Photo by Larry Steagall, Kitsap Sun
Commuters on the west side of Puget Sound can now enjoy a quick commute to downtown Seattle, thanks to a new fast ferry service that kicked off this week.
The Kitsap Peninsula is fast becoming a hotbed for housing as new residents seek affordable housing options in a hot real estate market. With the median price of homes in Bremerton running $289,000, half the cost of a home in the greater Seattle area, the timing of the new fast ferry ensures rapid growth of Kitsap communities.
Before the fast ferry, the commute from Bremerton and Port Orchard was perilously slow, as the car ferries had to go slow through Rich Passage to minimize wakes and beach damage. The new foot ferries are designed to be low wake, allowing the boats to ply the waters at 37 knots. The dock to dock commute is about 28 minutes, according to Kitsap Transit.
The new service began July 10 with three round trips in the morning and three in the evening with 10 round trips on Saturdays. The cost to ride is $2 to Seattle and $10 heading back. Commuters can reserve seats to ensure a ride on the desired boat. L
Learn more about the new ferry service and how it will change the face of Kitsap County.