Washington needs this aging state ferry to keep running and running

By: Tom Banse

Outlets: Washington State Standard

Published: October 5, 2026

Words: 1,293

Last Updated: 1 week, 6 days ago

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When the Washington state ferry Tillikum entered service in 1959, Albert Rosellini was in his first term as governor and Dwight Eisenhower was in his second as president.

The showy tail fins of Chevrolet and Plymouth sedans on its car deck could have made a killer whale jealous. The auto-and-driver fare to cross Puget Sound was $1.75.

Back then, the Tillikum was one of three Evergreen State-class ferries. Around a decade …

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