Ferguson will prioritize improving system and service

MUKILTEO - On January 09, 2025, Governor-elect Ferguson held his first events focused on the Washington state ferry system. The events in Mukilteo and Clinton included meetings with Washington State Ferries staff, members of the Inlandboatman’s Union (IBU) and the Marine Engineers Benefits Association (MEBA), a tour of the vessel, and a listening session in Clinton with local elected officials, business leaders, and ferry commuters.

“It is critical that we improve ferry service,” said Governor-elect Ferguson. “I heard again today how essential ferries to helping island communities access health care, jobs, and education. Washingtonians deserve service they can count on, and that is why addressing the ferry crisis is a priority for my administration.”

Ferguson has also directed his Transition Team to develop proposed reforms to improve the reliability and service of Washington State Ferries. The Transition Team, a 55-member group made up of stakeholders from across Washington State, includes a subcommittee with a focus on transportation infrastructure and the ferry system. The subcommittee will develop policy priorities for the first 100 days of Ferguson’s term, including key reforms to improve ferry reliability and service.

Ferguson shared the direction of some of those potential reforms during his listening sessions, which include:

• Elevating the Director of Ferries within the Department of Transportation and Executive cabinet to improve accountability and direct communications;
• Procurement reforms that could accelerate delivery of new vessels;
• Research alternatives for updating the propulsion systems to minimize service disruptions;
• Continue addressing to staff training and retention priorities to improve and restore services;
• Create customer involvement programs that improve outreach, responsiveness, and feedback.

The input from workers, passengers, and local businesses will help shape Ferguson’s proposed ferry system reforms. Ferguson’s tour fulfills his pledge to meet with communities impacted by ferry service during his transition.

The event is the first in Governor-elect Ferguson’s planned outreach and engagement to ferry-impacted communities. He will visit San Juan County later in 2025.

Ferguson will be sworn in on January 15, 2025.