Why is WSDOT preparing to build new 144-car ferries?
WSF is moving forward to build new ferries to replace its aging fleet. Nine of WSF’s 20 auto-passenger ferries are between 40 and 65 years old and must be replaced in the next 20 years. The last new Washington State Ferry was put into service in 1999. The new 144-car vessel design will be based on the Issaquah class, which has proved the most versatile vessel in our fleet and has the most utility throughout the system. The End Result Building new ferries will improve the safety and efficiency of WSF’s fleet and will allow us to put a ferry on standby so that we can maintain service in case of unforeseen circumstances. Project Benefits Benefits from the new ferries will cascade throughout the system as older vessels are replaced. Building new ferries provides the opportunity to: • Increase passenger comfort with better heating and ventilation, more internal seating and flexible seating configurations. • Nominally increase capacity at minimal additional cost. This allows us to prepare fo
