Bremerton Fast Ferry to operate more sailings
The fast ferry Lady Swift and a WSF vessel approach Bremerton on a foggy morning.
Move supports local commuters as Washington State Ferries works to restore two-boat service
In response to calls from local elected officials, businesses, and the public, Kitsap Transit will expand its Bremerton Fast Ferry service until Washington State Ferries (WSF) is able to restore two-boat service on the Seattle/Bremerton route, filling gaps in WSF’s current schedule. That restoration is likely to be trialed in Spring 2023.
Kitsap Transit has reached an agreement with the state under which the state will fund the additional fast-ferry sailings on the Bremerton/Seattle route. The temporary expansion begins on Thursday, Dec. 1, 2022.
On weekdays, Kitsap Transit will add four roundtrips in the morning and three roundtrips in the evening, and on Saturdays, Kitsap Transit will add one morning roundtrip and six afternoon/evening roundtrips. Kitsap Transit is able to staff these sailings with its existing workforce and is not hiring additional crew. Kitsap Transit does not normally operate Saturday service from October to April, nor does it operate service on Sundays.
“This has been a challenging season for everyone, and we’ve heard the call to be creative with solutions. We appreciate the willingness of Kitsap Transit to partner with WSF in ensuring additional ferry services are available to the community,” said Gov. Jay Inslee.
“One of the many scars of the COVID-19 pandemic was a wholesale reduction in service by transit agencies, and we, like others, are still navigating a path toward a new normal,” said John Clauson, Kitsap Transit Executive Director. “Bremerton Mayor Greg Wheeler and other community leaders have called upon WSF to restore two-boat service, and until then, for the state to support expanded Kitsap Transit Fast Ferry service. We’re glad we can support Bremerton and our partner, WSF, with these additional sailings while WSF works toward restoring two-boat service.”
The Washington State Ferries’ vessel Kaleetan prepares to dock in Bremerton.
To assure reliable service, in September 2021, WSF reduced its regular two-boat service on the Seattle/Bremerton route to one. WSF remains committed to restoring two-boat service as quickly as possible and is focused on the recruitment, hiring, and training necessary to do so.
“Restoring full service to all routes is WSF’s top priority and we are constantly looking for ways to accelerate service restoration and to make the best use of our crew and vessel resources to implement our Service Restoration Plan,” said Patty Rubstello, Washington State Ferries Assistant Secretary. “The timing of full restoration of the Seattle/Bremerton route is dependent on the number of new licensed deck officers who complete training early in 2023.”
“WSF and Kitsap Transit ferry services are part of a vital transportation network that residents in Bremerton and surrounding communities use to access work, business and medical care in the Seattle region and that supports workers getting to and from the Bremerton naval shipyard,“ said Bremerton Mayor Greg Wheeler. “Adding Kitsap Transit Fast Ferry sailings on the Bremerton route will fill a gap in current WSF sailings and ensure residents are able to make their appointments and other essential trips to the Seattle area, will support our critical workforce and preserve our local economy until WSF is able to fully restore service.”
“This supplemental service will help fill in some of the gaps in the day for Bremerton ferry riders until WSF gets back to full-service on the route,” said State Senator Christine Rolfes, 23rd Legislative District. “I’m thankful to the Kitsap Transit Board for approving the additional, temporary runs.”
For the expanded fast ferry schedule, click here.
Media Contacts
Kitsap Transit: Sanjay Bhatt, Marketing & Public Information Director, sanjayb@kitsaptransit.com
Washington State Ferries: Dana Warr, Deputy Director of Communications, warrd@wsdot.wa.gov