Extra weekday Bremerton Fast Ferry service extended through August 2026
The Lady Swift prepares to dock in Bremerton on Dec. 12, 2024.
Kitsap Transit will receive $2.9 million from the state to continue extra passenger-only ferry service on the Bremerton-Seattle route through the end of August 2026. Kitsap Transit’s Bremerton Fast Ferry will operate the extra sailings on weekdays, but not on Saturdays from October through April.
The extension means Kitsap Transit can maintain the additional sailings to support the region during the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
The state funding comes from a $4 million Legislative appropriation and heralds the end of extra passenger-only ferry service that filled gaps in Washington State Ferries (WSF) service spawned by the COVID-19 pandemic. The Legislature gave WSF discretion in dividing the money between Kitsap Transit and King County Metro, which operates Water Taxi service. This week WSF notified Kitsap Transit and King County Metro how much funding they would each receive.
“We’re glad to see Washington State Ferries has been able to restore two-boat service on the Bremerton-Seattle route,” said John Clauson, Kitsap Transit’s Executive Director. “We’re proud of how our fast-ferry crews stepped up to support our communities during these years when WSF worked to restore full service.”
In September 2021, WSF reduced its two-boat service on the Seattle-Bremerton route to one as it struggled with crew shortages. Community leaders called on the state to fill the resulting gaps in cross-sound ferry service by temporarily funding extra service on Kitsap Fast Ferries.
Starting on Dec. 1, 2022, Kitsap Transit expanded its weekday schedule by seven roundtrips – four in the morning, three in the evening – and added Saturday sailings to its winter schedule, which runs from October through April.
Gov. Bob Ferguson announced earlier this year that WSF would return to full domestic service, with the Bremerton-Seattle route resuming two-boat service on June 15. The Fauntleroy/Vashon/ Southworth “Triangle” route returned to three-boat service on June 30. WSF added a second vessel to support the Port Townsend/ Coupeville route between July 4 and October 13.
“We are grateful that the state legislature provided funding to supplement additional Kitsap Transit fast ferry runs on the Bremerton route for residents and visitors,” said Bremerton Mayor Greg Wheeler. “This financial support will help ensure fast ferries are operating multiple roundtrips for the City of Bremerton’s Fan Zone during the World Cup in Seattle in 2026.”