It's a notable rebound for the Washington State Ferries, as they saw an influx of nearly half a million more riders in 2024 compared to the previous year, confidently marking a 2.6% increase from 2023 with over 19.1 million people utilizing the service, as per WSF figures. The uptick is credited to the lowest number of canceled sailings since 2020 and a substantial rise in walk-on passengers, likely driven by the uptick in tourism and a gradual return to in-person office environments.
In the breakdown of the ridership data, walk-on passengers saw a significant increase of 5.7%, with an additional 224,000 people traveling on foot. Vehicle trips experienced a more modest but still notable rise, with 102,000 additional cars using the ferry service. The increase reflects signs of revival in both the economy and daily life, as more people are traveling, whether for work or leisure.
Discussing the specifics, the Point Defiance/Tahlequah route experienced the largest spike in total ridership, showing a 5.8% increase, while the Seattle/Bainbridge Island route remained the most frequented, with nearly 5 million riders last year. The system, according to WSF statistics, shows variances across its multiple routes, including an 11.4% increase in walk-on passengers for the Fauntleroy/Vashon/Southworth service and a notable 6.5% rise in passengers without vehicles on the Seattle/Bainbridge Island route.
Yet, amidst the general trend of growth, not all routes shared in the upswing. The Anacortes/San Juan Islands route, though popular, experienced a slight downturn with a 0.7% decrease in total riders and a marginal 0.8% dip in walk-ons.
For travelers planning to navigate the picturesque waters of Washington State, WSF encourages staying informed about the latest service updates by signing up for rider alerts and tracking each ferry using the real-time map available online. Through continuous adaptation and service improvement, WSF reaffirms its commitment to moving millions safely and effectively amidst some of the most majestic scenery in the world.
