Can you WiFi on your commute? Can you read a book or knit a scarf on your commute? Many people that live in the Bremerton / Silverdale area of the West Sound do. How do they do that you ask? They work in Seattle and commute on the ferry. The Washington State Ferry System is the largest in the United States and the 3rd largest in the world! Of the 24 million annual ferry riders in the Puget Sound area 50% of those are commuters. Why commute you ask? The housing in Bremerton / Silverdale area on the Kitsap Peninsula has been more affordable than the housing in the Seattle and surrounding areas of Puget Sound for several years. People realized that you could commute an hour into Seattle from many directions but not one that offered a slower pace of life and more home for your housing dollar as the Bremerton / Silverdale area.
The Ferry is also a huge tourist attraction in WashingtonState, so even if you don't commute on the ferry you will enjoy the beauty of Puget Sound on a ferry ride from Bremerton to Seattle. The first time I rode a ferry was while on vacation to the west side of the state from eastern Washington. Once I relocated to Bremerton the ferry became a great weekend "out & about". We would pack a picnic and off we would go. Yes, I have ridden the ferry just to ride the ferry. The sights and sounds of the Puget Sound are amazing.
This schedule is effective June 22 through September 27, 2008 The approximately crossing time is 60 minutes. You don't need a reservation.
Click Here for Schedule ==>
You will be sailing on the M/V Kitsap or the M/V Kaleetan. The State of Washington runs the largest ferry system in the United States and has an amazing website with more information than you will ever need. Go here ==>
Did you know that you can purchase your ferry tickets online? You can purchase and print very similar to an online airline check in. You just want to make sure you have at least 30 minutes prior to heading to the ferry terminal in downtown Bremerton because the email verification can take up to 30 minutes.
So make sure to check out the "Wave 2 Go" section. Go here ==>
If you are using the ferry system to commute to employment in Seattle you can purchase a monthly passenger use only pass for the Seattle/Bremerton run for $85.80 which will save you approximately $48.00 per month.
Here are some interesting facts about the Washington State Ferry System
Carries 24 million riders annually.
11 million vehicles ride the 200 miles of marine highway
Commuters comprise 50% of the rider ship
There are 10 ferry routes with almost 500 sailings per day.
Very critical link between the urban areas of the east Puget Sound area to the growing communities on the Kitsap Peninsula
For the last 50 years West Sound residents have used the ferries to commute to the Seattle area
Critical link for the more affordable housing on the West Sound with key employment centers on the east side of Puget Sound.
There are 28 vessels and 20 Ferry terminals in the Puget Sound System
About the Author...
Jo began her real estate career back in 1994 and soon found out that she loved selling real estate and that she was really good at it! Lots of people sell real estate, but not everyone is good at it. Jo brings to her clients the commitment to work hard and have fun along the way. As Jo continues to learn the technology of today to be on the cutting edge of multimedia she takes pride in her ability to keep her trademark "old-fashioned" customer service alive. If you are looking to sell or purchase a home in Kitsap County call her office today. You can also find out more about the area by visiting her blog www.WestSoundLive.com or her web sites www.HomeFrontRealtyOnline.com
15 Comments on LOCALISM FEATURED: Washington State Ferry System :: Largest in the Nation :: More than Transportation
JUL
02
2008
Hi Jo, I had no idea that Washington had such a large ferry system. I've ridden the small ferries and it's fun to be able to sit back and enjoy the view and ride. I think it would be a great way to get to work (saves fuel too!)
Cynthia, I love being on the water. I think it would be a blast to commute on the ferry - of course that means driving downtown, paying for parking and then taking a bus in Seattle unless you are within walking distance from the dock.
Fred, I have always wanted to take the ferry from Seattle to BC. You get off in Sydney and then just 17 miles to Victoria. Someday when the man is home. When Jay transfers out of Alaska we are thinking of taking the ferry from Alaska to WA instead of driving the whole way.
Debbie, When my boys were little we came over here on vacation and that is what we did - ride the Ferry. I should dig out those pictures of them with their Seattle Seahawk jackets on and their arms on the rails :)
Jo, I had no idea the ferry system had Wi-Fi. How thoughtful to their commuters. Thanks for all this great information for the public. On congratulations on the Feature post.
Gary, I would think as a commuter it would be worth it. The charge is about $4 for 2 hours. They have several different plans and if you wanted unlimited each month it is $30. Thank you so much for reading.
Disclaimer: ActiveRain Corp. does not necessarily endorse the real estate agents, loan officers and brokers listed on this site. These real estate profiles, blogs and blog entries are provided here as a courtesy to our visitors to help them make an informed decision when buying or selling a house. ActiveRain Corp. takes no responsibility for the content in these profiles, that are written by the members of this community.
Hi Jo,
I had no idea that Washington had such a large ferry system. I've ridden the small ferries and it's fun to be able to sit back and enjoy the view and ride. I think it would be a great way to get to work (saves fuel too!)