WSF Weekly Update | Boating season opens; public service recognition; national bike week

||| FROM STEVE NEVEY for WASHINGTON STATE FERRIES |||

A message from Steve

At Washington State Ferries, community engagement is at the center of every decision we make. As a public system, we serve the people of our state and the many visitors who come to enjoy our beautiful region. Their needs, feedback and experiences help guide how we plan service, improve operations and invest in the future of our system. Every trip is part of our shared commitment to connect communities safely, reliably and with care.

This commitment is why we host three rounds of online community meetings each year. Our next round is two sessions on Zoom on Tuesday, May 26. Each meeting will begin with a short presentation covering our updated Service Contingency Plan, summer service and FIFA World Cup planning, budget, revised pet policy and our work to build new vessels and install terminal charging infrastructure. Most of the time will be dedicated to answering your questions. Prior registration is required to attend the noon and 6 p.m. meetings. You can also send us your questions or comments ahead of time by email. If you cannot join live, recordings will be posted on our community participation page the day after the meetings.

Public Service Recognition Week

Next week is Public Service Recognition Week, a time to honor the women and men who serve our country as federal, state, county and local government employees. In Washington, the Office of Financial Management helps lead our state’s celebration. This week is a good reminder to pause and recognize people in public service. At Washington State Ferries, our employees are the core and spirit of our system. Every day, they show up to keep people and goods moving safely across our waters. They work through challenging weather and conditions, and at all hours of the day and night. From our frontline vessel and terminal crews to our engineers, maintenance teams, customer service and support staff behind the scenes, their work brings our system to life. It’s their care, skill and commitment that make riding with us safe, special and truly unique. Please join me in showing appreciation to all our employees not just next week, but every day of the year.

Machine Shop Lead Shayne Symmonds and Machinist James Soper work together to tighten cylinder head bolts after replacing the head gasket during an overnight emergency generator repair aboard Tacoma last week. Their teamwork and skill help keep our vessels safe and running smoothly. Photo courtesy Machinist Thomas Kychun.

COMTO event showcases paths to transportation jobs

On Friday, my deputy, Assistant Secretary John Vezina, represented WSF at the Conference of Minority Transportation Officials’ annual Washington state scholarship and recognition dinner. Our agency works closely with COMTO to find qualified people interested in transportation careers. COMTO represents more than 3 million people in the U.S. and Canada. It connects people to transportation jobs through leadership training, professional development, scholarship and internship funding, and networking opportunities. One of my priorities is promoting maritime careers and making WSF a workplace of choice. I appreciate COMTO’s role in that endeavor.

Assistant Secretary John Vezina (center) and Secretary of Transportation Julie Meredith (right-center) at the COMTO Washington State 2026 Gala.

New vehicle boarding process at Kingston terminal during peak travel times

We’re testing a new system next month for vehicles boarding a ferry at our Kingston terminal during peak travel times. The goal is to help improve traffic flow and prevent traffic backups causing blockages downtown. Signs on eastbound State Route 104 at Barber Cutoff Road will show when the system is active. When it is, a traffic signal before Lindvog Road will guide ferry traffic into a designated area. There, drivers should follow the direction of workers on site, who may or may not hand you a boarding pass to hold their place in line. They will then wait for another traffic signal that will direct them to proceed to the dock. When demand is high, the light may stay red for a while. If given a boarding pass, drivers must present it at the tollbooth. Testing will run from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. on all Saturdays and Sundays in May, and on Memorial Day, May 25. It will be in full use starting Monday, June 1, when drivers must take a boarding pass from an automated dispenser – much like a parking garage ticket. Read our recent blog post for more information.

Starting Monday, June 1, drivers who want to board a ferry at our Kingston terminal must take a boarding pass from one of these dispensers when the system is active. It will run daily from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. through Indigenous Peoples’ Day, Oct. 12. After that, it will switch to weekends only, except during the weeks of Thanksgiving, Christmas and New Year’s Day, until next year’s peak travel season.

Boating season opens Saturday, May 2

With boating season kicking off Saturday, May 2, we’re looking forward to seeing more people back on the Salish Sea. Opening Day is an annual tradition in our region. It brings new energy to our waterways with the return of more recreational boats. With that comes a renewed focus on safety and respect on the water. Stay alert, watch out for our ferry routes and listen to VHF radio for updates. Opening Day is a great way to kick off the busy season at sea. Let’s look out for each other and make it safe and enjoyable for everyone.

Our ferries are large and need plenty of time and space to slow down or change direction. Please keep a safe distance, make sure you’re easy to see and avoid crossing too close in front of or behind our vessels.

National Bike Month

May is National Bike Month, a time to celebrate biking and encourage more people to give it a try. The League of American Bicyclists leads this effort and has named Washington the nation’s top “Bicycle Friendly State.” Biking in our state is an important part of how people get around, and our ferries help connect those trips. Even choosing to bike for some trips can improve your health, save money and reduce pollution. For people who don’t or can’t drive, cycling also offers a simple and reliable way to get around.

Bringing your bike on our ferries is simple, with priority loading and unloading on most sailings.

Hundreds of bicyclists on Vashon Island routes Sunday, May 3

On Sunday, May 3, riders on our Vashon Island routes should expect heavier traffic, possible delays and limited space for vehicles. Hundreds of bicyclists will be crossing the island for the Ride for Major Taylor. You’ll see many bikes on our Point Defiance sailings from 9:15 a.m. to 12:35 p.m., and again on trips from Vashon to Fauntleroy from late morning through the afternoon. Drivers may want to travel at different times or plan another route if they can.

All event participants are asked to follow directions from our staff and Cascade Bicycle Club volunteers at our terminals and on board.

Sailing stats for week of April 20-26

For the week of April 20-26, our systemwide on-time performance (sailings that left within 10 minutes of their scheduled departure) was 85.8%. By comparison, it was 86.7% during a similar week last year (April 21-27, 2025). To view our on-time performance by month going back to 2017, visit our on-time performance reports page.

Customer kudos

“We have been riding the ferries between Friday Harbor and Anacortes for several months now and I wanted to convey my gratitude and admiration for all your staff. They have always been professional and helpful with a cheerful demeanor despite the often miserable and difficult conditions they work in.

“Hats off to you all, you are doing a wonderful job and are much appreciated!!!”

-Anacortes/San Juan Islands route customer