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Origin Destination Survey

What is the Origin-Destination Onboard Survey?
WSDOT Ferries Division (WSF) conducts origin-destination (O&D) surveys every six to seven years as a way to accurately capture and measure the travel patterns of ferry passengers. The last survey was conducted in 2013; similar surveys were conducted in 2006, 1999, and 1993. The surveys asked passengers about their typical routes, how they get to and from the ferry terminal, and the purpose of their trips.

What are the results and key findings?
Learn more about the systemwide highlights (pdf 824 kb) and key findings for each travel corridor:
     San Juan Islands (pdf 1.3 MB)
     North Sound (pdf 1.3 MB)
     Central Sound (pdf 1.8 MB)
     South Sound (pdf 1.3 MB)

You may download the entire 2013 report in sections below:

How was the survey conducted?

  • WSF conducted the surveys onboard more than 300 sailings around the ferry system in October 2013.
  • The 2013 O&D survey was a comprehensive survey. It evaluated topics such as when people were traveling, what mode of transportation they used, travel origins and destinations.

What do the results tell WSF?
WSF planners can learn a lot by hearing directly from ferry passengers. By volunteering their time to take the survey, passengers provided answers to some of these important questions that affect WSF’s future planning and services:

  • Where riders are coming from, and where they are going?
  • What are the demographic characteristics of ferry riders, and how have they changed since the last survey?
  • What percentage of passengers drive, bike or walk to or from the ferry?
  • How far do people travel to get to or from a specific ferry run?
  • What type of fare do people pay to ride the ferry?
  • How many passengers telecommute, and if so, how many days per week?
  • How have commuting patterns changed since the last survey?

How does WSF use the results of the survey?
After WSF collects and analyzes passenger responses to the O&D surveys, the results are used by the agency and decision makers in a number of ways:

  • Matching ferry service with customer needs
  • Running an efficient ferry operation
  • Informing WSF’s long-range service planning
  • Providing input to capital improvement needs
  • Working with communities on managing local traffic impacts

Hadley Rodero
Communications Manager
WSF Communications
2901 Third Avenue, Suite 500
Seattle, WA 98121