Dear friends and neighbors,
Our community depends on ferries as a lifeline connecting us to work, healthcare, education, and family. This legislative session delivered real progress toward restoring and strengthening Washington’s marine highway. With targeted investments, thoughtful reforms, and long-term planning, the state is turning a corner toward a ferry system that is reliable, resilient, and ready for the future.
Investing in the Ocean Highway
Ferries are more than boats. They are vital extensions of our state highways, linking island and peninsular communities to the mainland. The 2025 transportation budget takes a “harm reduction” approach, preserving core services and infrastructure while steering the ferry system toward long-term stability. This year’s $15.45 billion transportation budget includes $3.2 billion in new revenue over six years. Importantly, while some projects were delayed helping manage a shortfall amid rising costs, preservation and maintenance – including investment in replacement ferries – remained protected. These are the building blocks of access and equity in transportation.
On July 1, Governor Ferguson announced the construction of three new 160-vehicle hybrid-electric ferries offering excellent value for taxpayers while putting WSF on a path to modernization. With contingency costs, the total investment for the new vessels is projected at just over $1 billion. While the first hybrid ferries will be used to serve the shortest runs in the WSF system, the vessels currently working those runs will be freed up to enable system-wide improvements, including in the San Juans.
Boosting Ferry Worker Stability
Ferry workers are essential to our marine highway. Without them, vessels can’t run, and communities are stranded. That’s why this session included key workforce reforms to stabilize and strengthen the WSF labor force.
- HB 1264 requires the Office of Financial Management to use relevant and fair comparison groups when evaluating ferry worker compensation for collective bargaining. This helps ensure fair pay and improves our ability to recruit and retain the skilled professionals who keep our ferries moving.
- HB 1511 brings Washington State Ferry captains into the same bargaining unit as mates and other workers, simplifying negotiations and reducing the risk of service-stopping labor disputes.
- HB 1054 helps four counties that operate their own ferry system’s get better rates for maintenance and repairs. By creating predictability in contracting, these counties can keep their vessels in top shape, even with limited dock space and emergency repair needs.
The budget also includes $39 million for ferry crew hiring, retention, and training, including support for WSF’s apprenticeship program. The tide is turning, and Washington is now recruiting enough skilled staff to replace those retiring. This marks a major shift from years of shortfalls.
Service Restorations Already Underway
Even before the new vessels are delivered, we are accelerating service restoration. A second vessel was added back to the Bremerton route in June, cutting wait times significantly. A third ferry returned to the Triangle Route connecting West Seattle, Vashon, and Southworth. And starting July 4, a second seasonal vessel is serving Port Townsend–Coupeville – the first time in five years. Finally, one hybrid-electric conversion (the Wenatchee) is complete and returning to service this month, with more upgrades to follow the 2026 World Cup.
Meeting Island Communities Where They Are
Earlier this month, Gov. Ferguson visited our community to meet with residents and crew aboard the ferries. I will continue to make sure that he and his team hear that a safe, reliable ferry system isn’t a luxury, it’s a necessity. As we look ahead to the 2026 legislative session, our work must continue. Ferries need to be restored, crews need to be supported, and new vessels will be built. All in all, after decades of underinvestment, our ocean highway is headed in a good direction.
In service,
Rep. Alex Ramel
WA State Representative | 40th Legislative District
House Majority Whip
Pronouns: he/him/his