SEATTLE—Governor Bob Ferguson, joined by Chair of Senate Transportation Committee, Senator Marko Liias (D-Edmonds), Representative Greg Nance (D-Kitsap), and Bremerton Mayor Greg Wheeler, announced new service expansions to the Washington State Ferry system Thursday, June 13, including a second boat to the Seattle-Bremerton route beginning this weekend.
“We are a ferry dependent community. And for decades, the Washington State Ferry System has been a critical transportation link for our residents in Bremerton, nearby communities, our workforce and our businesses. We’re excited that Bremerton will once again have a two boat service beginning this Sunday,” said Bremerton Mayor Greg Wheeler.
Washington State Ferries will also be adding a third boat to the Triangle Route by the end of the month–which runs between West Seattle, Vashon Island and Southworth–a second boat to the Port Townsend-Coupeville route between Fridays and Mondays (beginning July 4) and gave an update on the return of the Wenatchee following its hybrid-electric conversion.
“So for too long, commuters traveling to and from Bremerton have had to wait two and a half hours between boats every day. The good news is starting on Sunday, not anymore. By adding this additional vessel, we are cutting that wait time by a full hour, and this expansion is permanent,” said Gov. Ferguson Thursday.
Last time the Governor held a press conference at the Port of Seattle he announced an ambitious goal to restore full ferry service to pre-pandemic levels. A big part of that, he said, is returning the Wenatchee which has been undergoing hybrid electric conversion since September of 2023.
Though the conversion took longer than anticipated the Governor announced Thursday that it’s nearly complete. It is currently undergoing sea trials to ensure it’s back in operational shape, which included over a dozen trials in the water with engine room and deck crews, as well as battery company technicians and others. If these trials continue to run smoothly Ferguson says the Wenatchee should return to service by the first week of July.
When the ship returns the ferry system will have a total of 21 vessels, which will allow for 18 boats in the water at any one time which will allow the maritime transportation network to operate at full service for the first time since 2019.
Back in March, Gov. Ferguson announced he would be delaying the hybrid transition of other Washington State ferries until after the 2026 FIFA World Cup. During that same conference he considered a potential lease agreement to get more boats in the water “at the best possible price.” The Governor said Thursday he is still looking into that option.
Sen. Liias, Chair of the Senate Transportation Committee shared that he is “really excited at the milestone we’re reaching today” but is concerned for the future with no new resources coming in from the federal government.
Liias has been working in close cooperation with his Republican colleague Curtis King from Yakima to bring forward a revenue proposal that would restore, and build, funding for the ferry system in the future.
“When Washingtonians on July 1st show up and see their gas tax has gone up, and they wonder, what is this paying for? It’s paying for two-boat service, the crews and the vessels that our ferries need to get to where they need to go. We are investing these dollars in the investments that Washingtonians are really counting on in this moment,” said Sen. Liias.
Liias continued that he will continue to fight for funding so that the Washington State Ferry System can purchase new boats and upgrade its terminals.
Author: Kienan Briscoe
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