Exploring ferry challenges in WA, including in Pierce County

This list of articles explores evolving discussions and challenges regarding ferries in Washington state, with a particular focus on the Puget Sound and Pierce County. They highlight various proposals to improve ferry systems, address capacity issues, and confront obstacles such as cost and environmental concerns.

One article discusses a new proposal for a fast-ferry service between Tacoma and Seattle, potentially launching for the 2026 World Cup. Another article examines Washington state's shift to hybrid-electric ferries and the difficulties of disposing of old ones. It underscores the environmental and legal dilemmas faced when retiring older ferry models. A third article covers the demands of Anderson Island residents for increased ferry services amid the growing population and ferry traffic. The residents express concerns about wait times and vehicle capacity.

NO. 1: THE PIERCE COUNTY FERRY SYSTEM IS UNDER STRESS. ISLAND RESIDENTS JUST WANT IT TO WORK

Canceled runs between Anderson Island and Steilacoom have caused grumbling as the busy summer season approaches. | Published June 5, 2023 | Read Full Story by Shea Johnson

The 5:15 am M/V Christine Anderson ferry from Anderson Island, Washington, cruises into Steilacoom at dawn on Tuesday, May 9, 2023. By Tony Overman

NO. 2: PIERCE COUNTY FERRY FARES ARE GOING UP AGAIN. HERE’S WHAT WE KNOW ABOUT THE NEW RATES

The increases include a $1 surcharge for a vessel-replacement fund. | Published April 12, 2024 | Read Full Story by Becca Most

The Olympic, a retired Washington state ferry, is abandoned off Ketron Island in the Puget Sound. State officials cannot remove the vessel due to its large size and location on private property. For 15 years, it hasn’t moved. By Aspen Ford

NO. 3: WA FERRIES ARE GOING HYBRID-ELECTRIC. DISPOSAL OF OLD ONES PRESENTS PROBLEMS

An abandoned former Washington state ferry, the Olympic, rests slanted on a shoreline off Ketron Island, in southern Puget Sound. | Published August 17, 2025 | Read Full Story

The introductory slide from Tuesday’s presentation to the Tacoma Port Commission seeking sponsorship support for a proposed fast ferry pilot project tied to the World Cup in 2026.

NO. 4: WOULD YOU TAKE A FAST FERRY FROM TACOMA TO SEATTLE? THE IDEA IS BEING FLOATED

Dreams of bringing fast-ferry service to Tacoma might become reality in a new proposal tied to the World Cup. | Published September 17, 2025 | Read Full Story by Debbie Cockrell

The Pierce County Anderson Island Ferry makes its way back from Anderson Island, on Wednesday, Oct. 15, 2025, in Steilacoom, Wash. By Brian Hayes

NO. 5: AS ONCE ‘QUAINT’ PIERCE COUNTY ISLAND BUSTLES, RESIDENTS SEEK MORE FERRY SERVICE

It was nearly noon on Friday, and Larry Schueler had been waiting for more than an hour in his truck to board the Anderson Island ferry from the mainland terminal in Steilacoom. | Published October 24, 2025 | Read Full Story by Becca Most

The summary above was drafted with the help of AI tools and edited by journalists in our News division. All stories listed were reported, written and edited by McClatchy journalists.