Southworth Ferry Terminal

One of the benefits living in the NW is our Washington State Ferry system. Simply an amazing journey where each voyage takes you through picturesque locations where your jaw drops in awe.

Whether your walking, bicycling or driving onto the ferry you'll get to partake in a scenic exhibition experience of nature like no other via the water ways of Puget Sound.

Today's voyage finds me on the KITTITAS FERRY going to Southworth. Not my final destination yet it's my gateway to receive my CV19 shot and this was a short cut to that final destination. I'll remember this trip for years to come.

This review is OFFICIALLY OVER now, The KITTITAS FERRYS PA system is notifying me it's time to disembark and drive away. So long until the next trip!

Caption Frank B is out!

I got off at the wrong stop, had allready paid for a ticket, and they pulled a power trip, and made me pay again

It's amazing there hasn't been any bridges built here replacing the ferry system that the state DOT has been running since 1951, the agency's plan was to run the ferries only until a series of cross-Sound bridges were built, but not one bridge materialized. I personally prefer riding the ferry when given the choice, of course that could be because I don't rely on them to commute to work or for any other reason.

This group of ferries has been a subject of controversy since the time the six boats began providing service in the waters of Puget Sound. Lawsuites had been filed, political scandals had been broken open, and environmental laws blatantly ignored. The agency has gotten a bum rap over these ferries, when really the fault could be squarely leveled at the builder and the legislature.

The vessels were constructed by Marine Power and Equipment, a company that had never taken on anything as large as building a ferry, let alone six of them. Later it was revealed that several of the senators who pushed for MP&E to get the contract owed the company thousands of dollars in private boat repairs. In addition, the company reaped a huge profit--at taxpayer expense--while using highly questionable construction methods, materials and unproven computer systems but that's another story and really isn't anything that surprises many people, what is surprising is how many accidents have occurred with this vessel and others in the fleet. I think money would be better spent on bridges after reading a few of the horror story on the operation of these vessels.

During my ride on the Sealth I was amazed at how few vehicles and passengers were aboard this ferry while crossing the Sound, there were more crew and service employees onboard than passengers, so it made for a peaceful and enjoyable crossing. I'm glad I experienced it but doubt if I'd be as thrilled to ride it again - maybe I'll catch a ride on her during the off-season down in the San Juan Islands...  

.

I came to visit my family here for a week.

while I was there they had the idea that we could drive to pick up my other cousin and then take the ferry from that side of the water to the Seattle side for a day of adventure.

Not to much to say about the terminal other than you pay and wait in line and then are directed to drive onto the boat, in which you can then get out of your car and walk around, get snacks or enjoy the outside breeze (which is chili in October).

I did not really have much interaction with the workers of this terminal so I cannot say anything on that.

Otherwise the overall experience was great.

While this terminal is not much better than its counterpart across the sound at Fauntleroy, it has a leg up in the fact that there is much more seating and a big window that you can actually view the ferry approach. Across the sound, it's a tiny room and you don't really have any idea what's going unless directed by people. they make it a bit easier here though.

You can park nearby at one of the adjacent lots for $5 a day if you are a walk-on passenger. There are vending machines to purchase tickets to go to Vashon Island but if you are going to Fauntleroy, it is completely free as a walk-on passenger. there were numerous benches to sit on and a nice wide window to look out at. Also very clean restrooms. Not bad but still very dated. Just wait for the staff to direct you on after they have finished unloading all of the incoming cars and passengers.

I don't appreciate being treated like shit when I take the ferry home after a 14 hour day. Perhaps train your staff properly or find people who like their job and aren't rude asshats. I pay 600 a month in fees, as I'm sure a lot of other people do too. So get your staff in check

The terminal blows and the entire ferry system needs to be audited . How do we pay this much money for such bad service ? Let's ask for better

This ferry gets me to west Seattle faster than driving around. Yes, it is some what expensive, but I imagine ferrys cost a lot to maintain with fuel costs as high as they are.

Besides, if you deduct the toll on the bridge you would have to pay if driving around, it's well worth it.

I try not to ride the WSF often because the cost is horrible....cheaper to drive around the sound then to cross it on a boat. Plus over the last few years the staff has changed to the point that they don't appear to give a hoot about the customers or the boat...the new boats added to the runs the last few years even look grubby...The WSF needs to look deeper at it's own before adding more costs to the customer.

I LOVE the people who work here, always super friendly and smiling, it's so great to start your morning interacting with these awesome people!