(wind blowing)
(seagull sounds)
♪♪ ​
You know, I just love our state's marine highway system.
We're blessed
with the Washington State Ferries that carry millions
of people every year back and forth across Puget Sound.
And they serve almost every county in Western Washington.
♪♪ ​
For some people, the ferry system is
just a way to get to work.
For others, it's a place to bring their cousins
from out of town
who are visiting and want to show them
something beautiful here in Washington state.
For some, it's a lifeline to medical services
off their island or needed hospital visits.
♪♪ ​
The history of the ferry system is varied.
There was a wide variety of vessels,
private competitors
serving different routes up and down Puget Sound.
When the state bought the system in 1950s,
they found themselves with an assortment
of old boats from diesels all the way back to steam.
Now we have modern, efficient new ferries
being constructed for the benefit of our citizens.
♪♪ ​
Sometimes I hear complaints about the ferry system.
Maybe a boat's not on time, or it was overloaded.
But you never hear a complaint
when the boat has to wait for an ambulance from
one of the distant islands.
Everyone knows that
they could be the one in the back
of that ambulance someday.
♪♪ ​
Washington State Ferries are truly
one of my favorite places.
♪♪ ​