Washington State Department of Transportation’s Washington State Ferries POTS Replacement with Ooma AirDial

To protect public safety across its 19 ferry terminals, Washington State Ferries replaced outdated phone lines with Ooma AirDial, ensuring reliable emergency communication systems like fire alarms, elevator help lines, and 911 services. Spearheaded by Washington State Department of Transportation, this less than $1 million upgrade was in response to the Federal Communication Commission’s 2019 decision to deregulate traditional copper phone lines, which put life-safety systems at risk of failure. Starting with a pilot at Colman Dock, the project quickly expanded system-wide. It replaced nearly 80 aging lines, improved emergency response, and saved over $100,000 a year – funds now reinvested into other safety efforts. The new system keeps millions of passengers and staff safe, especially during busy travel seasons, and ensures full compliance with safety and accessibility standards. This modernization effort has strengthened public trust in Washington State Ferries as a vital part of Washington’s transportation network and a leader in safety innovation.