Traffic & Transit
Washington State Ferries Turn 70
State ferries have been taking Washingtonians where they need to go since June 1951. Here's a look back at all they've done over the years.
SEATTLE, WA — Washington State Ferries turned 70 this week.
On June 1, 1951, the state bought the Black Ball Line ferry system from Puget Sound Navigation Company and officially founded Washington State Ferries. Since then, it has grown into the largest passenger ferry system in the country.
The Washington State Department of Transportation (WSDOT) has found a few fun ways to celebrate our septuagenarian ferry system. The most noticeable for passengers are these new commemorative logos, which will decorate all 21 ferries in the WSF fleet:
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“Since 1951, we’ve been proud to serve Washingtonians and visitors by operating the state’s marine highway system,” said Patty Rubstello, head of WSF. “The pandemic has made celebrations a challenge, so we wanted to make sure to take this special opportunity to thank our customers and frontline employees.”
Ferries will also be airing a commemorative anniversary video throughout the year.
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In their seven decades of public service, WSF has expanded to run 10 lines crisscrossing Puget Sound, through they're stretched a little thin right now. Starting Tuesday the Seattle/Bremerton route was cut to just one boat while the Salish ferry is out for repairs. It should return sometime later this week.
Over half of WSF ferries are more than 30 years old and will soon need to be replaced. As part of the state's commitment to address climate change, those incoming ferries will be hybrid-electric vehicles. Washington State Ferries are the largest consumer of diesel fuel in the state, burning more than 18 million gallons each year. Replacing aging ferries with hybrid vehicles will cut emissions by 16,340 metric tons per year. They'll also make the ferries run quieter, which will make them less disruptive to the Southern Resident Orca population.
The state's three Jumbo Mark II-class ferries will also be converted from diesel to hybrid-electric starting later this year. WSF says those conversions will have the same impact as taking more than 10,000 cars off the road.
Related: Inslee Signs Climate Suite, But Vetoes Transportation Bargain
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