Washington house passes bill to expand passenger ferry service

A Kitsap Transit fast ferry operates near Bremerton, Wash. House Bill 1923 would allow other local governments, ports, tribes, and private operators to run similar passenger ferry services across Washington state. Kitsap Transit Doug Stewart photo.

As part of our Career Connect Washington Maritime Sector ongoing work, we actively track, document, and inform about emerging technologies and trends. The Washington House of Representatives has passed legislation that would allow local governments, ports, tribes, and private operators to run passenger ferry service across Puget Sound.

House Bill 1923, known as the Mosquito Fleet Act, passed by a vote of 84 to 11 on Feb. 16. The bill now heads to the state Senate for consideration.

Under current Washington state law, most local governments, ports, tribes, and private operators are prohibited from running foot ferry service, with limited exceptions including Kitsap Transit's fast ferry operation.

"It's time to allow passenger ferries to connect communities once again," said Rep. Greg Nance, D-Kitsap, who sponsored the legislation. "They're the fastest and most cost-effective way to get boats on the water and restore reliable ferry service — while creating good-paying jobs right here in Washington."

Go to this link to read the full article published by WorkBoat https://www.workboat.com/washington-house-passes-bill-to-expand-passenger-ferry-service