Jake: WTH, WSF?
Apr 21, 2026, 12:51 PM
A Washington State ferryboat preparing to take off. (Photo courtesy of KIRO 7)
(Photo courtesy of KIRO 7)
Disclaimer: Let me start right out by stating that the following rant about the Washington State Ferries (WSF) system has absolutely nothing to do with the fantastic men and women who work for and keep our beautiful state ferry system running as best they can in spite of their bad management. My question is directed at the higher-ups calling the shots.
And to them I ask, WTH, WSF? KOMO News just had a piece about the WSF system that made my blood boil.
In anticipation of the World Cup, which is less than seven weeks away, they are gearing up to provide the very best service for the influx of tourists that will be coming to town and riding the ferries.
“The ferry service says they plan to have 20 of its 21 vessels ready to be put into service,” KOMO reported.
The ferry system noted how they typically have 18 boats in service for their summer schedule, but of course, we all know that this is rarely the case. I can’t tell you how many times I’ve waited in long ferry lines, refreshing the app, only to learn that a sailing has been canceled for boat maintenance or worse … a lack of crew.
It’s not uncommon for the system to operate at two-thirds capacity. But magically, somehow, when company is coming over, they make all the boats work. As KOMO pointed out, they even find extra crew.
“There will also be extra ferry crews on standby,” KOMO wrote. “The ferry service says they will also have more staff members on hand at terminals across the system.”
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How crazy is that?
All this time, we’ve been stuck in long ferry lines, with canceled sailings becoming the norm, and now everything is going to run shipshape? In the current budget, nearly $450 million per year is allocated for the WSF system, and you watch, as soon as the World Cup fans head home, the system will once again fall into disrepair. Long lines, boats out of service, not enough crew, and canceled sailings. Mark my words.
I’m happy for the increase in tourists and the money they’ll be spending at local businesses, but why can’t we demand this level of service year-round from our publicly funded institutions? We can and should demand better.
If you can get a full fleet operating for the out-of-town futbol fans, you sure as heck can do it for the taxpayers footing the bill.
Do better, WSF!
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