Daily News |url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/peninsula-daily-news-widening-of-us-10/188728934/ |via=Newspapers.com |accessdate=January 11, 2026}}</ref> | 1 | align="left" | |- ! scope="row" align="left" | Edmonds | align="left" | Snohomish | 1952 | 1 | align="left" | {{rint|us|amtrak}} Amtrak<br />{{rint|seattle|sounder}} Sounder |- ! scope="row" align="left" | Fauntleroy | align="left" | King | 1957 | 1 | align="left" | |- ! scope="row" align="left" | Friday Harbor | align="left" | San Juan | 1968 | 2 | align="left" | |- ! scope="row" align="left" | Kingston | align="left" | Kitsap | 1986 | 2 | align="left" | {{rint|ferry}} Kitsap Fast Ferries |- ! scope="row" align="left" | Lopez Island | align="left" | San Juan | 1980 | 1 | align="left" | |- ! scope="row" align="left" | Mukilteo | align="left" | Snohomish | 2020<ref name="Herald-MUK">{{cite news |last=Davis-Leonard |first=Ian |date=December 29, 2020 |title=New Mukilteo ferry terminal makes a much anticipated debut |url=https://www.heraldnet.com/news/new-mukilteo-ferry-terminal-making-a-much-anticipated-debut/ |work=The Everett Herald |accessdate=January 11, 2026}}</ref> | 1 | align="left" | {{rint|seattle|sounder}} Sounder |- ! scope="row" align="left" | Orcas Island | align="left" | San Juan | 1959 | 1 | align="left" | |- ! scope="row" align="left" | Point Defiance | align="left" | Pierce | 1958 | 1 | align="left" | |- ! scope="row" align="left" | Port Townsend | align="left" | Jefferson | 1983<ref>{{cite news |date=December 13, 1983 |title=New terminal: Ferry makes first run Monday from Port Townsend facility |page=A1 |work=The Daily News |url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-daily-news-new-terminal-ferry-makes/188706865/ |via=Newspapers.com |accessdate=January 11, 2026}}</ref> | 2 | align="left" | |- ! scope="row" align="left" | Seattle – Colman Dock | align="left" | King | 2022<ref name="Times-Colman2022"/> | 3 | align="left" | {{rint|ferry}} Kitsap Fast Ferries<br />{{rint|ferry}} King County Water Taxi<br />{{rint|us|amtrak}} Amtrak<br />{{rint|seattle|link}} Link light rail<br />{{rint|seattle|sounder}} Sounder |- ! scope="row" align="left" | Shaw Island | align="left" | San Juan | 1974 | 1 | align="left" | |- ! scope="row" align="left" | Sidney, B.C. | align="left" | {{sort dash}} | 1959<ref>{{cite news |last=Wells |first=Jay |date=October 25, 1959 |title=New Ferry Dock to Speed B.C. Service |page=38 |work=The Saettle Times}}</ref> | 1 | align="left" | |- ! scope="row" align="left" | Southworth | align="left" | Kitsap | 1958 | 1 | align="left" | {{rint|ferry}} Kitsap Fast Ferries |- ! scope="row" align="left" | Tahlequah | align="left" | King | 1958 | 1 | align="left" | |- ! scope="row" align="left" | Vashon | align="left" | King | 1957 | 2 | align="left" | {{rint|ferry}} King County Water Taxi |}
==Service== thumb|right|Passenger cabin on {{MV|Kaleetan}}, 2016
The ferry system had 145,231 scheduled sailings during fiscal year 2025, of which 98.4{{nbsp}}percent were completed. Over 2,400 trips were cancelled, primarily because of crew shortages, schedule resets, and mechanical issues.<ref name="ReportFY2025"/> The system adjusts its schedules during four annual "sailing seasons",<ref name="WSF-Contingency">{{cite web |date=May 2025 |title=Washington State Ferries Service Contingency Plan |pages=5–7, 10–11, 12–14 |url=https://wsdot.wa.gov/sites/default/files/2025-05/WSF-Service-Contingency-Plan-2025.pdf |publisher=Washington State Department of Transportation |accessdate=December 30, 2025}}</ref> with the highest level of service between June and September to accommodate larger passenger volumes.<ref name="Times-July2025"/><ref name="Schedules">{{cite web |title=Schedule by Route |url=https://wsdot.com/ferries/schedule/ |publisher=Washington State Department of Transportation |accessdate=December 30, 2025}}</ref> The earliest year-round sailings in the system are around 4:00{{nbsp}}a.m. on several routes; service generally lasts until midnight for most routes, with some sailings as late as 1:30{{nbsp}}a.m. or 2:10{{nbsp}}a.m.<ref name="Schedules"/> Additional service is provided on some major holidays and weekends, such as Memorial Day and Labor Day, as well as for special events.<ref name="Schedules"/> A vessel typically takes 20{{nbsp}}minutes to unload and load passengers and vehicles at a terminal.<ref name="Times-Interest">{{cite news |last=Deshais |first=Nicholas |date=September 27, 2024 |title=Who will build WA's electric ferries? Only one West Coast shipyard shows interest |url=https://www.seattletimes.com/seattle-news/transportation/three-shipyards-show-interest-in-building-an-electric-ferry-but-only-one-is-in-state/ |work=The Seattle Times |accessdate=January 16, 2026}}</ref>
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.<ref>{{cite news |last=Kroman |first=David |date=April 25, 2023 |title=WA ferry reservation system hit with delays |url=https://www.seattletimes.com/seattle-news/transportation/wa-ferry-reservation-system-hit-with-delays/ |work=The Seattle Times |accessdate=December 30, 2025}}</ref> These reservations cover up to 90{{nbsp}}percent of available vehicle space on a sailing, with the rest allocated to standby traffic.<ref>{{cite news |last=Deshais |first=Nicholas |date=December 20, 2024 |title=What to expect on WA ferries as you travel for the holidays |url=https://www.seattletimes.com/seattle-news/transportation/what-to-expect-on-wa-ferries-as-you-travel-for-the-holidays/ |work=The Seattle Times |accessdate=January 10, 2026}}</ref> Commercial and oversize vehicles, such as semi-trucks, that exceed the maximum vehicle dimensions or have a gross vehicle weight over {{convert|80,000|lbs|kg}} must receive written approval from Washington State Ferries to drive onto a vessel.<ref>{{cite web |title=Commercial and oversized vehicles on ferries |url=https://wsdot.wa.gov/travel/washington-state-ferries/rider-information/commercial-and-oversized-vehicles-ferries |publisher=Washington State Department of Transportation |accessdate=January 15, 2026}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |date=July 2025 |title=Washington State Commercial Vehicle Guide |page=4{{hyphen}}24 |url=https://wsdot.wa.gov/publications/manuals/fulltext/M30-39/CVG.pdf|publisher=Washington State Department of Transportation |accessdate=January 15, 2026}}</ref> A 2024 study estimated that an average of 754 trucks used the ferry system per day and transported up to $3.49{{nbsp}}million in cargo and other goods on a daily basis.<ref>{{cite web |last1=Braund |first1=Dylan |last2=Gbeda |first2=James Mark |last3=Mollner |first3=McK |last4=Noveck |first4=Jennifer |last5=Peterson |first5=Tony |date=December 2024 |title=Washington State Ferry System Economic Impact Study |pages=16–18 |url=https://cbe.wwu.edu/sites/cbe.wwu.edu/files/2025-01/WWU%20Ferry%20Study%20Full%20Report.pdf |publisher=Western Washington University Center for Economic and Business Research |accessdate=January 15, 2026}}</ref> The ferries also have unpublished sailings for vehicles that transport hazardous materials, such as gasoline, which other passengers and vehicles are prohibited from boarding.<ref>{{cite news |last=Riemer |first=Susan |date=September 5, 2018 |title=Ferry advisory panel objects to potential schedule changes |url=https://www.vashonbeachcomber.com/news/ferry-advisory-panel-objects-to-potential-schedule-changes/ |work=Vashon-Maury Island Beachcomber |accessdate=January 15, 2026}}</ref>
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.<ref name="Times-Memorial">{{cite news |last=Deshais |first=Nicholas |date=May 23, 2025 |title=How to prepare for riding a WA ferry this busy Memorial Day weekend |url=https://www.seattletimes.com/seattle-news/transportation/how-to-prepare-for-riding-a-wa-ferry-this-busy-memorial-day-weekend/ |work=The Seattle Times |accessdate=December 30, 2025}}</ref> If a vessel is unavailable for more than 24{{nbsp}}hours, a relief vessel can be recalled from another route and reassigned depending on needs and terminal compatibility.<ref name="WSF-Contingency"/> Reassignments are also made for vessels scheduled to undergo regular maintenance and inspections, which can take several weeks.<ref>{{cite news |last=Deshais |first=Nicholas |date=January 6, 2026 |title=WA Gov. Ferguson's ferry plan tested by broken boats |url=https://www.seattletimes.com/seattle-news/transportation/wa-gov-fergusons-ferry-plan-tested-by-three-broken-boats/ |work=The Seattle Times |accessdate=January 10, 2026}}</ref> During longer service disruptions, Washington State Ferries has leased passenger-only ferries from private operators to provide temporary sailings if another ferry is unavailable.<ref>{{cite news |last=Dickerson |first=Paige |date=February 11, 2008 |title=Victoria Express adds Bremerton passenger runs |page=A1 |work=Peninsula Daily News |url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/peninsula-daily-news-victoria-express-ad/188656317/ |via=Newspapers.com |accessdate=January 10, 2026}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |last=Gilmore |first=Susan |date=November 10, 2011 |title=Operator chosen for new Seattle-Port Townsend ferry catering to tourists |url=https://www.seattletimes.com/seattle-news/operator-chosen-for-new-seattle-port-townsend-ferry-catering-to-tourists/ |work=The Seattle Times |accessdate=January 10, 2026}}</ref> The system is not permitted to operate passenger-only service on a permanent basis under state law;<ref>{{cite news |last=Erickson |first=Kira |date=February 18, 2025 |title=Passenger-only ferries concept gaining traction |url=https://www.whidbeynewstimes.com/news/passenger-only-ferries-concept-gaining-traction/ |work=Whidbey News-Times |accessdate=January 20, 2026}}</ref> 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.<ref>{{cite news |last=Uyehara |first=Kai |date=July 28, 2025 |title=Extra Bremerton fast ferry sailings to stay; Saturday sailings pause |url=https://www.seattletimes.com/seattle-news/extra-bremerton-fast-ferry-sailings-to-stay-saturday-sailings-pause/ |work=The Seattle Times |accessdate=January 10, 2026}}</ref> 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.<ref>{{cite news |last=Kroman |first=David |date=June 30, 2022 |title=Ferry passengers rerouted to Mukilteo after malfunction in Edmonds |url=https://www.seattletimes.com/seattle-news/transportation/ferry-passengers-rerouted-to-mukilteo-after-malfunction-in-edmonds/ |work=The Seattle Times |accessdate=January 10, 2026}}</ref>
