Washington State Ferries

34 Stories

First on, first off: A motorcyclist’s guide to Washington State Ferries

Riding a motorcycle may be the best way to enjoy the state’s ferry system.
- Casey Martin
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.
- KUOW Staff
'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.
- Joshua McNichols
‘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.
- Casey Martin
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.
- Joshua McNichols
Missed chemo treatments, water-crossed lovers separated: Washington state's broken ferry system

If a road closes near your home, you can probably find another way around. But if you live on an island, and your boat doesn’t come, you’re probably out of luck. That’s been happening a lot lately in Washington state, home to the largest ferry system in the country. Almost 19 million people used it last year — and it’s breaking down.
- Joshua McNichols
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.
- Casey Martin
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.
- Joshua McNichols
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.
- Joshua McNichols
Booming: Tiny ferries, stripper bill of rights, movie quiz

Could a broken ferry system help fix our cities?
- Lucy Soucek

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