Misused public funds

Washington State Ferries abruptly terminated an $8 million ticketing-modernization contract after the vendor says it was set up to fail; Ferry Advisory Committee says it wasn't told

Confidence: Corroborated · 2 sourcesWashington · Sep 22, 2026

Subject of this story

Washington State Ferries (Washington State Department of Transportation)

Also named

Affected

Anchor Operating Systems

What happened

In March 2026, Washington State Ferries (part of WSDOT) terminated its roughly $8 million contract with Anchor Operating Systems to modernize ferry ticketing and reservations, with about $3 million in public spending at risk. Anchor's CEO and former program manager said the project was progressing well until a WSF project manager pulled a key Anchor representative in November 2025, moved milestones, and set unworkable deadlines; WSF said it was 'no longer confident Anchor could provide a reliable system with sufficient operational support.' Ferry Advisory Committee members said the February 2026 briefing made no mention of the contract trouble, and county officials have sought public records and an internal audit review.

Sources (2)

Salish CurrentByline: Toby Cooper. Nasi Peretz, CEO of Anchor Operating Systems: 'We were on the 10-yard line'... DeWayne Moats, former program manager, alleged the project was set up to fail through constantly 'moving the goalposts.'

Islands' Weekly / San Juan Journal (Sound Publishing)WSF deputy director Dana L. Warr confirmed the contract termination and financial disclosures; WSF stated it was 'no longer confident Anchor could provide a reliable system with sufficient operational support across our 20 terminals.'

Response

Washington State Ferries (Washington State Department of Transportation)

Statement given

Contacted and responded — exact wording not on record.

What happened next (0)

No outcome recorded yet.

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