Ferry Ridership Rebounds Heading Into Labor Day Weekend

SEATTLE — Ridership on the nation's largest ferry system has seen a strong rebound this summer, and passenger volumes are drawing near pre-pandemic levels heading into Labor Day weekend. According to Washington State Ferries, vehicle ridership rebounded most since the summer sailing season began in June, reaching 91 percent of 2019 volumes.

The Anacortes/San Jan Islands, Mukilteo/Clinton and Point Defiance/Tahlequah routes are even busier.

Walk-on riders have been slower to return, bringing the combined systemwide total to about 82 percent of pre-pandemic levels, officials said Wednesday. Since so people will be boarding with vehicles, ferry officials said drivers should plan for long waits through the long holiday weekend or plan to travel during off-peak hours.

Related:

• SEA Airport Braces For The Last Big Travel Weekend Of Summer
• Labor Day Travel Ramps Up Thursday: Here's What To Expect In WA

WSF said the busiest days for westbound sailings will be Thursday through Saturday, and eastbound volumes will peak Sunday through Tuesday. The best way to avoid delays on those days will be for riders to take early morning or late-night sailings or consider walking on.

Some routes will run on their holiday schedules on Labor Day, while others will tap their weekend schedules.

"On Monday, Sept. 5, there will be a few holiday schedule changes for the Anacortes/San Juan Islands and Point Defiance/Tahlequah runs, along with the Edmonds/Kingston route if supplemental service is added," WSDOT wrote Wednesday. "The Seattle/Bainbridge Island run will operate on a Saturday timetable and the Fauntleroy/Vashon/Southworth route will run a Sunday timetable. Holiday sailings are marked on the schedules for each route."

Even as ferry ridership continues to grow, officials said staffing issues limit many trips they can add.

“Unfortunately, our crewing levels are not at a point yet where we can begin adding full service back to our next route – the Edmonds/Kingston route – even on a trial basis,” said Patty Rubstello, head of WSF. “Doing so would put our restored runs in jeopardy. Until then, we will continue to add a second vessel to that route daily as crewing allows.”

Travelers can sign up to receive rider alerts and find updated sailing schedules for each route. Drivers can also check ahead to see terminal conditions before they head out the door.