One step closer to new ferries

By Kurt Workman

In July, after a yearlong process, Gov. Bob Ferguson announced Eastern Shipbuilding Group will build our three new 160-vehicle hybrid-electric ferries. ESG’s price was tens of millions of dollars lower than the other bid we received. That lower cost means we can build three boats instead of only two. Their bid also includes delivery of the ferries to Washington.

Drawing of outboard profile for WSF 160-vehicle ferry. These new vessels will have open air passenger lounges beneath each pilot house, three modes of operation: diesel, battery only, or hybrid, and a rapid charging system so that battery charging can occur during each scheduled terminal stop.

Our ferries work hard

We operate the largest ferry system in the country, with a 21-ferry fleet serving 10 routes and about 19 million passengers a year. Hard-working ferries and crews serve customers more than 20 hours per day, 365 days per year. Our ferries are on average 35 years old and have an expected 60-year life span. Five of our ferries are over 50, and the oldest is 66.

For riders, older vessels mean a higher chance of service disruptions. They also mean more maintenance issues for us. These new ferries are a key part of our Long Range Plan ’s direction to have 26 vessels in the WSF fleet by 2040.

Next steps

On August 7, we finalized the contract with ESG, and now they can get to work completing the design of the new ferries and developing a detailed project schedule. At the same time, Washington State Ferries will work with our partner ABB to design and purchase the technology that will power the new vessels, including the engines and batteries. This should take about a year, then construction begins. 

Big picture

We’re offering incentives to the shipyard to deliver vessels ahead of schedule and the first 160-vehicle ferry could be in service as early as 2030. These ferries will allow us to replace aging ferries and deliver improved service. They are also a key part of our System Electrification Program to deliver 16 new, hybrid-electric ferries by 2040.

In addition to new ferries, we will add electric charging to 16 terminals. We are currently working on terminals in central Puget Sound, including two slips in Seattle. Hybrid-electric ferries will charge their batteries while loading at terminals. This will allow the new 160-vehicle hybrid-electric ferries to reduce emissions by about 90 percent compared to our current ferries. The new ferries will primarily operate under electric power, but, when necessary, they can use their diesel engines.

Washington State Ferries is proud of the path we’re on to build our ferry fleet of the future. Stay tuned for more updates!

Tolling begins on the SR 509 Expressway this fall: Prepare now by opening a Good To Go! account and grabbing a free Sticker Pass

By Lauren McLaughlin

We’re all excited about our newest roadway, the State Route 509 Expressway in SeaTac, but did you know that the toll road will be free to use through the summer? That will give you a chance to check it out and learn if it’ll work for your travels.

A new tolled route in south King County

The SR 509 Completion Project builds 3 miles of new tolled highway between Interstate 5 and South 188th Street near the south end of Seattle-Tacoma International Airport. Though only the first mile of the road, between I-5 and 24th Avenue South is open now, the rest of the project is on track to be completed in 2028.

But the newly built expressway will be tolled this fall, so make sure you take a chance to check it out before then to see if it works for you.

If you do plan to use the road, then you should also take the next couple months to prepare for when tolling begins.

How tolling will work on the SR 509 Expressway

Tolls will be charged on both directions of the new road, near the I-5 on- and off-ramps. The tolls will vary by time of day and range between $1.20 and $2.40 for drivers of two-axle vehicles, like a sedan or SUV, with a Good To Go! pass. Drivers of vehicles such as semi-trucks, vehicles towing a trailer and large buses will pay more based on the vehicle’s number of axles.

There won’t be any toll booths, you just drive through without stopping and we’ll charge a toll to your account or mail a bill to the vehicle’s registered owner after the trip.

Only the new portion of SR 509 will be tolled, all the roads you’re already familiar with will continue to be open and free to use.

There are also no HOV lanes on the expressway, so there will be no options for toll-free carpooling.

Make sure you’re prepared before tolling begins this fall

Using a Good To Go! account is the best way to pay tolls in Washington. Good To Go! accounts are free to open, save you money on every toll and give you the convenience of automatic payments.

Good To Go! works on every toll road in Washington, and you won’t have to worry about getting a bill in the mail.

Save time and money with a Good To Go! account

Though you don’t need to have a Good To Go! account and pass to use the new road there are definitely some benefits of getting Good To Go!.

• Save money. Drivers with a Good To Go! pass save $2 on every trip compared to paying by mail.
• It’s free. There are no monthly fees, and you are not required to pay tolls in advance. Buying a Good To Go! pass is recommended, but not required, to save money.
• Convenience. Choose an automatic payment option that works best for you, so you don’t have to worry about bills in the mail.

Chance to get a free Good To Go! sticker pass

While there are plenty of people in the area already very familiar with tolling, we know there are some who haven’t used a toll road before. To make it an easier transition, we will be giving out some free Good To Go!sticker passes to people who will be using the roadway.

To get a free sticker pass check GoodToGo509.com for a promo code that you can use when creating an account or ordering a pass through your account on MyGoodToGo.com.

There are four different kinds of Good To Go! passes, and all will work to pay tolls on every toll road in Washington, you just need to pick the pass that works best for how you travel and which roads you use.

If all you’re doing is using the SR 509 Expressway or traveling alone then the sticker pass is all you’ll need.

But if you do use I-405 or SR 167 and plan to carpool, then you will want to have a Flex Pass instead. The Flex Pass is the only pass that will allow you to mark your trip as a toll-free carpool.

So, make sure you’re getting the right pass for your situation!

While you don’t need to use a Good To Go! pass, drivers with a Good To Go! account but no pass in their vehicle will pay an additional 25 cents on each trip. There’s definitely savings to be had, so be sure to grab a free pass while supplies last.