Washington State Ferries (WSF) hit a significant post-pandemic ridership milestone in 2025, with figures soaring beyond 20 million passengers for the first time since 2019. According to data from the Washington State Department of Transportation, WSF's performance indicates a strong recovery from the pandemic's impact, a press release shared with The Spokesman-Review reveals.
Last year, WSF's ridership numbers climbed to 20.1 million, marking a 5% increase from the 19.1 million passengers reported in 2024. The Washington State Department of Transportation attributes this growth to the resumption of full domestic service and a significant reduction in service cancellations, which dropped from 2,620 to 2,222. Ahead of schedule, the full return to pre-pandemic domestic schedules contributed to the strong rebound, while other routes saw mode increases.
Investment in workforce recruitment and support has yielded visible results and addressed the persistent crew shortages that previously prompted trip cancellations. As a result, WSF completed 98.6% of the scheduled sailings, delivering a higher rate of on-time performance. WSF operated more than 150,000 trips in 2025—nearly 7,000 more than the year prior, says KOMO News.
When looking at individual routes, the Seattle-Bremerton route stands out, experiencing the largest growth, with total ridership jumping 31.9%. Vehicle travelers increased by 26.1% and foot passengers by 35.7%, according to The Spokesman-Review. On the other hand, the Point Defiance-Tahlequah route had almost unchanged passenger numbers, with a marginal 0.2% gain in vehicle passengers and a slight 0.6% decrease in walk-on passengers.
With major advancements under its belt, including the introduction of North America's largest hybrid-electric passenger ferry and partnerships for three more hybrid-electric vessels, 2025 was a pivotal year for WSF. These progressions in sustainability, alongside the issuing of over 150 workforce credentials and an active presence in community engagement, are indicative of a successful year in review as reported by Shippax. The Anacortes/San Juan ferry route, closely monitored by Bellingham residents, saw a modest increase in passengers, with a 1.8% rise from 2024 to 2025. WSF continues its stride towards sustained recovery and modernization, moving beyond pre-pandemic levels of operation.
