The traffic signal and boarding pass system at the Kingston terminal is active daily from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. through Indigenous Peoples’ Day on Oct. 12.
A boarding pass is required before arriving at the terminal ticket booth
- Follow the signal: Ferry-bound traffic will follow the traffic signal on SR 104 into a designated lane. View map.
- Take a pass: Stop at the automated dispenser and take your pass. If you leave the line after taking a pass, you will need to re-enter the line and take a new pass.
- Wait for Green: Once the system detects space at the terminal, your light will turn green. Proceed directly to the tollbooths.
Standard operating days and times
A boarding pass is required from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. during these peak periods:
- Summer Season: Daily from Mother’s Day through Indigenous Peoples’ Day.
- Year-Round: Every Saturday and Sunday.
- Holidays: Daily during the weeks of Thanksgiving, Christmas, and New Year’s.
The purpose of this system is to help improve traffic flow through Kingston and deter ferry line cutting. We are monitoring how the system is working and will make adjustments as needed to improve operations.
Will all major events in downtown Seattle, we encourage Bainbridge and Bremerton ferry riders travelling without a vehicle to buy their return ticket in advance. This can help avoid long lines at the ticket booths at Colman Dock. Now, youth tickets are valid for six hours instead of two. This gives passengers ages 18 and younger more flexibility and allows them to skip the rush at the ticket booths after a major event if they buy their return ticket in advance or use a Youth ORCA card.
Update - The Chetzemoka galley opens with the 10:55 a.m. sailing from Point Defiance.
Public Wi-Fi is now available aboard the Chimacum, which normally serves our Seattle/Bremerton route. New signs on board explain how to connect. The service works best inside the passenger cabin, where the signal is strongest. If you have problems or feedback, please use the Wi-Fi portal seen from your phone or computer and select “Provide Wi-Fi Feedback.” This launch is part of a pilot project that will also add public Wi-Fi at our Bremerton terminal this summer.
The passenger elevator on the Chetzemoka is out of service. In the event of an elevator closure, a crew member can assist passengers with mobility disabilities to the passenger deck by way of a small freight elevator, though it is not ADA accessible.
Elevators 1 and 2 at Colman Dock remain out of service due to a mechanical issue. The Alaskan Way #4 Elevator and the Pier 50 elevator (along the front of the building) are both in service and available for customer use.
We are working with vendors to get the other elevators repaired and will provide updates as conditions change.