Puget Sound Passenger-Only Ferry Study finalized

PSRC has finalized its feasibility study of passenger-only ferry service across 12 counties in Western Washington.

The Washington State Legislature commissioned the study, directing PSRC to examine opportunities to expand passenger-only ferry service on Puget Sound, Lake Union and Lake Washington.

The year-long study reviewed potential routes and terminals, ridership demand, costs and use of alternative fuels, and electrification of the ferry fleet.

Findings:

• On some routes, passenger-only ferry service would offer advantages over land-based transportation, including more direct connections and potentially faster service than comparable modes.
• Ferry service would strengthen the transportation resiliency of the region for both scheduled travel and response/recovery in an emergency event such as an earthquake.
• The marine operating environment presents unique planning considerations, including tribal treaty rights, confined waterways, sensitive habitat and marine mammal protection.
• There is a potentially large number of routes with a destination in Seattle. Work will need to be done to plan for Seattle terminal(s) with capacity to meet demand, whether on Puget Sound or any of the lake routes.
• Electrification potential of passenger ferries will continue to improve over time, with leaps being made in low and zero emissions technologies every year.

 
Route Profiles:
The study reviewed 45 potential routes and conducted a three-step evaluation process to identify seven routes for more detailed assessment:

Puget Sound

• Tacoma – Seattle
• Bellingham – Friday Harbor
• Whidbey Island – Everett

Lake Washington & Lake Union

• Kenmore – University of Washington
• Kirkland – University of Washington
• Renton – University of Washington
• Renton – South Lake Union

The evaluation looked at potential operational costs, site-specific conditions, electrification potential and other elements.
 
Next Steps
The Puget Sound Passenger-Only Ferry Study is a conceptual feasibility study.  Service providers such as transit agencies, local governments, and private companies can use the information in the study as a springboard for continued work to develop potential service. This work would include business plan development, identification of funding sources, community outreach, environmental planning, and intergovernmental coordination.