===Ridership=== {| class="wikitable sortable mw-collapsible autocollapse floatright" style="border-spacing: 1px; text-align:center; font-size:95%;" |+ {{nowrap|Annual ridership, 2002–present}} |- ! scope="col" style="border-bottom:2px solid black" | Year ! scope="col" style="border-bottom:2px solid black" | Vehicles ! scope="col" style="border-bottom:2px solid black" | Passengers ! scope="col" style="border-bottom:2px solid black" | Total ! scope="col" style="border-bottom:2px solid black" | {{abbr|%±|Percent change}} |- ! scope="row" | 2002<ref>{{cite web |date=April 22, 2003 |title=Washington State Ferries – Traffic Statistics Rider Segment Report, January 1, 2002 thru December 31, 2002 |url=https://wsdot.wa.gov/sites/default/files/2021-10/WashingtonStateFerries-TrafficStatistics-2002Annual.pdf |publisher=Washington State Department of Transportation |accessdate=January 9, 2026}}</ref> | {{formatnum:11009262}} || {{formatnum:14132205}} || {{formatnum:25141467}} | {{sort dash}} |- ! scope="row" | 2003<ref>{{cite web |date=April 9, 2004 |title=Washington State Ferries – Traffic Statistics Rider Segment Report, January 1, 2003 thru December 31, 2003 |url=https://wsdot.wa.gov/sites/default/files/2021-10/WashingtonStateFerries-TrafficStatistics-2003Annual.pdf |publisher=Washington State Department of Transportation |accessdate=January 9, 2026}}</ref> | {{formatnum:10819196}} || {{formatnum:13557080}} || {{formatnum:24376276}} | {{#expr: ((24376276-25141467) / 25141467)*100 round 1}}.0% |- ! scope="row" | 2004<ref>{{cite web |date=January 21, 2005 |title=Washington State Ferries – Traffic Statistics Rider Segment Report, January 1, 2004 thru December 31, 2004 |url=https://wsdot.wa.gov/sites/default/files/2021-10/WashingtonStateFerries-TrafficStatistics-2004Annual.pdf |publisher=Washington State Department of Transportation |accessdate=January 9, 2026}}</ref> | {{formatnum:10828312}} || {{formatnum:13264024}} || {{formatnum:24092336}} | {{#expr: ((24092336-24376276) / 24376276)*100 round 1}}% |- ! scope="row" | 2005<ref>{{cite web |date=January 9, 2006 |title=Washington State Ferries – Traffic Statistics Rider Segment Report, January 1, 2005 thru December 31, 2005 |url=https://wsdot.wa.gov/sites/default/files/2021-10/WashingtonStateFerries-TrafficStatistics-2005Annual.pdf |publisher=Washington State Department of Transportation |accessdate=January 9, 2026}}</ref> | {{formatnum:10801196}} || {{formatnum:13016170}} || {{formatnum:23817366}} | {{#expr: ((23817366-24092336) / 24092336)*100 round 1}}% |- ! scope="row" | 2006<ref>{{cite web |date=February 5, 2007 |title=Washington State Ferries – Traffic Statistics Rider Segment Report, January 1, 2006 thru December 31, 2006 |url=https://wsdot.wa.gov/sites/default/files/2021-10/WashingtonStateFerries-TrafficStatistics-2006Annual.pdf |publisher=Washington State Department of Transportation |accessdate=January 9, 2026}}</ref> | {{formatnum:10850232}} || {{formatnum:13087314}} || {{formatnum:23937546}} | {{#expr: ((23937546-23817366) / 23817366)*100 round 1}}% |- ! scope="row" | 2007<ref>{{cite web |date=April 22, 2008 |title=Washington State Ferries – Traffic Statistics Rider Segment Report, January 1, 2007 thru December 31, 2007 |url=https://wsdot.wa.gov/sites/default/files/2021-10/WashingtonStateFerries-TrafficStatistics-2007Annual.pdf |publisher=Washington State Department of Transportation |accessdate=January 9, 2026}}</ref> | {{formatnum:10674166}} || {{formatnum:13034931}} || {{formatnum:23709097}} | {{#expr: ((23709097-23937546) / 23937546)*100 round 1}}.0% |- ! scope="row" | 2008<ref>{{cite web |date=January 21, 2009 |title=Washington State Ferries – Traffic Statistics Rider Segment Report, January 1, 2008 thru December 31, 2008 |url=https://wsdot.wa.gov/sites/default/files/2021-10/WashingtonStateFerries-TrafficStatistics-2008Annual.pdf |publisher=Washington State Department of Transportation |accessdate=January 9, 2026}}</ref> | {{formatnum:10010941}} || {{formatnum:12721853}} || {{formatnum:22732794}} | {{#expr: ((22732794-23709097) / 23709097)*100 round 1}}% |- ! scope="row" | 2009<ref>{{cite web |date=January 22, 2010 |title=Washington State Ferries – Traffic Statistics Rider Segment Report, January 1, 2009 thru December 31, 2009 |url=https://wsdot.wa.gov/sites/default/files/2021-10/WashingtonStateFerries-TrafficStatistics-2009Annual.pdf |publisher=Washington State Department of Transportation |accessdate=January 9, 2026}}</ref> | {{formatnum:10064294}} || {{formatnum:12673416}} || {{formatnum:22737710}} | {{#expr: ((22737710-22732794) / 22732794)*100 round 1}}.0% |- ! scope="row" | 2010<ref>{{cite web |date=January 10, 2011 |title=Washington State Ferries – Traffic Statistics Rider Segment Report, January 1, 2010 thru December 31, 2010 |url=https://wsdot.wa.gov/sites/default/files/2021-10/WashingtonStateFerries-TrafficStatistics-2010Annual.pdf |publisher=Washington State Department of Transportation |accessdate=January 9, 2026}}</ref> | {{formatnum:10101190}} || {{formatnum:12350214}} || {{formatnum:22451404}} | {{#expr: ((22451404-22737710) / 22737710)*100 round 1}}% |- ! scope="row" | 2011<ref>{{cite web |date=May 3, 2012 |title=Washington State Ferries – Traffic Statistics Rider Segment Report, January 1, 2011 thru December 31, 2011 |url=https://wsdot.wa.gov/sites/default/files/2021-10/WashingtonStateFerries-TrafficStatistics-2011Annual.pdf |publisher=Washington State Department of Transportation |accessdate=January 9, 2026}}</ref> | {{formatnum:9977372}} || {{formatnum:12252669}} || {{formatnum:22230041}} | {{#expr: ((22230041-22451404) / 22451404)*100 round 1}}.0% |- ! scope="row" | 2012<ref>{{cite web |date=January 16, 2013 |title=Washington State Ferries – Traffic Statistics Rider Segment Report, January 1, 2012 thru December 31, 2012 |url=https://wsdot.wa.gov/sites/default/files/2021-10/WashingtonStateFerries-TrafficStatistics-2012Annual.pdf |publisher=Washington State Department of Transportation |accessdate=January 9, 2026}}</ref> | {{formatnum:9974874}} || {{formatnum:12226622}} || {{formatnum:22201496}} | {{#expr: ((22201496-22230041) / 22230041)*100 round 1}}% |- ! scope="row" | 2013<ref>{{cite web |date=January 23, 2014 |title=Washington State Ferries – Traffic Statistics Rider Segment Report, January 1, 2013 thru December 31, 2013 |url=https://wsdot.wa.gov/sites/default/files/2021-10/WashingtonStateFerries-TrafficStatistics-2013Annual.pdf |publisher=Washington State Department of Transportation |accessdate=January 9, 2026}}</ref> | {{formatnum:10082448}} || {{formatnum:12454581}} || {{formatnum:22537029}} | {{#expr: ((22537029-22201496) / 22201496)*100 round 1}}% |- ! scope="row" | 2014<ref>{{cite web |date=January 22, 2015 |title=Washington State Ferries – Traffic Statistics Rider Segment Report, January 1, 2014 thru December 31, 2014 |url=https://wsdot.wa.gov/sites/default/files/2021-10/WashingtonStateFerries-TrafficStatistics-2014Annual.pdf |publisher=Washington State Department of Transportation |accessdate=January 9, 2026}}</ref> | {{formatnum:10226543}} || {{formatnum:12967117}} || {{formatnum:23193660}} | {{#expr: ((23193660-22537029) / 22537029)*100 round 1}}% |- ! scope="row" | 2015<ref>{{cite web |date=January 11, 2016 |title=Washington State Ferries – Traffic Statistics Rider Segment Report, January 1, 2015 thru December 31, 2015 |url=https://wsdot.wa.gov/sites/default/files/2021-10/WashingtonStateFerries-TrafficStatistics-2015Annual.pdf |publisher=Washington State Department of Transportation |accessdate=January 9, 2026}}</ref> | {{formatnum:10479752}} || {{formatnum:13402575}} || {{formatnum:23882327}} | {{#expr: ((23882327-23193660) / 23193660)*100 round 1}}.0% |- ! scope="row" | 2016<ref>{{cite web |date=January 23, 2017 |title=Washington State Ferries – Traffic Statistics Rider Segment report, January 1, 2016 thru December 31, 2016 |url=https://wsdot.wa.gov/sites/default/files/2021-10/WashingtonStateFerries-TrafficStatistics-2016Annual.pdf |publisher=Washington State Department of Transportation |accessdate=January 9, 2026}}</ref> | {{formatnum:10546355}} || {{formatnum:13658540}} || {{formatnum:24204895}} | {{#expr: ((24204895-23882327) / 23882327)*100 round 1}}% |- ! scope="row" | 2017<ref>{{cite web |date=January 11, 2018 |title=Washington State Ferries – Traffic Statistics Rider Segment report, January 1, 2017 thru December 31, 2017 |url=https://wsdot.wa.gov/sites/default/files/2021-10/WashingtonStateFerries-TrafficStatistics-2017Annual.pdf |publisher=Washington State Department of Transportation |accessdate=January 9, 2026}}</ref> | {{formatnum:10641368}} || {{formatnum:13818677}} || {{formatnum:24460045}} | {{#expr: ((24460045-24204895) / 24204895)*100 round 1}}% |- ! scope="row" | 2018<ref>{{cite web |date=January 7, 2019 |title=Washington State Ferries – Traffic Statistics Rider Segment report, Jan 1, 2018 thru Dec 31, 2018 |url=https://wsdot.wa.gov/sites/default/files/2021-10/WashingtonStateFerries-TrafficStatistics-2018Annual.pdf |publisher=Washington State Department of Transportation |accessdate=January 7, 2026}}</ref> | {{formatnum:10761822}} || {{formatnum:13925216}} || {{formatnum:24687038}} | {{#expr: ((24687038-24460045) / 24460045)*100 round 1}}% |- ! scope="row" | 2019<ref>{{cite web |date=January 10, 2020 |title=Washington State Ferries – Traffic Statistics Rider Segment report, January 1, 2019 thru December 31, 2019 |url=https://wsdot.wa.gov/sites/default/files/2021-10/WashingtonStateFerries-TrafficStatistics-2019Annual.pdf |publisher=Washington State Department of Transportation |accessdate=January 9, 2026}}</ref> | {{formatnum:10452119}} || {{formatnum:13432670}} || {{formatnum:23884789}} | {{#expr: ((23884789-24687038) / 24687038)*100 round 1}}% |- ! scope="row" | 2020<ref>{{cite web |date=January 5, 2021 |title=Washington State Ferries – Traffic Statistics Rider Segment report, January 1, 2020 thru December 1, 2020 |url=https://wsdot.wa.gov/sites/default/files/2021-10/WashingtonStateFerries-TrafficStatistics-2020Annual.pdf |publisher=Washington State Department of Transportation |accessdate=January 9, 2026}}</ref> | {{formatnum:7629223}} || {{formatnum:6357479}} || {{formatnum:13986702}} | {{#expr: ((13986702-23884789) / 23884789)*100 round 1}}% |- ! scope="row" | 2021<ref>{{cite web |date=January 4, 2022 |title=Washington State Ferries – Traffic Statistics Rider Segment report, January 1, 2021 thru December 1, 2021 |url=https://wsdot.wa.gov/sites/default/files/2022-01/WashingtonStateFerries-TrafficStatistics-2021Annual.pdf |publisher=Washington State Department of Transportation |accessdate=January 9, 2026}}</ref> | {{formatnum:8879300}} || {{formatnum:8400579}} || {{formatnum:17279879}} | {{#expr: ((17279879-13986702) / 13986702)*100 round 1}}% |- ! scope="row" | 2022<ref>{{cite web |date=January 5, 2023 |title=Washington State Ferries – Traffic Statistics Rider Segment report, January 1, 2022 thru December 1, 2022 |url=https://wsdot.wa.gov/sites/default/files/2023-01/WashingtonStateFerries-TrafficStatistics-2022Annual.pdf |publisher=Washington State Department of Transportation |accessdate=January 9, 2026}}</ref> | {{formatnum:8598475}} || {{formatnum:8775694}} || {{formatnum:17374169}} | {{#expr: ((17374169-17279879) / 17279879)*100 round 1}}% |- ! scope="row" | 2023<ref>{{cite web |date=January 5, 2024 |title=Washington State Ferries – Traffic Statistics Rider Segment report, January 1, 2023 thru December 1, 2023 |url=https://wsdot.wa.gov/sites/default/files/2024-01/WashingtonStateFerries-TrafficStatistics-2023Annual.pdf |publisher=Washington State Department of Transportation |accessdate=January 9, 2026}}</ref> | {{formatnum:8970374}} || {{formatnum:9691160}} || {{formatnum:18661534}} | {{#expr: ((18661534-17374169) / 17374169)*100 round 1}}% |- ! scope="row" | 2024<ref>{{cite web |date=January 5, 2025 |title=Washington State Ferries – Traffic Statistics Rider Segment report, Jan 1, 2024 thru Dec 31, 2024 |url=https://wsdot.wa.gov/sites/default/files/2025-01/WashingtonStateFerries-TrafficStatistics-2024Annual.pdf |publisher=Washington State Department of Transportation |accessdate=January 9, 2026}}</ref> | {{formatnum:9072325}} || {{formatnum:10076356}} || {{formatnum:19148681}} | {{#expr: ((19148681-18661534) / 18661534)*100 round 1}}% |- ! scope="row" | 2025<ref name="WSF-Ridership"/> | {{formatnum:9421912}} || {{formatnum:10686633}} || {{formatnum:20108545}} | {{#expr: ((20108545-19148681) / 19148681)*100 round 1}}.0% |}
In 2025, Washington State Ferries carried a total of 20,108,545{{nbsp}}passengers and 9,421,912{{nbsp}}vehicles;<ref name="WSF-Ridership"/> it averaged {{American transit ridership|WA Seattle Washington State Ferries total daily}} passengers on weekdays in {{American transit ridership|dailydateasof}}.{{American transit ridership|dailycitation}} Walk-on boardings accounted for 42{{nbsp}}percent of passenger boardings across all routes.<ref name="WSF-Ridership"/> The total ridership in 2025 was a 5{{nbsp}}percent increase from the previous year, attributed to the restoration of the full domestic schedule and a decrease in canceled sailings.<ref name="WSF-Ridership2025PR">{{cite press release |date=January 14, 2026 |title=State ferry ridership rises by nearly 1 million in 2025 as full domestic service returns, cancellations plunge |url=https://wsdot.wa.gov/about/news/2026/state-ferry-ridership-rises-nearly-1-million-2025-full-domestic-service-returns-cancellations-plunge |publisher=Washington State Department of Transportation |accessdate=January 15, 2026}}</ref> The system is the busiest in the United States, ahead of the passenger-only Staten Island Ferry in New York City,<ref>{{cite web |last1=Dickens |first1=Matthew |last2=Bonina |first2=Jared |date=August 2025 |title=2025 Public Transportation Fact Book (76th Edition) |page=41 |url=https://www.apta.com/wp-content/uploads/APTA-2025-Public-Transportation-Fact-Book.pdf |publisher=American Public Transportation Association |accessdate=January 7, 2026}}</ref> and second-busiest in the Pacific Northwest behind BC Ferries in Canada.<ref name="WSF-FactSheet"/><ref>{{cite web |date=July 2025 |title=Annual Report to the British Columbia Ferries Commission, Year Ended March 31, 2025 |page=17 |url=https://www.bcferries.com/web_image/images/h62/h76/9048649269278.pdf |publisher=British Columbia Ferry Services Inc. |accessdate=January 9, 2026}}</ref> Washington State Ferries also carries the third-most passengers of any public transit system in the state, behind Sound Transit and King County Metro.<ref name="WSF-FactSheet"/> In 2013, the system carried 22.4{{nbsp}}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.<ref>{{cite tech report |last=Lester |first=Jackson T. |date=March 2015 |title=A 2015 Comparison of Operational Performance: Washington State Ferries to Ferry Operators Worldwide |page=3 |url=https://www.wsdot.wa.gov/research/reports/fullreports/750.2.pdf |publisher=Washington State Department of Transportation |accessdate=January 7, 2026}}</ref>
The ferries are considered a major tourist attraction in Washington state in addition to their use as a commuter and cargo service.<ref>{{cite magazine |last=McCoy |first=Sarah |date=January 2016 |title=Rough Waters for Washington State Ferries |pages=32–37 |url=https://magazines.marinelink.com/Magazines/MarineNews/201601/content/waters-washington-ferries-504424 |magazine=Marine News |accessdate=January 7, 2026}}</ref> The U.S. Census Bureau estimated that 3.8{{nbsp}}percent of workers in Kitsap County commuted using a ferry in 2024.<ref>{{cite web |title=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 |url=https://data.census.gov/table/ACSDT1Y2024.B08301?t=Commuting&g=310XX00US14740,42660 |work=American Community Survey |publisher=United States Census Bureau |accessdate=January 7, 2026}}</ref> Washington State Ferries recorded its highest ridership in 1999, when it carried over 26.8{{nbsp}}million total passengers and 11.5{{nbsp}}million vehicles.<ref name="Kitsap-Ridership2016">{{cite news |last=Friedrich |first=Ed |date=July 28, 2016 |title=Ferry ridership up, but what if there hadn't been fare increases |url=https://www.kitsapsun.com/story/news/blogs/the-commute/2016/07/28/ferry-ridership-up-but-what-if-there-hadnt-been-fare-increases/95184110/ |work=Kitsap Sun |accessdate=February 9, 2026}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |author=Cedar River Group |date=January 2012 |title=Washington State Ferries Fare Media Study, Final Report |page=7 |url=https://leg.wa.gov/media/hclpvsze/fare-media-final-reports-combo.pdf |publisher=Washington State Legislature Joint Transportation Committee |accessdate=February 9, 2026}}</ref> Use of the ferries fell to under 14{{nbsp}}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{{nbsp}}million by 2024 with gains in the number of walk-on passengers.<ref name="Times-Ridership2024">{{cite news |last=Deshais |first=Nicholas |date=January 24, 2025 |title=WA sees bump in ferry riders with help from county-run boats |url=https://www.seattletimes.com/seattle-news/transportation/wa-sees-bump-in-ferry-riders-with-help-from-county-run-boats/ |work=The Seattle Times |accessdate=January 7, 2026}}</ref> Peak ridership in the summer months also returned, with four days in July 2025 reaching over 90,000{{nbsp}}total passengers—the highest mark since August 2019.<ref>{{cite news |last=Lin |first=Peiyu |date=July 29, 2025 |title=WSF daily ridership hits a peak not seen since 2019 |url=https://www.kitsapsun.com/story/news/2025/07/29/wsf-breaks-record-with-over-95k-passengers-on-july-26/85415448007/ |work=Kitsap Sun |accessdate=January 7, 2026}}</ref> Washington State Ferries also draws more than 300,000 boardings during the Memorial Day and Labor Day holiday weekends;<ref>{{cite news |last=Deshais |first=Nicholas |date=August 29, 2024 |title=Washington ferries brace for busy Labor Day weekend after rocky summer |url=https://www.seattletimes.com/seattle-news/transportation/washington-ferries-brace-for-busy-labor-day-weekend-after-rocky-summer/ |work=The Seattle Times |accessdate=January 7, 2026}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |last=Deshais |first=Nicholas |date=May 23, 2025 |title=How to prepare for riding a WA ferry this busy Memorial Day weekend |url=https://www.seattletimes.com/seattle-news/transportation/how-to-prepare-for-riding-a-wa-ferry-this-busy-memorial-day-weekend/ |work=The Seattle Times |accessdate=January 7, 2026}}</ref> the two-week period around Christmas typically draws 700,000 passengers.<ref>{{cite press release |date=December 18, 2025 |title=Projected 700,000 sailing through a winter waterland aboard state ferries during final 13 days of the year |url=https://wsdot.wa.gov/about/news/2025/projected-700000-sailing-through-winter-waterland-aboard-state-ferries-during-final-13-days-year |publisher=Washington State Department of Transportation |accessdate=January 7, 2026}}</ref>
===Fares=== {{see also|ORCA card}}
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.<ref>{{cite web |title=Ferry Fares & Policies |url=https://wstc.wa.gov/programs/ferry-fares-policies/ |publisher=Washington State Transportation Commission |accessdate=December 30, 2025}}</ref> {{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.<ref>{{cite web |title=WAC 468-300-010: Ferry passenger tolls |url=https://app.leg.wa.gov/WAC/default.aspx?cite=468-300-010 |work=Washington Administrative Code |publisher=Washington State Legislature |accessdate=December 30, 2025}}</ref> On most routes that cross Puget Sound, passenger fares are only charged in the westbound direction and are priced as round trips.<ref>{{cite web |date=April 2016 |title=Chapter 410: Circulation and Passenger Waiting |page=4 |url=https://wsdot.wa.gov/publications/manuals/fulltext/M3082/410.pdf |work=WSF Terminal Design Manual |publisher=Washington State Department of Transportation |accessdate=January 11, 2026}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |date=August 15, 2023 |title=State ferry fares to increase starting in October |url=https://www.peninsuladailynews.com/news/state-ferry-fares-to-increase-starting-in-october/ |work=Peninsula Daily News |accessdate=January 11, 2026}}</ref> 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.<ref>{{cite web |title=Ticket information |url=https://wsdot.wa.gov/travel/washington-state-ferries/tickets/ticket-information |publisher=Washington State Department of Transportation |accessdate=December 30, 2025}}</ref> Multi-use and monthly passes are sold for all fare types through the agency's online store.<ref>{{cite web |title=Passes |url=https://wsdot.wa.gov/travel/washington-state-ferries/tickets/passes |publisher=Washington State Department of Transportation |accessdate=December 30, 2025}}</ref> An electronic ticketing system, named Wave2Go, was introduced in February 2007 to replace ticket books for frequent riders with a scannable card that is reloaded at kiosks.<ref>{{cite news |last=Grimley |first=Brynn |date=March 13, 2007 |title=Ferries: Not Everyone is Catching the 'Wave' |url=https://archive.kitsapsun.com/news/local/ferries-not-everyone-is-catching-the-wave-ep-423208368-359067071.html/ |work=Kitsap Sun |accessdate=January 13, 2026}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |date=March 19, 2007 |title=A new wave for ferry tickets |url=https://www.seattletimes.com/seattle-news/a-new-wave-for-ferry-tickets/ |work=The Seattle Times |accessdate=December 30, 2025}}</ref> 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.<ref>{{cite news |last=Lindblom |first=Mike |date=May 2, 2022 |title=What you need to know about changes coming to the ORCA fare card system |url=https://www.seattletimes.com/seattle-news/transportation/what-you-need-to-know-about-changes-coming-to-the-orca-fare-card-system/ |work=The Seattle Times |accessdate=December 30, 2025}}</ref>
