Green Horizons | Energize Tacoma

Empowering Tacoma's Sustainability

Join us in transforming Tacoma into a greener, more sustainable city. Energize Tacoma is dedicated to promoting environmental initiatives such as tree planting, sustainable practices, electric mobility, and pollinator gardens. Our mission is to advocate for projects that benefit the community while preserving our environment. Together, we can create a healthier and more vibrant future for Tacoma.

Energize Tacoma Supports Electric Water Taxi Service

Duffy 12 passenger electric water taxi photo www.duffyboats.com

A Waterfront Transit Vision

Tacoma’s Foss Waterway is an underutilized asset in our city. By introducing electric water taxis, we can breathe new life into the waterfront while connecting key cultural and economic destinations. Similar services thrive in cities like Fort Lauderdale, where small electric ferries shuttle tourists between major attractions. In Tacoma, this model can be adapted to serve both visitors and locals, offering an eco-friendly transit option that enhances access and mobility.

Phase 1: Connecting the Foss Waterway

The first phase of the water taxi service would link:

Melanie Dressel Park
Museum of Glass (MOG) – serving as the central hub
Seaport Maritime Museum

This 12-passenger electric water taxi would create a direct cultural corridor along the water, offering a scenic and convenient way to experience Tacoma’s arts and maritime heritage. As the Port Headquarters and Maritime 253 High School open, the final phase of Phase 1 would expand service to include their dock—providing students and workers easy access to UWT, the Museum District, and Tacoma Link Light Rail via Union Station.

This would be a great project to start economic growth along the waterfront in downtown. Building on the growing momentum, an electric water taxi would perform as a tourist and transit system.

At Energize Tacoma, our mission is to advocate for public projects that enrich our community while maximizing impact, minimizing tax burdens, and embracing environmentally sound solutions. As a nonprofit dedicated to Culture, Art, and Science, we believe Tacoma has a unique opportunity to lead the way in Blue and Green Economy investments. One of the most exciting prospects for Tacoma’s future is the implementation of an electric water taxi service—a sustainable, cost-effective, and community-enhancing transit solution.

Expanding Beyond the Foss Waterway

The long-term vision for Tacoma’s electric water taxi system extends beyond Foss Waterway. Larger, faster electric vessels could connect downtown Tacoma to Point Ruston, a bustling waterfront hub near Point Defiance Park and Zoo. This service would reduce traffic congestion, alleviate parking challenges, and provide a car-free connection to shopping, dining, and recreation for downtown residents.

Further expansions could see electric ferries linking:

Downtown Tacoma to Gig Harbor – offering a sustainable alternative to bridge traffic
Tacoma to Seattle or Olympia – with fast electric foot ferries creating an efficient regional connection

Tacoma: A Leader in the Green Economy

Investing in electric water taxis aligns with Tacoma’s commitment to sustainability and its growing role as a leader in green and blue technology. By embracing all-electric ferry solutions, we reduce emissions, improve waterfront accessibility, and build a transit system that benefits both commuters and visitors.

At Energize Tacoma, we support smart, impactful projects that enhance quality of life while embracing the latest in sustainable innovation. The electric water taxi service has the potential to transform Tacoma’s waterfront, offering a cleaner, more connected, and more vibrant cityscape for all.

Join us in advocating for a greener, more accessible Tacoma!