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Kitsap Transit is evaluating options for an additional downtown Seattle landing site to support ongoing operations of Kitsap Fast Ferries and growth of regional passenger-only ferry (POF) service. Kitsap Fast Ferries operates three cross-sound routes -- Bremerton/Seattle, Kingston/Seattle and Southworth/Seattle.  Currently, two of Kitsap Transit's routes operate out of Pier 50 in downtown Seattle alongside King County Metro Marine Division, the owner of the facility and operator of two Water Taxi routes. The dock at Pier 50 can accommodate only two passenger-only ferries at the same time. Kitsap Transit's Bremerton route operates from Pier 54. Kitsap Transit is completing a Seattle Fast-Ferry Terminal Siting Study to identify a preferred downtown terminal location to support long-term fast ferry operations. Kitsap Transit also anticipates conducting a formal National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) process where all reasonable alternatives, including a no-build alternative, will be evaluated in terms of the social, economic and environmental impacts. See our FAQs for additional information. Connect with us Kitsap Transit recognizes that terminal siting on the Seattle waterfront is complex and is engaging stakeholders to thoroughly understand and consider potential partnerships, opportunities, benefits and challenges.  Have a comment, question or concern? You can connect with us in one of two ways: Submit a comment - CLICK HERE. Send an e-mail to TerminalStudy@kitsaptransit.com. To receive project updates, join our e-mail list! CLICK HERE and subscribe to the Seattle Fast-Ferry Terminal Siting Study list.

Passenger-Only Ferries Map ​

FAQs

Why is Kitsap Transit exploring a new downtown Seattle passenger-only ferry terminal?

Ridership on passenger-only ferry (POF) routes, including Kitsap Transit’s Fast Ferry service, is growing, as is interest in additional routes across the region. Because the current POF landing site in downtown Seattle —Pier 50—can accommodate only two ferries at one time, it is increasingly difficult to maintain service reliability, let alone increase service levels on existing routes or introduce new routes.

To address this challenge, Kitsap Transit is conducting a Terminal Siting Study to evaluate options for an additional downtown Seattle landing site.

How is Kitsap Transit evaluating potential terminal locations?

Kitsap Transit is conducting a Seattle Terminal Siting Study to identify and comprehensively evaluate alternatives for a downtown Seattle landing site by following this process:

• Developing criteria to evaluate the alternatives
• Evaluating site alternatives
• Narrowing the list to two sites for further analysis, including environmental assessment
• Identifying a preferred alternative to move forward in National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) planning
• Engaging jurisdictions, tribal governments, communities and stakeholders throughout the process

Which potential downtown Seattle terminal locations are being reviewed?

The Seattle Terminal Siting Study will evaluate potential locations along the downtown Seattle Waterfront starting north at Pier 70 down to Pier 46 to the south.

How are potential terminal locations being analyzed?

The Seattle Terminal Siting Study is developing criteria based on Kitsap Transit’s long-term service needs and goals including:

• Access and connections for riders
• Passenger and vessel programming needs
• Vessel navigation requirements
• Environmental, cultural and historical impacts
• Environmental justice
• Community input
• Land use and ownership
• Expansion capacity
• Financial feasibility

How is Kitsap Transit conducting public engagement around terminal siting?

Effective engagement will contribute to the success of the terminal siting study. Kitsap Transit is seeking input from jurisdictions, Tribes, stakeholders and communities, including historically underrepresented communities, to understand, consider and balance opportunities, benefits and challenges of terminal siting. Feedback will inform the study and future NEPA processes.

Outreach will be conducted in accordance with NEPA requirements as well as current COVID-19 public health guidance.

​What input is Kitsap Transit seeking on the Seattle Terminal Siting Study?

Kitsap Transit is asking for feedback on:

• Purpose and need for an additional downtown Seattle passenger-only ferry landing site
• Study area and locations being analyzed
• Potential project benefits and impacts on your community, the environment and transportation

How does the COVID-19 pandemic impact the Seattle Terminal Siting Study?

Kitsap Transit regularly consults with Kitsap Public Health District for guidance on how to conduct operations in a safe manner and prevent the spread of COVID-19. For example, Kitsap Transit has moved its public gatherings from in-person to online. Moreover, Kitsap Transit has implemented safety enhancements on its buses and ferries to serve those who rely on public transportation for essential services or are essential workers.

The pandemic has disrupted nearly all aspects of society, including dampening transportation demand from commuters and resulting in the loss of millions of jobs nationwide. The Seattle Terminal Siting Study provides a transparent, structured planning process for identifying a preferred landing site. Bringing this vision to fruition will provide economic benefits to surrounding communities and meet the long-term demand for reliable, convenient passenger-only ferry service.

How can individuals provide input?

To provide comments or ask questions about the Seattle Terminal Siting Study, please see the Connect With Us section above.

What is the project timeline?

The Seattle Fast-Ferry Terminal Siting Study launched in September 2020 and will continue through 2021 when a preferred alternative will be identified.