Kitsap Transit announces Southworth Fast Ferry expected to launch first quarter of 2021

The new Southworth Fast Ferry service to downtown Seattle, Wash., is anticipated to launch in the first quarter of 2021, announced Kitsap Transit. The service launch has been delayed due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

Kitsap Transit has taken delivery of the M/V Enetai, the 255-passenger bow-loading vessel designed and built by Nichols Brothers Boat Builders. Kitsap Transit is working with the shipyard to resolve issues its crews have experienced while training on the vessel and using its operating systems.

Meanwhile, in preparation for the launch, Kitsap Transit and Washington State Ferries have agreed to reconfigure the Southworth Ferry Terminal’s parking lot so that Kitsap Transit’s buses can safely arrive and depart as well as stage for passenger pickups and drop-offs. Kitsap Transit has secured a contractor for the parking-lot restriping work who is ready to perform the work once the weather improves.

Kitsap Transit and Washington State Ferries say they are working vigorously and cooperatively on the details for joint operations at the Southworth Ferry Terminal.

“Despite our best intentions to start the service in 2020, the pandemic threw a wrench into our plans,” said John Clauson, executive director of Kitsap Transit. “We are fairly confident we’ll be able to nail down the remaining details and launch the service in the first quarter of next year.”