Public comment wanted on ferry fare increase proposal

Elwha
Photo by Jan Hansen

Ferry customers and anyone with an interest in Washington State Ferry fares are being asked to weigh in on a new fare proposal that would take effect starting this October.

The Washington State Transportation Commission has released its proposal to increase ferry fares over the next two years.

The proposed increase must generate $381 million in operating revenue between July 1, 2017, and June 30, 2019, as required in the recently passed two-year state transportation budget for Washington State Ferry operations.

The commission’s proposal includes two ferry fare increases over the next two years. The commission proposed these increases after considering input from Washington State Ferries and the Ferry Advisory Committee on Tariffs.

A summary of the ferry fare proposal is as follows:

October 1, 2017

• 2.9 percent fare increase for small and standard sized vehicles
• 0.8 percent to 1.8 percent fare increase for oversized vehicles (22 feet and longer), depending on vehicle size
• 2.5 percent fare increase for passengers
• Passengers who bring bicycles with trailers will see an increase as they begin paying the motorcycle/driver (stowage) rate instead of the combined passenger fare with bicycle surcharge 

October 1, 2018

• 2.5 percent fare increase for small and standard sized vehicles
• No fare increase for oversized vehicles (22 feet and longer)
• 2.1 percent fare increase for passengers
• School Group passengers fare will increase from $1 per group for a one-way trip to $5 per group for a one-way trip 

The commission is expected to take action and vote on the final fare and policy changes on Wednesday, July 26.

Ways people can comment on the ferry fare proposal :

• Email transc@wstc.wa.gov. Indicate “Ferry Fares” in the subject line.
• Website: Submit comments utilizing the online comment form on the commission’s website, under “contact us”: 
• In Writing: Washington State Transportation Commission, PO Box 47308, Olympia, WA 98504-7308
• Phone: 360-705-7070

For more information on the ferry fare proposal, visit the transportation commission’s website.