Kitsap Transit Considers Alternatives for a New Seattle Fast Ferry Terminal
Kitsap Transit is officially considering three potential sites for a brand new fast ferry terminal on the Seattle waterfront, an essential ingredient in any future expansion of passenger ferry service across Puget Sound. The existing terminal Kitsap Transit uses, King County’s Pier 50, can only accommodate two vessels loading or unloading at a time, which creates operational issues when any boats are delayed and caps the number of trips that can be scheduled at peak times.
The agency’s preferred option is state-owned Pier 48 right next door, where King County holds a short-term lease on a maintenance float. But two additional options are set to be carried into a full environmental analysis: a portion of Pier 46 to the south, and newly rebuilt Pier 58 further north. Kitsap Transit is accepting comments to guide the scope of that environmental analysis through August 11, with the goal of completing its review by 2027.
Without a larger terminal, Kitsap Transit can’t expand service during peak hours beyond 12 landings, limiting the potential of adding additional routes. Along with providing space for additional vessels, a new Seattle terminal is intended to improve rider amenities (Pier 50 doesn’t have its own restrooms) and expand access to electric vessel charging.
Kitsap Transit has been eyeing potential sites for a terminal for several years. The project’s full environmental review comes at a time of uncertainty for fast ferry service into Seattle, with the state legislature pivoting away from what had looked like a potential new golden age for passenger-only ferries. The state transportation budget approved this spring prioritizes the Washington State Ferries (WSF) network ahead of passenger ferries, which lawmakers viewed as a supplement during times of reduced WSF service.
https://www.theurbanist.org/2025/07/04/kitsap-transit-new-seattle-fast-ferry-terminal/