Why Isn’t Seattle Riding the Wave to Waterfront Commuting?

You’d think in a city surrounded by water, public transportation by boat would be all the rage. But despite the gorgeous waterways in the Puget Sound region, only five public passenger ferry routes exist! Between the majestic Puget Sound and the Duwamish River, you could say we’re flush with opportunities—yet we’re still waiting for our maritime revolution. The ghosts of the Mosquito Fleet from the late 19th and early 20th centuries just might be shaking their heads in dismay.

Local leaders are buzzing about the potential for expanded ferry services, arguing that new routes could cut down commute times and offer a refreshing alternative to gridlock. But alas, launching more ferries is easier said than done. Funding’s tight, and finding dock space is like trying to park a yacht in a driveway. King County Councilmember Claudia Balducci even pointed out that while people adore the idea, they seem to forget about practicalities like making ferries transportation, not just tourism.

It’s a classic struggle, with advocates calling for the revival of what once was—better connections and a more cohesive public transport network. After all, who wouldn’t prefer a breezy boat ride over bumper-to-bumper traffic? Just imagine swapping brake lights for sea spray. So, what do you think: are passenger ferries the future of Seattle transportation? Or are we destined to remain stuck on land?

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