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.<ref>{{cite news |last=Kroman |first=David |date=August 10, 2023 |title=WA ferry fares to increase this fall and next |url=https://www.seattletimes.com/seattle-news/transportation/wa-ferry-fares-to-increase-this-fall-and-next/ |work=The Seattle Times |accessdate=December 30, 2025}}</ref> A surcharge of 25{{nbsp}}percent is added during the peak season from May through September on most routes, with the San Juan Islands route charged 35{{nbsp}}percent; it does not apply to discounted or multi-use fares.<ref>{{cite news |last=Cornfield |first=Jerry |date=June 19, 2025 |title=Higher fares on the horizon for Washington State Ferries |url=https://www.cascadiadaily.com/2025/jun/19/higher-fares-on-the-horizon-for-washington-state-ferries/ |work=Cascadia Daily News |accessdate=January 10, 2026}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |last=Brown |first=Andrea |date=April 26, 2024 |title=$55? That's what a couple will pay on the Edmonds-Kingston ferry |url=https://www.heraldnet.com/news/55-thats-what-a-couple-will-pay-on-the-edmonds-kingston-ferry/ |work=The Everett Herald |accessdate=January 10, 2026}}</ref> 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.<ref>{{cite news |last=Clarridge |first=Christine |date=September 30, 2025 |title=WA state ferries free for people 18 and under starting Saturday |url=https://www.seattletimes.com/seattle-news/transportation/wa-state-ferries-free-for-people-18-and-under-starting-saturday/ |work=The Seattle Times |accessdate=December 30, 2025}}</ref> 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{{nbsp}}percent in 2024, a slight decrease from 50.6{{nbsp}}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.<ref name="FTA-Database"/><ref name="WSF-RS"/> 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.<ref>{{cite news |last1=Cornfield |first1=Jerry |last2=Goldstein-Street |first2=Jake |date=December 22, 2025 |title=Ferguson proposes $3 billion WA transportation budget |url=https://www.seattletimes.com/seattle-news/politics/ferguson-proposes-3-billion-wa-transportation-budget/ |work=The Seattle Times |accessdate=January 6, 2026}}</ref> 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.<ref name="WSF-RS"/><ref>{{cite news |last=Groover |first=Heidi |date=October 30, 2019 |title=Car-tab initiative fallout: 'Hunger Games-style' budget fight or 'rethink' of spending priorities? |url=https://www.seattletimes.com/seattle-news/transportation/car-tab-initiative-fallout-hunger-games-style-budget-fight-or-rethink-of-spending-priorities/ |work=The Seattle Times |accessdate=December 30, 2025}}</ref>
==Operations==
In 2024, Washington State Ferries (officially the WSDOT Ferries Division) had an operating budget of $353.8{{nbsp}}million, mostly derived from fares and the state government, and a capital budget of $208.7{{nbsp}}million. The active ferries traveled a total of {{convert|759,247|mi|km}} in revenue service and carried nearly 18.9{{nbsp}}million total unlinked passenger trips.<ref name="FTA-Database">{{cite web |date=October 2025 |title=2024 Annual Agency Profile – Washington State Ferries |url=https://www.transit.dot.gov/sites/fta.dot.gov/files/transit_agency_profile_doc/2024/00035.pdf |work=National Transit Database |publisher=Federal Transit Administration |accessdate=December 30, 2025}}</ref> {{as of|July 2025}}, Washington State Ferries had 1,569 full-time employees, of which half are classified as deck workers.<ref name="ReportFY2025"/> The system previously had over 1,900 employees in 2019, but suffered a shortage of available crewmembers immediately after the COVID-19 pandemic that led to 30{{nbsp}}percent of scheduled sailings being cancelled.<ref>{{cite news |last=Lindblom |first=Mike |date=November 22, 2021 |title=How to make Washington State Ferries shipshape again |url=https://www.seattletimes.com/seattle-news/transportation/how-to-make-washington-state-ferries-ship-shape-again/ |work=The Seattle Times |accessdate=March 21, 2024}}</ref> Washington State Ferries employees are represented by 16 unions that have signed 13 total collective bargaining agreements.<ref name="WSF-FactSheet"/> 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.<ref name="WSF-Contingency"/> The captain and mates are licensed officers, while deckhands and ordinary crew are unlicensed but require several years of maritime experience.<ref name="WSF-Contingency"/><ref>{{cite news |last=Lindblom |first=Mike |date=December 1, 2015 |title=Washington State Ferries looking for 60 new deckhands |url=https://www.seattletimes.com/seattle-news/transportation/washington-state-ferries-looking-for-60-new-deckhands/ |work=The Seattle Times |accessdate=January 27, 2026}}</ref>
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.<ref>{{cite news |last=Gilmore |first=Susan |date=August 4, 2006 |title=Residents want ferry facility booted off Bainbridge Island |url=https://archive.seattletimes.com/archive/20060804/eagleharbor04m/residents-want-ferry-facility-booted-off-bainbridge-island |work=The Seattle Times |accessdate=August 21, 2025}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |last=Deshais |first=Nicholas |date=September 5, 2024 |title=Sale of retired WA ferries canceled after tow failure |url=https://www.seattletimes.com/seattle-news/transportation/sale-of-retired-wa-ferries-canceled-after-tow-failure/ |work=The Seattle Times |accessdate=August 21, 2025}}</ref> 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.<ref>{{cite news |last=Deshias |first=Nicholas |date=August 17, 2025 |title=WA ferry woodworkers keep century-old Colman Clock ticking |url=https://www.seattletimes.com/seattle-news/transportation/wa-ferry-woodworkers-keep-century-old-colman-clock-ticking/ |work=The Seattle Times |accessdate=August 17, 2025}}</ref> 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.<ref>{{cite web |date=January 2019 |title=Appendix L: Facilities Report |pages=188–190 |url=https://wsdot.wa.gov/sites/default/files/2021-11/LRP-Combined-Appendices-A-through-M.pdf |work=Washington State Ferries 2040 Long Range Plan |publisher=Washington State Department of Transportation |accessdate=January 10, 2026}}</ref><ref name="Times-Rescue">{{cite news |last=Lindblom |first=Mike |date=July 31, 2014 |title=Miscommunication led to long ferry waits after rescue of boat |url=https://www.seattletimes.com/seattle-news/miscommunication-led-to-long-ferry-waits-after-rescue-of-boat/ |work=The Seattle Times |accessdate=January 10, 2026}}</ref> Outside contractors also conduct maintenance, rehabilitation, and inspections of the ferries at dedicated large drydocks on Puget Sound;<ref>{{cite news |last=Deshais |first=Nicholas |date=September 18, 2025 |title=Everett gets new floating dry dock, largest in Puget Sound |url=https://www.seattletimes.com/seattle-news/transportation/everett-gets-new-floating-dry-dock-largest-in-puget-sound/ |work=The Seattle Times |accessdate=January 9, 2026}}</ref> 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.<ref>{{cite news |last=Baruchman |first=Michelle |date=July 29, 2019 |title=How do you fit a Washington state ferry through the Ballard Locks? Very carefully |url=https://www.seattletimes.com/seattle-news/transportation/how-do-you-fit-a-washington-state-ferry-through-the-ballard-locks-very-carefully/ |work=The Seattle Times |accessdate=August 21, 2025}}</ref> Onboard food service, primarily through the ship galley and vending machines, has been operated by contractor Sodexo Live (formerly Centerplate) since 2016.<ref>{{cite news |last=Pilling |first=Nathan |date=October 3, 2016 |title=New vendor debuts menu for ferries |url=https://www.kitsapsun.com/story/news/local/communities/2016/10/03/new-vendor-debuts-menu-for-ferries/94364322/ |work=Kitsap Sun |accessdate=January 10, 2026}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |last=Kroman |first=David |date=April 9, 2022 |title=Beer and popcorn to return to WA ferries |url=https://www.seattletimes.com/seattle-news/transportation/beer-and-popcorn-to-return-to-wa-ferries/ |work=The Seattle Times |accessdate=March 21, 2024}}</ref> The galley offers food and alcoholic beverages from local companies, including Ivar's clam chowder and wine from Chateau Ste. Michelle.<ref>{{cite news |last=Pilling |first=Nathan |date=April 7, 2022 |title=Galley service returning to some Washington State Ferries routes soon |url=https://www.kitsapsun.com/story/news/2022/04/07/galley-service-returning-some-washington-state-ferries-routes-bainbridge-island-seattle-puget-sound/9501886002/ |work=Kitsap Sun |accessdate=January 10, 2026}}</ref> It served 1.6{{nbsp}}million customers in 2024 and sold {{convert|10,000|USgal|L}} of clam chowder and nearly 150,000 soft pretzels.<ref name="WSF-Review2024">{{cite web |date=January 2025 |title=Washington State Ferries 2024 Year in Review |url=https://wsdot.wa.gov/sites/default/files/2025-01/WSF-YearInReview-2024_1.pdf |publisher=Washington State Department of Transportation |accessdate=January 10, 2026}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |last=Sullivan |first=Chris |date=January 16, 2025 |title=WSF year in review: Soft pretzel boom and fewer canceled sailings |url=https://mynorthwest.com/chokepoints/wsf-year-review-soft-pretzel-boom-fewer-canceled-sailings-washington-ferries/4028939 |work=KIRO NewsRadio |accessdate=January 10, 2026}}</ref>
