The proposed arrangement would involve selling, refurbishing and then leasing back two vessels that are both more than 50 years old.
https://www.kuow.org/stories/shipyard-pitches-bringing-back-retired-state-ferries-to-bolster-strained-service
#KUOW #News #WashingtonStateFerries
Shipyard pitches bringing back retired state ferries to bolster strained service

The proposed arrangement would involve selling, refurbishing and then leasing back two vessels that are both more than 50 years old.

Data point:

"The Seattle Mariners and Detroit Tigers will meet in a decisive Game 5 of the American League Division Series on Friday, Oct. 10, at T-Mobile Park in Seattle."

Washington State Ferries bulletin @ 2:29 pm, October 10:

"Washington State Ferries is expecting service disruptions that may impact all routes this evening due to a shortage of crew. If you're attending the Mariners game plan accordingly. Take public transportation or walk-on if at all possible. Expect extensive delays returning home after the game."

Well then

Maybe broadcast the game on the passenger and car decks of all the boats and crews would show up for work

#SeattleMariners #WashingtonStateFerries #Mariners #WSF

Dogs get greater access to roam aboard Washington State Ferries

You may notice more furry travel companions on your next Washington state ferry ride.

The newest back-to-school must-have: Free Youth Transit Pass!

Binder, paper, pens and pencils, calculator, backpack, ORCA Card! With school just around the corner, a useful item that also makes a great fashion statement is a Free Youth Transit Pass (FYTP)—als…

Metro Matters
Get ready to pay more for a Washington state ferry ride

A trip on a Washington state ferry will get more expensive this fall.

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.

Tacoma in Seattle” by Jonathan Miske is licensed under CC BY-ND 2.0.

There’s nothing quite like touring Washington by ferry. It’s not just a way to get from point A to point B. The ferries are an experience, a scenic adventure, and sometimes even the highlight of your trip. No matter where your ferry is going to, you’ll see some of the most gorgeous natural beauty in the world—and you may even see some amazing creatures.

For both locals and visitors, hopping on a Washington State Ferry is a gateway to a world of discovery. The fleet connects the mainland with a collection of charming islands and scenic peninsulas, each with its own unique draw. Bainbridge Island, just a short ride from downtown Seattle, offers an irresistible mix of small-town charm and natural beauty, with art galleries, cozy cafés, and forested trails waiting to be explored.

Washington State Ferry Cathlamet Departing Vashon Island” by Joe Wolf is licensed under CC BY-ND 2.0.

Vashon Island has a wonderfully independent spirit—you can roam its farmland, browse quirky shops, or simply unwind in its quiet, rural atmosphere.

The San Juan Islands, further north, present a true getaway where whale watching, kayaking, and relaxing seaside dining are the order of the day.

But a ferry ride is more than just the destination. Half the fun is in the journey itself. As you pull away from the dock, the world slows down. The distant hum of the city fades, replaced by the rhythmic lapping of waves and the occasional squawk of a passing seagull.

The views are breathtaking—on clear days, you might spot the towering silhouette of Mount Rainier in the distance, or watch as the Olympics cast their majestic outline against a pastel sky. (The Bainbridge or Edmonds ferries are both great shortcuts to Olympic National Park.)

If you’re lucky, you’ll see porpoises playing in the ferry wake, see bald eagles soaring overhead, or even catch a glimpse of a resident orca pod making their way through the Sound.

In fact, I’ll never forget the day my family rode the Bainbridge Ferry to hike some of the Island’s amazing trails. Not long after the boat left the ferry terminal, the ferry suddenly stopped. As the passengers emerged on the viewing deck, a murmur spread across the passengers: a pod of Orcas was passing the boat. Ferries have to yield to the majestic creatures, so we all got to do some incredible whale watching from the deck.

Ferry under Baker” by Jonathan Miske is licensed under CC BY-ND 2.0.

Washington State Ferries make the adventure accessible to everyone. Whether you’re driving on board with plans for a road trip or strolling aboard as a foot passenger, the experience is equally rewarding. A solo traveler can soak in the peaceful solitude of the open water, a family can enjoy the novelty of a maritime journey, and a group of friends can make it an adventure—grabbing snacks from the galley, finding the perfect spot on deck, and snapping photos as the Seattle skyline fades into the distance.

One word of caution: if you’re traveling on a weekend or holiday, it’s strongly recommended to make reservations on the Washington State Ferries website. Otherwise you may find yourself in a multi-hour wait to catch the boat.

There’s something very special about being out on the water on a Puget Sound summer day. The views to and from our majestic city are breathtaking, and the wildlife you see might be something you remember for a long time.

https://seattlein2025.org/2025/06/18/around-seattle-washington-state-ferries/

#WashingtonStateFerries

Around Seattle: Washington State Ferries: The Washington State Ferries are a great way to see Seattle’s natural beauty from the water—and to see some incredible sea life. … (#WashingtonStateFerries)

Full post: https://seattlein2025.org/2025/06/18/around-seattle-washington-state-ferries/