Kitsap Transit selects Pier 48 as preferred site for fast ferry terminal in Seattle
A graphic showing several possible locations for a fast ferry terminal along the downtown Seattle waterfront. Kitsap Transit’s Board of Commissioners voted to select Pier 48 as the agency’s preferred local alternative.
Last week, Kitsap Transit’s Board of Commissioners voted to select Pier 48 as its preferred local alternative site for a passenger-only ferry terminal on the Seattle waterfront.
The vote marked an important step forward in Kitsap Transit’s quest to control its own destiny: To operate schedules that meet our fast ferry riders’ needs, rather than run sailings when dock space is available.
Right now, our vessels dock at Pier 50, in one of two slips available at King County Marine Division’s passenger-only ferry facility. This setup requires us to operate tight schedules, as our vessels must work around each other as well as King County Water Taxi. As Kitsap Transit continues to grow, it has become crucial that we have a dock of our own.
For the last two years, we have been studying potential sites for a passenger-only ferry terminal on the downtown Seattle waterfront. After an extensive outreach process, which included conversations with waterfront stakeholders, the tribes and the general public, Kitsap Transit’s consultant KPFF recommended Pier 48 as the best option.
The fast ferry Reliance prepares to dock at Pier 50. Pier 48 can be seen in the background.
Pier 48 is just south of the Pier 50 passenger-only ferry dock. The pier is owned by the Washington State Department of Transportation and has been an on-again, off-again queuing area for vehicles during the renovation of Colman Dock.
Pier 48 ranked as the best site on several important criteria:
Site Use Compatibility: The site is available for long-term use as a passenger-only ferry terminal.
Terminal Access and Modal Connections: Pier 48 is close to downtown transit connections, businesses, the stadium district and Colman Dock.
Vessel Programming and Navigation: The site has enough in-water space for our ferries to operate safely.
Passenger Spaces: Pier 48 has enough space for upland passengers amenities (covered waiting area, etc.)
Staff/Crew Space: Pier 48 has enough space for crew and staff facilities.
Future Flexibility: The site has enough space for potential expansion both in-water and uplands. It can also accommodate future on-shore charging infrastructure.
A modern, expandable facility would allow us to accommodate our different-sized vessels and improve schedule flexibility. We hope to provide improved passenger accommodations, including a heated and covered waiting area, restrooms, and more.
What’s next?
Kitsap Transit has just completed the “Early Scoping” process, which allows us to complete some basic environmental review steps without starting the federal clock on the project. Now that Pier 48 is the preferred alternative, we can move forward with our environmental review process and preliminary planning.
We want to keep the public informed at every step of this project, so stay tuned to Headways and the Seattle Fast Ferry Terminal project page on our website for more information.