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.<ref>{{cite news |last=Brown |first=Andrea |date=January 29, 2019 |title=Ever after: Get married — or buried — on a Washington ferry |url=https://www.heraldnet.com/news/ever-after-get-married-or-buried-on-a-washington-ferry/ |work=The Everett Herald |accessdate=March 21, 2024}}</ref> 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.<ref name="Times-Memorials">{{cite news |last=Deshais |first=Nicholas |date=August 3, 2025 |title=On a memorial WA ferry ride, ashes are sent to rest in Puget Sound |url=https://www.seattletimes.com/seattle-news/transportation/on-a-memorial-wa-ferry-ride-ashes-are-sent-to-rest-in-puget-sound/ |work=The Seattle Times |accessdate=August 4, 2025}}</ref> The ferries are also mandated to stop for large marine mammals, including orcas and humpback whales, to avoid collisions or harming the animals.<ref name="WSF-Underwater">{{cite web |date=December 2021 |title=Washington State Ferries Underwater Noise Mitigation and Management Plan for the Protection of Marine Mammals |pages=11–12 |url=https://wsdot.wa.gov/sites/default/files/2021-12/WSF-Environment-MarineMammalManagementPlan.pdf |publisher=Washington State Department of Transportation |accessdate=January 10, 2026}}</ref> Whale sightings are reported to a multi-agency alert system and supplemented by electronic listening arrays placed in the Salish Sea;<ref name="WSF-Underwater"/><ref>{{cite news |last=Mapes |first=Lynda V. |date=March 25, 2022 |title=New orca listening post installed in deep water of Puget Sound |url=https://www.seattletimes.com/seattle-news/new-orca-listening-post-installed-in-deep-water-of-puget-sound/ |work=The Seattle Times |accessdate=January 10, 2026}}</ref> in 2025, there were 687 whale sightings aboard the WSF system.<ref name="WSF-Review2025">{{cite web |date=January 2026 |title=Washington State Ferries 2025 Year in Review |url=https://wsdot.wa.gov/sites/default/files/2026-01/WSF-YearInReview-2025.pdf |publisher=Washington State Department of Transportation |accessdate=January 13, 2026}}</ref>
===Safety and security=== [[File:US Coast Guard security exercise on MV Salish - Seattle - DVIDS 1125263.jpg|thumb|right|A safety drill on {{MV|Salish}} conducted by the U.S. Coast Guard and local law enforcement in 2012]]
{{As of|2023}}, the ferry system had no fatalities related to its vessels' operations in its operating history.<ref>{{cite news |last=Lindblom |first=Mike |date=March 30, 2023 |title=Captain's error caused 2022 WA ferry crash in West Seattle, probe says |url=https://www.seattletimes.com/seattle-news/transportation/captains-error-caused-2022-wa-ferry-crash-in-west-seattle-probe-says/ |work=The Seattle Times |accessdate=January 18, 2026}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |last=Stoller |first=Gary |date=May 29, 2012 |title=Most passenger boats don't have life rafts for everyone |url=http://travel.usatoday.com/news/story/2012-05-29/Most-passenger-boats-dont-have-life-rafts-for-everyone/55269894/1 |work=USA Today |url-status=dead |archive-url=http://web.archive.org/web/20120601003216/http://travel.usatoday.com/news/story/2012-05-29/Most-passenger-boats-dont-have-life-rafts-for-everyone/55269894/1 |archive-date=June 1, 2012 |accessdate=January 18, 2026}}</ref> In fiscal year 2025, there were 36 reported injuries to passengers on ferries—a rate of 1.9{{nbsp}}injuries to passengers per million boardings—and 8.2{{nbsp}}injuries to crew per 10,000 hours in revenue service.<ref name="ReportFY2025"/> Several vessels have been damaged in collisions or other incidents that required extensive repairs. {{MV|Elwha}}, in service from 1968 to 2019, ran aground on underwater rocks and reefs several times; after one of the collisions, Elwha Rock was named in honor of the vessel.<ref name="Times-Elwha"/> The system's terminals have also been damaged by vessels that have collided with docks and other facilities, including several in the 1980s and 1990s.<ref>{{cite news |last=Santana |first=Arthur |date=September 8, 1999 |title=Ferry loaded with passengers slams into Orcas Island dock |page=A1 |url=https://archive.seattletimes.com/archive/19990908/2981737/ferry-loaded-with-passengers-slams-into-orcas-island-dock |work=The Seattle Times |accessdate=January 18, 2026}}</ref> The first collision between ferry vessels occurred on September 6, 1991, when {{MV|Sealth}} hit {{MV|Kitsap}} in Rich Passage near Bainbridge Island; the captain of the ''Kitsap'' was found negligent for not slowing in heavy fog. The incident resulted in no injuries and $37,000 in damage to the vessels.<ref>{{cite news |last=Bailey |first=Gil |date=May 27, 1992 |title=Ferry captain can stay |page=A1 |work=Seattle Post-Intelligencer}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |last1=Serrano |first1=Barbara |last2=Angelos |first2=Constantine |date=September 7, 1991 |title=Questions float from crash |page=A1 |url=https://archive.seattletimes.com/archive/19910907/1304078/questions-float-from-crash----human-error-is-presumed-cause-of-states-first-collision-of-ferries |work=The Seattle Times |accessdate=January 18, 2026}}</ref>
The vessels of the fleet are equipped with life rafts that can each carry up to 150 people and are deployed from the vehicle and passenger decks. Several sets of inflatable evacuation slides, similar to those use on commercial airplanes, are also deployed onto floating platforms.<ref>{{cite news |last=Friedrich |first=Ed |date=May 6, 2017 |title=More life rafts required aboard ferries |url=https://www.kitsapsun.com/story/news/local/2017/05/06/more-life-rafts-required-aboard-ferries/101292768/ |work=Kitsap Sun |accessdate=January 18, 2026}}</ref><ref name="Times-Rafts2006">{{cite news |last1=Welch |first1=Craig |last2=Gilmore |first2=Susan |date=March 23, 2006 |title=State's ferries have enough life rafts — 98% of the time |page=A11 |url=http://seattletimes.nwsource.com/html/localnews/2002883242_ferrywash23m.html |work=The Seattle Times |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20060417083314/http://seattletimes.nwsource.com/html/localnews/2002883242_ferrywash23m.html |archive-date=April 17, 2006 |accessdate=January 18, 2026}}</ref> All ferries also have life jackets for passengers that are distributed by crewmembers in an emergency.<ref name="Times-Rafts2006"/><ref>{{cite web |last1=Schubert |first1=James |last2=Stowell |first2=Beth |date=October 2023 |title=Washington State Ferries Report of Formal Investigation: M/V Walla Walla Grounding Incident, 15 April 2023 |pages=3, 14 |url=https://wsdot.wa.gov/sites/default/files/2023-10/WSF-WallaWalla-GroundingInvestigation.pdf |publisher=Washington State Department of Transportation |accessdate=January 18, 2026}}</ref> The required number of life rafts is set by the U.S. Coast Guard, who allowed Washington State Ferries to operate under an "alternate compliance" plan from 2002 to 2017 to increase passenger capacities. The plan reduced the number of life rafts on each individual vessel with the assumption that the second ferry assigned to the route would be able to rescue passengers and provide the missing capacity.<ref name="Times-Rescue"/><ref name="Times-Liferafts"/> After the plan was suspended, the ferry system retrofitted its older vessels to add more life rafts in order to maintain their passenger capacities.<ref name="Times-Liferafts"/> Washington State Ferries had previously operated vessels with fewer life rafts that could carry as little as 7.8{{nbsp}}percent of the listed passenger capacity until the early 2000s, when more life rafts and floating platforms were added to accommodate 98{{nbsp}}percent of expected loads.<ref name="Times-Rafts2006"/><ref>{{cite news |last=Nalder |first=Eric |date=January 11, 1998 |title=Most ferries short of life rafts |page=A1 |url=https://archive.seattletimes.com/archive/19980111/2728093/most-ferries-short-of-life-rafts----is-it-a-titanic-problem-or-a-reasonable-cost-control-measure |work=The Seattle Times |accessdate=January 18, 2026}}</ref>
As part of the state highway system, Washington State Ferries is within the jurisdiction of the Washington State Patrol (WSP), which has several teams that patrol vessels, terminals, and other facilities. WSP also provides officers who direct traffic at some terminals and K-9 units for surveillance and screening.<ref name="JOPS">{{cite web |date=September 2024 |title=A Joint Operations Policy Statement |pages=42–48 |url=https://www.wsdot.wa.gov/publications/manuals/fulltext/M3102/JOPS.pdf |publisher=Washington State Department of Transportation |accessdate=January 18, 2026}}</ref> On the international Anacortes–Sidney route, WSP coordinates with the U.S. Border Patrol and the Royal Canadian Mounted Police for some activities;<ref name="JOPS"/> passengers on international sailings are also required to clear customs facilities at the terminals.<ref>{{cite news |last=Brown |first=Charles E. |date=April 3, 2005 |title=Customs check must cover all ferry passengers |url=https://www.seattletimes.com/seattle-news/customs-check-must-cover-all-ferry-passengers/ |work=The Seattle Times |accessdate=January 18, 2026}}</ref> The U.S. Coast Guard is also responsible for security and first response activities within the ferry system through the Maritime Safety and Security Team.<ref name="TNT-Targets">{{cite news |last=Blumenthal |first=Les |date=September 10, 2006 |title=Ferries targets for terrorism? |page=A1 |work=The News Tribune |url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-news-tribune-ferries-targets-for-ter/188739754/ |via=Newspapers.com |accessdate=January 18, 2026}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |last=Farley |first=Josh |date=March 26, 2019 |title=Coast Guard honors fallen shipmate's sacrifice for safety |url=https://www.kitsapsun.com/story/news/local/2019/03/26/how-coast-guard-patrols-changed-following-loss-bow-gunner/3272413002/ |via=Kitsap Sun |accessdate=January 18, 2026}}</ref> The team conducts escort missions in which armed patrol boats sail alongside a ferry to enforce a {{convert|500|yard|m|adj=mid}} security zone on random sailings, which increased following the September 11 attacks in 2001.<ref name="TNT-Targets"/><ref>{{cite news |last=Fryer |first=Alex |date=July 21, 2005 |title=Speedy boats provide extra muscle for state ferry system |page=B1 |url=https://www.seattletimes.com/seattle-news/speedy-boats-provide-extra-muscle-for-state-ferry-system/ |work=The Seattle Times |accessdate=January 18, 2026}}</ref> The Coast Guard also manages a vessel traffic service to monitor busy waterways, including areas around the ferries, and conducts searches for missing passengers.<ref>{{cite news |last=Gilmore |first=Susan |date=December 22, 2005 |title=Pilot group: Ferry didn't yield |page=B1 |work=The Seattle Times}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |last=Gutman |first=David |date=April 12, 2018 |title=$17,000 search: Coast Guard called out when someone left a bike on the Seattle-to-Bainbridge ferry |url=https://www.seattletimes.com/seattle-news/transportation/if-you-leave-a-bike-on-a-washington-ferry-the-coast-guard-fears-youve-gone-overboard/ |work=The Seattle Times |accessdate=January 18, 2026}}</ref> Washington State Ferries also hosts safety drills and other security exercises with WSP, the Coast Guard, local law enforcement agencies, fire departments, and private companies.<ref>{{cite news |last=Scott |first=Alwyn |date=October 8, 2006 |title=Security on an even keel |page=E1 |url=https://www.seattletimes.com/business/security-on-an-even-keel/ |work=The Seattle Times |accessdate=January 18, 2026}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |last=Scott |first=Alwyn |date=September 26, 2005 |title=Ferry drill tests rescuers |page=E1 |url=https://www.seattletimes.com/seattle-news/ferry-drill-tests-rescuers/ |work=The Seattle Times |accessdate=January 18, 2026}}</ref> The ferries also regularly assist in maritime rescues of other vessels;<ref name="Times-Memorials"/> in 2025, the system reported 46 lifesaving events.<ref name="WSF-Review2025"/>
