Replace the MV finest with a modern high-speed high-capacity passenger-only ferry for the kingston-seattle route

The Department of Transportation Federal Transit Administration awarded Kitsap Transit $17.532 million on August 27, 2026, to acquire a modern high-speed high-capacity passenger-only ferry to replace the MV Finest on the Kingston-Seattle route under the Federal Transit Formula Grants program (CFDA 20.507).

The MV Finest, originally constructed in 1996 and refurbished in 2018, will be replaced with a new vessel to improve service reliability, increase operational efficiency, and support long-term sustainability of Kitsap Transit's Kingston-Seattle ferry service. The replacement ferry will reduce long-term maintenance needs and sustain fast efficient commuter mobility between Kitsap County and Seattle while maintaining the route in a state of good repair.

Performance runs from award through April 1, 2029, with work performed in Washington. No sub-recipients are identified on this award.

Purpose

The purpose of this award is to replace the MV finest with a modern high-speed high-capacity passenger-only ferry for the kingston-seattle route. The MV finest was originally constructed in 1996 and refurbished by kitsap transit in 2018.

Activities

Funds will be used to acquire a modern high-speed high-capacity passenger-only ferry to replace the existing MV finest.

Expected outcomes

This award will provide a new modern high-speed high-capacity passenger-only ferry to replace the MV finest improving service reliability increasing operational efficiency and supporting long-term sustainability of kitsap transits kingston-seattle ferry service.

Intended beneficiaries

The replacement vessel will improve operational reliability reduce long-term maintenance needs and sustain fast efficient commuter mobility between kitsap county and seattle while maintaining the route in a state of good repair.