SEATTLE – Governor Bob Ferguson announced Thursday he will delay hybrid-electric conversion for two of the state’s largest ferries, with the goal of restoring full ferry service by this summer. The intended result of the plan is to have 18 operating vessels in the water for the first time since 2019.
Ferguson is delaying the ferry conversion until after World Cup 2026, which is scheduled from June 26 through July 6. Converting the ferries removes them from service for 2 years or more.
Since the pandemic, Washington State Ferries has operated on a reduced schedule, significantly impacting ridership. Right now, for example, commuters who travel by ferry between Bremerton and Seattle — one of the state’s busiest ferry routes — have to wait more than two hours between boats every day. This action will improve those wait times.
Gov. Ferguson said he is committed to building new electric ferries, and the procurement process to acquire as many as five new electric ferries is in process.