Security searches, including random screenings of vehicles, began in response to the September 11 attacks but were suspended in June 2002 after a review of potential terrorist threats and opposition from the American Civil Liberties Union's Washington chapter.<ref>{{cite news |last=Queary |first=Paul |date=June 30, 2002 |title=Ferry searches turn up lots of questions, some anger |url=https://www.seattlepi.com/news/article/ferry-searches-turn-up-lots-of-questions-some-1090369.php |work=Seattle Post-Intelligencer |accessdate=January 18, 2026}}</ref> Washington State Ferries implemented its full security plan in July 2004 to comply with requirements from the Coast Guard and the Department of Homeland Security. Additional K-9 units from WSP were deployed to conduct random searches on a percentage of vehicles that varies based on the MARSEC level.<ref>{{cite news |last=Carter |first=Mike |date=October 9, 2004 |title=No ferry car searches, for now |page=B1 |work=The Seattle Times}}</ref><ref>{{cite magazine |date=August 2005 |title=Kicking it up a notch |pages=13, 16 |magazine=Marine Log |location=New York |volume=110 |issue=8 |id={{ProQuest|213476934}}}}</ref> The Coast Guard previously proposed full body scanners for walk-on passengers—limited to 20{{nbsp}}percent at low MARSEC levels and required for all at the highest level—amid criticism and objections from the ferry system.<ref>{{cite news |last=Madigan |first=Nick |date=November 11, 2002 |title=Seattle Ferry Riders May Face Security Delays |page=A10 |url=https://www.nytimes.com/2002/11/11/us/seattle-ferry-riders-may-face-security-delays.html |work=The New York Times |url-access=subscription |accessdate=January 18, 2026}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |last=Tizon |first=Tomas Alex |author-link=Alex Tizon |date=July 6, 2003 |title=Security Would Slow Puget Sound Commute |url=https://www.latimes.com/archives/la-xpm-2003-jul-06-na-ferry6-story.html |work=Los Angeles Times |accessdate=January 18, 2026}}</ref>
==Fleet== [[File:Washington State Ferries vessel MV Puyallup departing Seattle.jpg|thumb|right|{{MV|Puyallup}}, one of the largest ferries, departing from Seattle]] {{main|Washington State Ferries fleet}}
{{as of|2025}}, Washington State Ferries has a fleet of 21{{nbsp}}ferries that serve its routes.<ref name="WSF-Fleet"/> The ferries use a double-ended design with a pair of wheelhouses, crew quarters, propellers, and rudders that are mirrored to allow for operation in either direction.<ref name="PM2020">{{cite news |date=June 2, 2020 |title=Expecting the unexpected simply routine for WSF ferry crews |url=https://professionalmariner.com/expecting-the-unexpected-simply-routine-for-wsf-ferry-crews/ |work=Professional Mariner |accessdate=January 13, 2026}}</ref><ref name="NTSB2023">{{cite web |date=September 27, 2023 |title=MIR-23-21: Contact of Passenger Vessel Cathlamet with Ferry Terminal Dolphin |page=3 |url=https://www.ntsb.gov/investigations/AccidentReports/Reports/MIR2321.pdf |publisher=National Transportation Safety Board |accessdate=January 16, 2026}}</ref> They are roll-on/roll-off with at least one vehicle deck above the engine rooms;<ref name="PM2020"/><ref name="KUOW-Aging">{{cite news |last1=McDermott |first1=Kara |last2=Black |first2=Dominic |date=February 18, 2014 |title=Washington State Ferries: Replacing Aging Icons |url=https://www.kuow.org/stories/washington-state-ferries-replacing-aging-icons |publisher=KUOW |accessdate=January 13, 2026}}</ref> for vessels with multiple vehicle decks, a ramp connects the upper and lower parking areas.<ref name="Times-Samish">{{cite news |last=Lindblom |first=Mike |date=June 13, 2015 |title=San Juans welcoming ferry system's latest big boat |url=https://www.seattletimes.com/seattle-news/transportation/san-juans-welcoming-ferry-systems-latest-big-boat/ |work=The Seattle Times |accessdate=January 13, 2026}}</ref> The passenger areas of the ferries are above the vehicle area and connected by stairs and elevators.<ref name="Times-Samish"/> They comprise at least one indoor cabin with seating, tables, restrooms, vending machines, and a staffed galley.<ref name="KUOW-Peek">{{cite news |last=McNichols |first=Joshua |date=May 31, 2024 |title=A sneak peek at Washington's planned hybrid electric ferries |url=https://www.kuow.org/stories/a-sneak-peak-at-washington-s-planned-hybrid-electric-ferries |publisher=KUOW |accessdate=January 30, 2025}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |last=Brown |first=Andrea |date=January 16, 2021 |title=Mukilteo-Clinton route is hot spot as ridership hits low point |url=https://www.heraldnet.com/news/mukilteo-clinton-route-is-hot-spot-as-ridership-hits-low-point/ |work=The Everett Herald |accessdate=January 13, 2026}}</ref> The outdoor pedestrian deck includes a sun deck with bench seating and a "picklefork" at each end that is divided into two halves to allow for the vehicle deck to be visible from the wheelhouse.<ref name="Times-Samish"/><ref name="KUOW-Peek"/> Walk-on passengers board from gangplanks that lower onto the picklefork at terminals equipped with an overhead walkway.<ref name="Herald-Mukilteo2021"/>
The ferries are named by the Washington State Transportation Commission and are derived from the state's Native American tribes and their languages.<ref>{{cite news |last=Saez |first=Rosin |date=April 23, 2019 |title=How to Identify Every Boat in Washington's Ferry Fleet |url=https://www.seattlemet.com/news-and-city-life/2019/04/how-to-identify-every-boat-in-washington-s-ferry-fleet |work=Seattle Met |accessdate=January 15, 2026}}</ref> The tradition originated with the Puget Sound Navigation Company in the 1930s and was adopted by the state government in 1958;<ref>{{cite web |last=Stein |first=Alan J. |date=February 25, 2003 |title=State Toll Bridge Authority agrees to give ferryboats Native American names on April 25, 1958. |url=https://www.historylink.org/File/5297 |work=HistoryLink |accessdate=January 16, 2026}}</ref> the final vessel with a non-indigenous name was the ''Evergreen State'', which was retired in 2015.<ref>{{cite news |last=Farley |first=Josh |date=May 26, 2014 |title=Time to narrow down new ferry names |url=https://www.kitsapsun.com/story/news/blogs/the-commute/2014/05/26/time-to-narrow-down-new-ferry-names/95183732/ |work=Kitsap Sun |accessdate=January 15, 2026}}</ref> The fleet is painted with a standard livery of white with green trim; the Washington State Department of Transportation logo is painted on the stack at the center.<ref name="KUOW-Aging"/> After 50 years of state service, a commemorative gold stripe is painted on the center stack.<ref>{{cite news |last=Charnley Eveland |first=Anne |date=June 9, 2022 |title=The MV Spokane ferry celebrates its 50th year; the MV Walla Walla is next in 2023 |url=https://www.union-bulletin.com/local_columnists/etcetera/the-mv-spokane-ferry-celebrates-its-50th-year-the-mv-walla-walla-is-next-in/article_2703b46c-e6b7-11ec-9f76-2f233c96fb99.html |work=Walla Walla Union-Bulletin |accessdate=August 5, 2025}}</ref> Washington State Ferries also allows the use of wraps for advertising through contractors, but reviewed the policy in 2023 after a Coca-Cola advertisement drew widespread criticism, including from governor Jay Inslee.<ref>{{cite news |last=Pilling |first=Nathan |date=October 9, 2023 |title=Seeing red: Washington State Ferries vessel Tacoma now comes with Coca-Cola |url=https://www.kitsapsun.com/story/news/local/2023/10/09/washington-state-ferries-vessel-tacoma-coca-cola-ad/71044392007/ |work=Kitsap Sun |accessdate=January 13, 2026}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |last=Kroman |first=David |date=October 27, 2023 |title=WA state ferry fans see red over Coca-Cola banner ads on vessels |url=https://www.seattletimes.com/seattle-news/transportation/wa-state-ferry-fans-see-red-over-coca-cola-banner-ads-on-vessels/ |work=The Seattle Times |accessdate=January 13, 2026}}</ref> The interior of the passenger cabin typically uses neutral colors for its seating and floors, which have been described as "like an airport waiting room from the 1980s" and "utilitarian in appearance".<ref>{{cite news |last=Foster |first=George |date=August 28, 1996 |title=Do the Tacoma: New state ferry has record proportions |page=A1 |work=Seattle Post-Intelligencer}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |last=Wija |first=Tantri |date=February 12, 2024 |title=Welcome aboard! Which kind of Seattle-Bainbridge ferry rider are you? |url=https://www.seattletimes.com/pacific-nw-magazine/welcome-aboard-which-kind-of-seattle-bainbridge-ferry-rider-are-you/ |work=The Seattle Times |accessdate=January 13, 2026}}</ref> Some ferries are stocked with jigsaw puzzles by passengers or crewmembers and left for public use.<ref>{{cite news |last=Yardley |first=William |date=September 10, 2011 |title=Getting There Is Just a Piece of the Puzzle |url=https://www.nytimes.com/2011/09/11/us/11jigsaw.html |work=The New York Times |accessdate=January 13, 2026}}</ref> Washington State Ferries began offering paid Wi-Fi access aboard vessels on some routes in 2004 that was expanded with a contract awarded to Boingo Wireless in 2008.<ref>{{cite news |date=October 25, 2006 |title=More Wi-Fi, but ferries will charge |page=B3 |work=Seattle Post-Intelligencer}}</ref><ref name="Times-WiFi">{{cite news |last=Clarridge |first=Christine |date=June 9, 2016 |title=Say goodbye to Wi-Fi on Washington State Ferries |url=https://www.seattletimes.com/seattle-news/transportation/say-goodbye-to-wi-fi-on-washington-state-ferries/ |work=The Seattle Times |accessdate=January 13, 2026}}</ref> The service was discontinued in 2016 after the contract expired; it had largely been replaced by more widespread cellular networks, but a new pilot program is scheduled to begin in 2026.<ref>{{cite news |last=Deshais |first=Nicholas |date=January 12, 2026 |title=Wi-Fi coming back to WA ferries in trial project |url=https://www.seattletimes.com/seattle-news/transportation/wi-fi-coming-back-to-wa-ferries-in-trial-project/ |work=The Seattle Times |accessdate=January 13, 2026}}</ref>
