Steve Nevey, WSDOT Deputy Secretary for Washington State Ferries wrote in WSF weekly update that WSF is celebrating its 74th birthday on Sunday, June 1. It’s a good time to look back on what made it possible. Our strength lies not in steel and schedules, but in the dedication of the people who have powered us through seven decades of safe service.

We started in 1951. That’s when we took over service from the Puget Sound Navigation Company, also called the Black Ball Line. Since that time, we’ve carried more than a billion riders on the Salish Sea as part of our state highway system. We’re proud of our 74 years of service. And we’re already getting ready to celebrate our 75th — our diamond anniversary – next year.