PSRC has been actively working to bring attention to the need to fully fund the Washington State Ferry system.
While increased emphasis on ferries has resulted in service improvements, the ferry system has been operating on reduced capacity and schedules since 2020. The fleet is five boats short and has approximately $270 million in deferred maintenance affecting the boats that remain. In addition, ferries have had problems with staffing and are working to train a new workforce. This is having a huge impact on ferry communities, limiting access to jobs, health care, tourism and a host of other economic issues.
Over the past 18 months, PSRC has convened a group of local elected officials from ferry communities across all corners of Puget Sound to advocate for solutions to these concerns at the state and federal level.
State Investment
We thank state legislators for prioritizing and investing in the ferry system to build and maintain vessels and improve reliability in the ferry workforce. We also thank Governor Ferguson for his commitment to the ferry system and including funding to increase recruitment and retention of ferry crew. We urge lawmakers to continue prioritizing ferry investments to address the immediate needs our communities are facing due to reduced service.
Federal Investment
We thank the Washington Delegation for their continued support of funding for ferries. We urge federal lawmakers to prioritize funding for ferries and ferry communities in FY 2026, including the highest possible funding for the Passenger Ferry Grant Program, Ferry Service for Rural Communities Program and Electric or Low-Emitting Ferry Pilot Program. Action must be taken to preserve our marine highway system.
If you are a local elected official, please consider signing on to support funding for ferries:
We will continue to work on this issue and provide updates.