Washington State Ferries is preparing for an extraordinary surge in ridership this summer as hundreds of thousands of international football fans descend on Seattle for the FIFA World Cup in June and July, layering a massive wave of new riders on top of an already busy summer schedule.
To handle the added demand, the ferry system plans to have 20 of its 21 vessels ready for service at any given time, up from the 18 boats that typically cover the full summer schedule. The additional two vessels will be kept on standby, ready for rapid deployment if a boat is taken out of service unexpectedly. Extra ferry crews will also be on standby throughout the period, giving the system the flexibility to respond quickly to disruptions without significant delays.
Terminal staffing will increase across the network as well, with additional personnel stationed to manage larger crowds and assist passengers who are unfamiliar with the ferry system. That last point is particularly relevant given the volume of international visitors expected, many of whom will be riding Washington’s ferries for the first time.
During World Cup match days, WSF will direct its resources toward the busiest routes in central Puget Sound, which are also expected to carry the highest concentration of tournament visitors. Those routes are Seattle to Bainbridge Island, Seattle to Bremerton, and Edmonds to Kingston, all of which provide direct or connecting access to Seattle from across the sound.
