Fast ferry service proposed between Tacoma and Seattle ahead of World Cup

Stella Sun,KOMONewsReporter

Updated Wed, September 17th 2025 at 6:23 PM

Artemis EF-29 10a-pres-pilot-project-presentation-port-of-tacoma-sm-1

VIEW ALL PHOTOS

A photo of Tacoma, Washington, on Sept. 17, 2025. (KOMO)

TOPICS:

Ferry service Tacoma Seattle World Cup Electric vessels Pierce County Artemis 29 Tourism

TACOMA, Wash. — A new proposal aims to launch a fast ferry service between Tacoma and Seattle in time for next year’s World Cup.

Pierce County Executive Ryan Mello, a longtime advocate for the ferry service, wants to bring fully electric vessels to Pierce County.

In preparation for an estimated 750,000 visitors flooding into the region for the largest sporting event in the world, “They’re not just coming for the World Cup, they’re coming to see this place and experience this place,” said Mello.

“What better way to move around this beautiful part of the world than on the water?” Mello added.

Information graphics of the fast ferry proposal on Sept. 17, 2025. (KOMO)

The vessel Pierce County is looking at is the Artemis 29, which seats 29 passengers with space for luggage and bikes.

Between two vessels, there would be eight round-trips daily, with potential docking locations at Thea Foss Waterway and Ruston Way.

Depending on the docking site, the ferry ride could take between 45 minutes to an hour.

The one-year pilot program is estimated to cost $4 million, with half of the funding already secured from local tourism dollars. “The work in front of us over the next couple of months is to raise the additional two million dollars,” said Mello, who pitched the idea to the Port of Tacoma Commission and inviting them to become founding sponsors.

Residents have already expressed support for the initiative. “I will do anything to not drive on I-5,” said Vicky, a supporter of the fast ferry. Mary Eversole added, “I think it’s fantastic. Any alternative transportation to cars, especially using the waterways.”

While the vision for the fast ferry service is clear, it remains uncertain whether it will become a reality in time for the World Cup.

Public Service Announcements

Upcoming Events

Ongoing Stuff

Get vaccinated! Yeah I know you’d like to forget about it, but there are new variants and the infection rate is climbing. Fortunately, there is an effective booster, which is recommended for people 65 and older and those who are immuno-compromised. It is available now, effective, free and you can get your appointment today here and here , including walk-Ins at SAFEWAY, Walgreen’s, Rite-Aid, SeaMar and Healthpoint.

Sign up for the King County Code Red Alert program. When you sign up for Code Red you’ll be notified immediately when there is a possible health threat. After the recent ‘Boil Water Notice’ I received just a few grouses that ‘it did not work’. I’m 99% certain that the problem is that you have to actually sign up for an account. Do It! There is this ‘guest’ option which is stupid and should not even be an option. Everyone who had an account in their system was notified. If you’re like me and signed up ten years ago (after the last notification), go to the site immediately and verify your account. Ten years is a long time for any computer system.
Check out the 223rd Green Street Project web site and take the 223rd Green Street Survey before December 11th!
Check out the Des Moines Marina Steps web site and take the Marina Steps Survey.
If you’re interested in any of our Kids or Senior activities, you can sign up here.
Learn more about our Comprehensive Plan and take the Housing Action Plan Survey.
Take the City Communication and Engagement Survey
Give blood! Schedule an appointment today. There is a CODE RED emergency shortage.
Masonic Home! There is a petition for those who are interested in historic preservation of the property. If you have questions, don’t contact me. Contact Barbara McMichael and Lloyd Lytle Jr
Community Service Officer Tonya Seaberry wants to hear from neighborhood groups interested in establishing block watch programs: Tseaberry@desmoineswa.gov or 206-878-3301.
City Of Des Moines Minor Home Repair Program: Low to moderate income households can get grants to do all sorts of necessary repairs. Email Tina Hickey (206) 870-6535.
Every home should have a Carbon Monoxide Detector–especially during the colder months! Full stop. If you need one but money is tight, South King County Fire And Rescue will get you one. Just call their Community Affairs Office at 253-946-7347.
And last, but not least: If your home has Port Package (sound insulation system) that is having issues, please go to SeatacNoise.Info

How to attend meetings and provide Public Comment

Meetings take place at City Hall 21630 11th Avenue S., Suite #C Des Moines WA 98198. They can also be viewed live:

Via Zoom (click here)
On Comcast Channel 21/321
On the City’s YouTube channel.

Meetings generally occur on the first, third and fourth Thursday of every month at 6:00PM. There is also Committee Of The Whole on the first Thursday of the month beginning at 5:00pm. Check the City Calendar for special meetings and agenda

You do not have to sign in to attend a meeting! The sign-in sheet is only for people wishing to make a Public Comment.

There are four ways to provide Public Comment:

In person: Show up a few minutes before the meeting and sign the sheet. Public Comment is usually conducted at the beginning of the meeting.
Zoom: To sign up, call (206) 870-6552 or email cityclerk@desmoineswa.gov the City Clerk by noon Wednesday — the day before the meeting.
E-mail: All e-mails sent to citycouncil@desmoineswa.gov are considered public comment. They are instantly available to all members of the City Council and the City Clerk who includes them into the record of public comments at the next meeting.
US Mail: Attn: City Clerk Office, 21630 11th Avenue S., Des Moines WA 98198. Please provide us with your first and last name and the city in which you live.

All public comments are added to the Agenda Packet available on the City web site following each meeting.

All letters or e-mails requesting a specific action are referred by the City Clerk to the appropriate City department.

If you would like a follow up from me, personally, please indicate that or call me (206) 878-0578.

The Clerk does not read e-mails to the Council in full; only the subject line. However, we do see them as soon as you send them.