Washington State Ferries

Full ferry service returning to Puget Sound summer 2025, Washington Gov. Ferguson says

After years of low staffing and unreliable schedules, Gov. Bob Ferguson announced Thursday that Washington state will have full ferry service by summer, bringing the system back to pre-pandemic levels.

'Mosquito Fleet Act' could bring small ferries to more Puget Sound communities

Washington State's new ferry boats are years away. It's a painful reality for waterfront communities that depend on ferries. But a new bill in the legislature promises to give them some relief.

‘We're at a breaking point.’ Washington ferry workers demand 20% raise

Unionized ferry workers who keep the state’s ailing fleet afloat are calling for higher pay and better staffing. On Tuesday morning, over 30 engineers and oilers stood in front of the bustling downtown Seattle ferry terminal, demanding the state to invest more money into jobs.

Government

A sneak peek at Washington's planned hybrid electric ferries

The state put five new ferries out to bid this week. That means shipyards may compete for the right to build them. A look through the plans reveals similarities to the old ferries, new details, and big changes under the hood.

Government

Short on staff and ships, can Washington's new ferry chief navigate out of troubled waters?

Steve Nevey said his job is to take the state’s beleaguered ferry system into the post-pandemic future. Washington State Ferries has struggled for years to maintain reliable service with broken boats and staff shortages.

Bainbridge Island residents show new optimism and resolve to revive Washington's ferries

For the first time in many years, Washington state’s ferry system operations are fully funded — but there’s still work to do. That’s what people heard at a “Fix our Ferries Town Hall” on Bainbridge Island over the weekend.

Could a broken WA ferry system help cities grow more sustainably?

Unreliable state ferries have left passengers in waterfront communities stranded. Replacement boats are still at least four years away. Meanwhile, county-run fleets of smaller, faster foot-ferries are preparing to expand, with help from the state.

Booming: Tiny ferries, stripper bill of rights, movie quiz

Could a broken ferry system help fix our cities?

Government

Letters to Inslee: More passenger-only ferries could be among solutions to Washington ferry woes