The largest ferries in the system are the three Jumbo Mark II class vessels, which carry 202 vehicles and 1,791 passengers.<ref name="WSF-Fleet"/> Their passenger capacity was originally listed as 2,500 until the U.S. Coast Guard revised their rules on vehicle stability in 2011 to account for a {{convert|25|lb|kg|adj=mid}} difference in the weight of an average adult passenger.<ref name="Times-Liferafts">{{cite news |last=Gutman |first=David |date=May 11, 2017 |title=Washington ferries to spend $5M for more life rafts to carry all passengers — not just half |url=https://www.seattletimes.com/seattle-news/transportation/coast-guard-says-state-ferries-must-add-more-life-rafts/ |work=The Seattle Times |accessdate=January 14, 2026}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |last=Esser |first=Doug |date=December 21, 2011 |title=Passenger weight gain prompts new U.S. ferry rules |url=https://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/british-columbia/passenger-weight-gain-prompts-new-u-s-ferry-rules-1.1046806 |work=CBC News |agency=Associated Press |accessdate=January 14, 2026}}</ref> The total capacity is determined by the ability to evacuate passengers from the vessel in a waterborne emergency through life rafts or capacity on other vessels assigned to the route.<ref name="Times-Liferafts"/> The number of passengers boarding is determined using handheld counter devices that are logged by ferry personnel; in the event of an overloaded vessel, it returns to port and disembarks passengers until it falls under the limit.<ref>{{cite news |last=Lindblom |first=Mike |date=September 22, 2014 |title=Whoops! That Bremerton-Seattle ferry wasn't really overloaded Aug. 15 |url=https://www.seattletimes.com/seattle-news/whoops-that-bremerton-seattle-ferry-wasnt-really-overloaded-aug-15/ |work=The Seattle Times |accessdate=January 14, 2026}}</ref> The smallest vessels in the fleet belong to the Kwa-di Tabil class, which carry 64 vehicles and 748 passengers.<ref name="WSF-Fleet"/><ref>{{cite news |last=Stang |first=John |date=March 4, 2024 |title=WA's carbon pricing system may fund $200M for new electric ferries |url=https://www.cascadepbs.org/environment/2024/03/was-carbon-pricing-system-may-fund-200m-new-electric-ferries/ |work=Cascade PBS News |accessdate=January 14, 2026}}</ref> {{as of|2024}}, the average ferry in the fleet is 33.1{{nbsp}}years old;<ref name="FTA-Database"/> they have an expected lifespan of 60 years and are scheduled to undergo a "mid-life refurbishment" at 30 years that upgrades their propulsion, navigation, and safety systems.<ref name="Times-Electric2018"/><ref name="WSF-Contingency2024">{{cite web |date=January 2024 |title=Washington State Ferries Service Contingency Plan |page=5 |url=https://wsdot.wa.gov/sites/default/files/2024-01/WSF-Service-Contingency-Plan-2024.pdf |publisher=Washington State Department of Transportation |accessdate=January 6, 2026}}</ref> The ferries are inspected in a drydock on a rotating basis and receive annual certification from the U.S. Coast Guard.<ref name="WSF-Contingency2024"/><ref>{{cite news |last=Fletcher-Frazer |date=October 14, 2024 |title=Exploring a state ferry in dry dock |url=https://www.goskagit.com/news/local_news/exploring-a-state-ferry-in-dry-dock/article_25f6cea4-84d2-11ef-b413-cb8dcf29928e.html |work=Skagit Valley Herald |url-access=subscription |accessdate=January 14, 2026}}</ref> {{As of|2023}}, 9 of the 21 active ferries were considered to be in good condition;<ref name="Times-Ages"/> the system averaged 12.1{{nbsp}}weeks out of service per vessel in 2025 due to planned maintenance and unscheduled issues.<ref name="ReportFY2025"/>
Washington State Ferries primarily uses diesel fuel to power the engines aboard its vessels, which spin a generator to create electricity.<ref>{{cite news |last=Giordano |first=Lizz |date=November 4, 2019 |title=Washington State Ferries plans for an electric-hybrid fleet |url=https://www.heraldnet.com/news/washington-state-ferries-aiming-for-a-fleet-energy-sea-change/ |work=The Everett Herald |accessdate=January 15, 2026}}</ref> The agency used 15.2{{nbsp}}million gallons of diesel fuel in 2024, of which 9.4{{nbsp}}percent was biodiesel; the use of biodiesel is mandated by state law and began in 2009.<ref name="DES-Biodiesel">{{cite web |date=August 2025 |title=Biodiesel use by Washington State Agencies, January–December 2024 |pages=6–8 |url=https://des.wa.gov/sites/default/files/2025-08/2024BiodieselUseReport.pdf |publisher=Washington State Department of Enterprise Services |accessdate=January 15, 2026}}</ref> Up to 19{{nbsp}}million gallons of diesel fuel was used annually prior to the COVID-19 pandemic, when the ferries had an expanded schedule.<ref name="Times-Design2024">{{cite news |last=Deshais |first=Nicholas |date=June 4, 2024 |title=WA shows off new design for its ferries — now it needs a shipbuilder |url=https://www.seattletimes.com/seattle-news/transportation/wa-shows-off-new-design-for-its-ferries-now-it-needs-a-shipbuilder/ |work=The Seattle Times |accessdate=June 5, 2024}}</ref> The ferries are refueled every two to three weeks during an overnight shift at designated terminals or a fuel pier at Harbor Island in Seattle.<ref name="DES-Biodiesel"/><ref>{{cite news |last=Geschke |first=Will |date=September 2, 2025 |title=How the Mukilteo-Clinton ferry route will get an electric upgrade |url=https://www.heraldnet.com/news/how-the-mukilteo-clinton-ferry-route-will-get-an-electric-upgrade/ |work=The Everett Herald |accessdate=January 5, 2026}}</ref> Washington State Ferries is the largest contributor to greenhouse gas emissions in the state government and has been the subject of plans to electrify the fleet since 2018.<ref name="Times-Electric2018"/><ref>{{cite news |last=Van De Venter |first=Karlee |date=August 25, 2023 |title=Washington state to cut down greenhouse gas emissions with electric ferry conversions |url=https://www.tri-cityherald.com/news/state/washington/article278490309.html |work=Tri-City Herald |accessdate=January 15, 2026}}</ref> By 2040, the agency intends to build 16 new hybrid-electric ferries, convert six others to have hybrid propulsion, and build charging stations at 16 terminals.<ref name="Times-Interest"/> The first vessel to undergo conversion to use hybrid-electric propulsion was {{MV|Wenatchee}}, which returned to service in July 2025 after two years of work.<ref name="Times-Wenatchee2025">{{cite news |last=Deshais |first=Nicholas |date=July 10, 2025 |title=WA's first electrified ferry sails, with 2 governors on board |url=https://www.seattletimes.com/seattle-news/transportation/was-first-electrified-ferry-sails-with-2-governors-on-board/ |work=The Seattle Times |accessdate=January 10, 2026}}</ref> ''Wenatchee'' has two battery rooms with 864 battery cells that store 5.7 megawatt-hours of energy for the engines.<ref name="Times-Wenatchee2025"/> Further work on converting the Jumbo Mark II fleet to hybrid propulsion was delayed by Washington governor Bob Ferguson in early 2025 in favor of restoring service on the routes.<ref>{{cite news |last=Deshais |first=Nicholas |date=March 6, 2025 |title=WA Gov. Ferguson delays conversion of ferries to electric power |url=https://www.seattletimes.com/seattle-news/transportation/wa-gov-ferguson-delays-conversion-of-ferries-to-electric-power/ |accessdate=July 7, 2025}}</ref> The first on-shore charging stations are expected to be constructed in 2029 at the Clinton and Mukilteo terminals.<ref name="Times-Wenatchee2025"/><ref>{{cite news |last=Jackson |first=Sydney |date=July 7, 2023 |title=Buttigieg visits Mukilteo for plans to electrify Washington ferries |url=https://www.heraldnet.com/news/buttigieg-visits-mukilteo-for-plans-to-electrify-washington-ferries/ |work=The Everett Herald |accessdate=January 10, 2026}}</ref>
Vigor Industrial (formerly Todd Shipyard) in Seattle has been the primary shipbuilder for all of the system's ferries since 1997; a state law previously required new ferries to be built in Washington, but was revised in 2015 to allow outside bidding.<ref name="Times-Ages">{{cite news |last=Kroman |first=David |date=August 20, 2023 |title=As Washington's ferry fleet ages, why aren't we building new boats? |url=https://www.seattletimes.com/seattle-news/transportation/as-washingtons-ferry-fleet-ages-why-arent-we-building-new-boats/ |work=The Seattle Times |accessdate=September 7, 2023}}</ref> Vigor had built the first four vessels in the Olympic class from 2011 to 2018 and were initially announced as the contractor for the a hybrid-electric vessel based on the Olympic class. After cost overruns and other disagreements, Washington State Ferries opened an invitation for bids for an initial set of three hybrid vessels that included qualified firms from outside of the state.<ref name="Times-Interest"/><ref name="Times-Ages"/> In July 2025, the state government selected a $714.5{{nbsp}}million proposal from Eastern Shipbuilding of Panama City, Florida, ahead of another bid from a Washington company. The vessels are scheduled to begin delivery as soon as 2029 and use an electric propulsion system supplied by ABB. These ferries, the first to be built outside Washington in over 50 years,<ref>{{cite news |last=Banse |first=Tom |date=May 31, 2024 |title=State ferry system goes out to bid for new hybrid-electric vessels |url=https://www.kitsapsun.com/story/news/2024/05/31/washington-state-opens-bidding-process-for-hybrid-electric-ferries/73922332007/ |work=Kitsap Sun |access-date=July 2, 2025}}</ref> are planned to be based on the Olympic class with a capacity of 1,500 passengers and 164 vehicles.<ref>{{cite news |last=Deshais |first=Nicholas |date=July 1, 2025 |title=Ferguson selects Florida shipbuilder to build WA fleet of electric ferries |url=https://www.seattletimes.com/seattle-news/transportation/ferguson-selects-florida-shipbuilder-to-build-fleet-of-electric-ferries/ |work=The Seattle Times |accessdate=July 2, 2025}}</ref> Governor Bob Ferguson announced a $1{{nbsp}}billion addition to the proposed 2026 budget that would fund three more hybrid-electric vessels; the full electrification program is estimated to cost $6.2{{nbsp}}billion.<ref>{{cite news |last=Deshais |first=Nicholas |date=December 19, 2025 |title=WA Gov. Ferguson proposes $1 billion to buy three new ferries |url=https://www.seattletimes.com/seattle-news/transportation/wa-gov-ferguson-proposes-1-billion-to-buy-three-new-ferries/ |work=The Seattle Times |accessdate=January 16, 2026}}</ref> The system's first electric charging stations are planned to be constructed at five terminals, beginning with Colman Dock in 2029.<ref>{{cite news |last=Deshais |first=Nicholas |date=May 12, 2025 |title=WA gets just 2 bids to build new electric ferries, and the prices are in |url=https://www.seattletimes.com/seattle-news/transportation/wa-gets-just-two-bids-to-build-new-electric-ferries-and-the-prices-are-in/ |work=The Seattle Times |accessdate=January 16, 2026}}</ref>
