May 30, 2025

A message from Steve

Gov. Bob Ferguson signed the 2025-2027 state budgets last week. I’m excited to share that nearly $900 million from the transportation budget will go to capital projects for our ferry system. More than half of that money is for our new vessel builds and electrification efforts. This is a big step toward a cleaner, quieter and more sustainable future. The balance goes to improving our terminals, maintaining our aging fleet and information technology upgrades.

The 2025-2027 transportation budget includes roughly $360 million for the preservation of our ferries and terminals.

The transportation budget also includes continued investments in our workforce. It funds recently launched programs to help employees move into licensed jobs and scholarships making it easier for new hires to get started on credentialing. We also received funding for 24/7 security at Colman Dock and extra help for passengers during the 2026 World Cup. Lawmakers also asked us to launch a pilot program offering Wi-Fi on board and at our terminals. I thank the governor and lawmakers for their strong support. It was a tough budget year, and I know it wasn’t easy. Deputy Assistant Secretary John Vezina and I will keep working with state leaders and partners to share what resources we need to keep our system moving forward.

History on the water: Wenatchee goes electric

I rode aboard the Wenatchee during sea trials on Friday as it ran on electric power. This is a huge moment for us. It’s the first ferry in our system to run fully on battery power. I went down into the engine room and watched as the crew started up the engines on diesel. Then, it seamlessly transitioned to full battery power. It was smooth and quiet. Seeing it work was one of the most exciting things I’ve been part of in a long time. So, what’s next? We took Wenatchee back from Vigor shipyard yesterday and it’s now at our Eagle Harbor Maintenance Facility. Our employees are working hard to get it ready for service. They’ll need about four to five more weeks for training, sea trials and final approval from the U.S. Coast Guard. I’m really looking forward to the future of our electrification program. Thank you to all the employees who worked so hard to make this happen.

Members of the team aboard Wenatchee celebrate a successful sea trial of our first hybrid-electric ferry.

Celebrating 74 years and the team who keeps us moving

We’re celebrating our 74th birthday on Sunday, June 1. It’s a good time to look back on what made it possible. Our strength lies not in steel and schedules, but in the dedication of the people who have powered us through seven decades of safe service. We started in 1951. That’s when we took over service from the Puget Sound Navigation Company, also called the Black Ball Line. Since that time, we’ve carried more than a billion riders on the Salish Sea as part of our state highway system. We’re proud of our 74 years of service. And we’re already getting ready to celebrate our 75th — our diamond anniversary – next year.

Behind every safe sailing over the past 74 years are dedicated workers who keep our vessels – and our legacy – moving forward. Their hard work is the true foundation of our success.

Memorial Day weekend ridership

We carried nearly 355,000 riders over the Memorial Day weekend, May 22-26. That’s more than 37,000 above the same time last year and well over our estimate of “more than 300,000.” The sunny, warm weather likely brought more people out. I want to thank all our employees who worked hard during this busy time. That includes our dispatchers, who filled crew relief requests to keep boats running. Also, our vessels team, who made quick repairs when needed. We completed 99.2% of our 1,980 scheduled sailings during the holiday travel period. Half of the 16 cancellations were due to tidal currents. I’m proud of the service we provided together.

As expected, Saturday had the highest ridership at 91,459, making it our busiest day so far this year, followed by 80,911 on Sunday and 75,039 on April 5.

Online open house on possible ferry fare changes

The Washington State Transportation Commission sets our ticket prices every two years. They’re currently working on its 2025-2027 fare-setting process. The public can learn more at an online open house through Monday, June 9. Visitors can also give feedback before the commission makes final decisions this summer. Things being considered include fare increases, modifications to multi-ride passes and a longer summer “peak” season surcharge. We proposed these changes to the commission based on ticket revenue targets set by the Legislature.

Yesler Way exit at Seattle terminal closed Saturday morning, May 31

The Yesler Way exit at Colman Dock will be closed from 7-10 a.m. Saturday, May 31. This is due to the Meet Me at Waterfront Park 5K happening along the Seattle waterfront. All vehicles must use Marion Street to exit the terminal during the event. Southbound Alaskan Way will be closed and traffic detoured to First Avenue. Follow posted signs and plan for delays or consider travelling at another time. Seattle Police will help direct traffic and race volunteers will pause runners and walkers as needed to let cars through. Walk-on passengers should also plan for delays due to extra foot traffic.

Sailing stats for week of May 19-25

For the week of May 19-25, we completed 99.7% of our 2,769 scheduled sailings. This figure is separate from on-time performance. Of the nine cancellations, four were due to tidal currents, two for schedule resets (when a boat is so far behind schedule, we cancel a sailing to get it back on schedule, providing predictability for customers), two because of vessel-related issues and one due to other miscellaneous reasons.

Customer kudos

“RAVE to the couple who found and held our escaped dog at the Mukilteo ferry dock and called the number on her collar to notify us. We had just driven onto the ferry and didn’t realize she had jumped out a window. Rave to the ferry staff on the 4 p.m. sailing from Mukilteo to Clinton on May 19, who coordinated her return while still loading the ferry. They ensured our safety, the safety of the rescuers and on loading vehicles, while seamlessly reuniting us with our dog. Many thanks to all for your care, concern and kindness!”

-Mukilteo/Clinton route customer in The Seattle Times

Steve Nevey
WSDOT Deputy Secretary for Washington State Ferries