Yearly ferry ridership expected to drop for first time in 12 years; changes proposed

Washington State Ferries ridership has dropped about 2 percent so far this year, with the first year-over-year drop in more than a decade expected. Ferry ridership is down about 700,000 passengers from this time last year, Washington State Department of Transportation Ferries Spokesperson Ian Sterling said. Sterling predicts the ferries will see about 24 million total riders this year, down from the 25 million projected at the start of the year. There are a few reasons for the drop in passengers, Sterling said. The main reason appears to be the February weather.