{| class="wikitable sortable plainrowheaders" style="text-align:center" |+ Active classes operated by Washington State Ferries (2025)<ref name="WSF-Fleet">{{cite web |date=September 2025 |title=WSDOT Ferries Division Fleet Guide |url=https://wsdot.wa.gov/sites/default/files/2025-09/WSF-FleetGuide-September2025.pdf |publisher=Washington State Ferries |accessdate=January 4, 2026}}</ref> |- ! scope="col" rowspan="2" | Class ! scope="col" rowspan="2" | Vessels ! scope="col" rowspan="2" class="unsortable" | Image ! scope="col" rowspan="2" | Years built ! scope="col" colspan="2" | Capacity ! scope="col" rowspan="2" | Length ! scope="col" rowspan="2" | Maximum speed ! scope="col" rowspan="2" class="unsortable" | Notes |- ! scope="col" | Vehicles ! scope="col" | Passengers |- ! scope="row" | ''Evergreen State''{{nbsp}}(1) | align="left" | {{MV|Tillikum}} | 150px<br />({{MV|Tillikum}}) | 1959 || 87 || 596 || {{convert|310|ft|2|in|m|1|abbr=on}} || {{convert|13|kn|mph kph|abbr=on}} | align="left" | Rebuilt in 1994;<ref name="WSF-Fleet"/> 2 vessels retired<ref>{{cite news |last=Pilling |first=Nathan |date=February 27, 2019 |title=Washington State Ferries' oldest ferry Tillikum hits 60 years of service |url=https://www.kitsapsun.com/story/news/local/2019/02/27/washington-state-ferries-tillikum-60-years-service/3009965002/ |work=Kitsap Sun |accessdate=January 4, 2026}}</ref> |- ! scope="row" | ''Issaquah'' (6) | align="left" | {{ubl|{{MV|Issaquah}}|{{MV|Kittitas}}|{{MV|Kitsap}}|{{MV|Cathlamet}}|{{MV|Chelan}}|{{MV|Sealth}}}} | 150px<br />({{MV|Chelan}}) | 1979–1982 || 124{{efn|{{MV|Sealth}} has a listed capacity of 90 vehicles.<ref name="WSF-Fleet"/>}} || 1,196{{efn|{{MV|Chelan}} has a listed capacity of 1,090 passengers on international trips due to SOLAS Convention standards.<ref>{{cite news |last=Welch |first=Cameron |date=March 1, 2023 |title=101-year-old Sidney-Anacortes ferry will not return until 2030 |url=https://www.capitaldaily.ca/news/101-year-old-sidney-anacortes-ferry-will-not-return-until-2030 |work=Capital Daily |accessdate=January 6, 2026}}</ref>}} || {{convert|328|ft|2|in|m|1|abbr=on}} || {{convert|16|kn|mph kph|abbr=on}} | align="left" | Rebuilt in 1989–2005<ref name="WSF-Fleet"/> |- ! scope="row" | Jumbo (2) | align="left" | {{ubl|{{MV|Spokane}}|{{MV|Walla Walla}}}} | 150px<br />({{MV|Walla Walla}}) | 1972–1973 || 188 || 1,793 || {{convert|440|ft|0|in|m|1|abbr=on}} || {{convert|18|kn|mph kph|abbr=on}} | align="left" | Rebuilt in 2004–2005<ref name="WSF-Fleet"/> |- ! scope="row" | Jumbo Mark II (3) | align="left" | {{ubl|{{MV|Tacoma}}|{{MV|Wenatchee}}|{{MV|Puyallup}}}} | 150px<br />({{MV|Wenatchee}}) | 1997–1999 || 202 || 1,791 || {{convert|460|ft|2|in|m|1|abbr=on}} || {{convert|18|kn|mph kph|abbr=on}} | align="left" | ''Wenatchee'' converted to battery–electric propulsion in 2025.<ref name="Times-Wenatchee2025"/> |- ! scope="row" | Kwa-di Tabil (3) | align="left" | {{ubl|{{MV|Chetzemoka}}|{{MV|Salish}}|{{MV|Kennewick}}}} | 150px<br />({{MV|Salish}}) | 2010–2011 || 64 || 748 || {{convert|273|ft|10|in|m|1|abbr=on}} || {{convert|14|kn|mph kph|abbr=on}} | align="left" | |- ! scope="row" | Olympic (4) | align="left" | {{ubl|{{MV|Tokitae}}|{{MV|Samish}}|{{MV|Chimacum}}|{{MV|Suquamish}}}} | 150px<br />({{MV|Suquamish}}) | 2014–2018 || 144 || 1,500 || {{convert|362|ft|5|in|m|1|abbr=on}} || {{convert|17|kn|mph kph|abbr=on}} | align="left" | |- ! scope="row" | Super (2) | align="left" | {{ubl|{{MV|Kaleetan}}|{{MV|Yakima}}}} | 150px<br />({{MV|Yakima}}) | 1967 || 144 || 1,195 || {{convert|382|ft|2|in|m|1|abbr=on}} || {{convert|17|kn|mph kph|abbr=on}} | align="left" | Rebuilt in 1999–2000;<ref name="WSF-Fleet"/> 2 vessels retired<ref name="Times-Elwha">{{cite news |last=Deshais |first=Nicholas |date=January 31, 2025 |title=Retired and notorious ferry Elwha finds a port in Everett |url=https://www.seattletimes.com/seattle-news/transportation/retired-and-notorious-ferry-elwha-finds-a-port-in-everett/ |work=The Seattle Times |accessdate=January 4, 2026}}</ref> |}
===Retired vessels=== [[File:Kalakala.jpg|thumb|{{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.<ref>{{cite news |last=Gilmore |first=Susan |date=April 25, 2007 |title=Missing the boats: a look at retired Washington State ferries |url=https://archive.seattletimes.com/archive/20070425/oldferries25m/missing-the-boats-a-look-at-retired-washington-state-ferries |work=The Seattle Times |accessdate=January 4, 2026}}</ref> 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.<ref>{{cite web |last=Furlow |first=Elizabeth |date=November 10, 1998 |title=Ferry Kalakala |url=https://www.historylink.org/file/312 |work=HistoryLink |accessdate=January 4, 2026}}</ref> She was loaned to run the international Port Angeles–Victoria route for five years in the late 1950s after Black Ball withdrew their service.<ref>{{cite news |last=Cowlishaw |first=David |date=June 13, 1958 |title=Resumption of Kalakala Service Cheered: 'This Friday 13th Lucky for Victoria' |page=1 |work=Victoria Daily Times |url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/times-colonist-resumption-of-kalakala-se/188296059/ |via=Newspapers.com |accessdate=January 5, 2026}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |last=Obee |first=Dave |date=December 7, 2008 |title=Ferry gave city glimpse of the future |page=D4 |work=Times Colonist |url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/times-colonist-ferry-gave-city-glimpse-o/188296100/ |via=Newspapers.com |accessdate=January 5, 2026}}</ref> 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.<ref>{{cite news |last=Friedrich |first=Ed |date=August 4, 2009 |title=After 80 Years of Service, Steel Electrics Prepare for One Last Run |url=https://archive.kitsapsun.com/news/local/after-80-years-of-service-steel-electrics-prepare-for-one-last-run-ep-420633572-358004731.html |work=Kitsap Sun |accessdate=January 4, 2026}}</ref> 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.<ref name="Sun-Tanzania"/>
Most of the retired WSF vessels have been sold through public auctions, including on eBay, to bidders who sought to reuse or scrap them.<ref name="Times-Retired">{{cite news |last=Deshais |first=Nicholas |date=August 17, 2024 |title=What happens to a retired WA ferry? Elwha, Klahowya about to find out |url=https://www.seattletimes.com/seattle-news/transportation/what-happens-to-a-retired-wa-ferry-elwha-klahowya-about-to-find-out/ |work=The Seattle Times |accessdate=January 5, 2026}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |last=Yardley |first=William |date=November 18, 2007 |title=For Sale From Puget Sound: 2 Fixer-Upper Ferries |url=https://www.nytimes.com/2007/11/18/us/18ferry.html |work=The New York Times |url-access=limited |accessdate=January 5, 2026}}</ref> The ferries are docked at the Eagle Harbor Maintenance Facility and stripped of parts that can be reused on other vessels or repurposed locally.<ref name="Times-Retired"/> The former air horn from {{MV|Hyak}} was installed at Climate Pledge Arena for use as a goal horn during Seattle Kraken games.<ref name="Herald-Retired">{{cite news |last=Banse |first=Tom |date=November 24, 2025 |title=For sale: Two retired state ferries. Dreamers need not apply |url=https://www.heraldnet.com/northwest/for-sale-two-retired-state-ferries-dreamers-need-not-apply/ |work=The Everett Herald |accessdate=January 5, 2026}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |last=Pilling |first=Nathan |date=December 17, 2021 |title=Ferry Hyak's whistle lives on at Climate Pledge Arena as a loud bit of history |url=https://www.kitsapsun.com/story/news/2021/12/17/hyaks-whistle-lives-climate-pledge-arena-kraken-goal-horn/8916575002/ |work=Kitsap Sun |accessdate=January 5, 2026}}</ref> 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.<ref name="Times-Elwha"/> 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.<ref name="Herald-Retired"/><ref>{{cite news |last=McGraw |first=Marcus |date=March 6, 1998 |title=MV Governor Joins Great White Fleet |url=https://vineyardgazette.com/news/1998/03/06/mv-governor-joins-great-white-fleet |work=Vineyard Gazette |accessdate=January 5, 2026}}</ref> 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.<ref>{{cite news |last=Ford |first=Aspen |date=August 17, 2025 |title=WA ferries are going hybrid-electric. Disposal of old ones presents problems |url=https://www.thenewstribune.com/news/local/article311722574.html#newshunter |work=The News Tribune |accessdate=January 5, 2026}}</ref>
==See also== {{Portal|United States|Transport}} {{div col}} *Alaska Marine Highway *BC Ferries *Ferries in Washington (state) *Inter-Island Ferry Authority *Keller Ferry *King County Water Taxi *Kitsap Fast Ferries {{div col end}} {{-}}
==Notes== {{notelist}}
==References== {{reflist}}
===Works cited===
* {{cite book |last=Demoro |first=Harre W. |author-link=Harre W. Demoro |year=1971 |title=The Evergreen Fleet: A Pictorial History of Washington State Ferries |page=122 |publisher=Golden West Books |location=San Marino, California |isbn=9780870950377 |oclc=141974}} * {{cite book |last1=Gore |first1=William J. |last2=Shipman |first2=Evelyn |year=1959 |title=Commuters vs. The Black Ball Line: Washington Purchases the Puget Sound Ferries |series=Inter-University Case Program |publisher=University of Alabama Press |location=Tuscaloosa, Alabama |oclc=2209644}} * {{cite book |last1=Neal |first1=Carolyn |last2=Janus |first2=Thomas Kilday |year=2001 |title=Puget Sound Ferries: From Canoe to Catamaran |publisher=American Historical Press |location=Sun Valley, California |isbn=9781892724199 |oclc=48259509}} * {{cite book |last=Stein |first=Alan J. |year=2001 |title=Safe Passage: The Birth of Washington State Ferries, 1951–2001 |publisher=History Ink, Sodexho Marriott Services |location=Seattle |isbn=9780966474510 |oclc=47188389}} * {{cite book |last=Williams |first=David B. |author-link=David Williams (natural history writer) |year=2022 |title=Homewaters: A Human and Natural History of Puget Sound |publisher=University of Washington Press |location=Seattle |isbn=9780295748603 |oclc=1316699044}}
==External links== {{Commons category}} *{{official website|https://wsdot.wa.gov/travel/washington-state-ferries}} *[http://www.evergreenfleet.com/ Evergreen Fleet], a ferry history website
{{Washington State Ferries|state=collapsed}} {{Puget Sound Transit}}
Category:Washington State Ferries Category:Sound Transit Category:Ferries of Washington (state) Category:Ferry companies based in Washington (state)