It’s not surprising, but it is official: the state will raise ferry fares this year and next for both vehicles and passengers.
The Washington State Transportation Commission held its final hearing in Seattle today and unanimously voted to boost fares. The move is designed to generate $357 million between July 1, 2015, and June 30, 2017, as required in the 2015/17 state transportation budget for Washington State Ferries’ operations.
Here are the increases — and when:
October 1, 2015: A 2.5 percent fare increase for vehicles and a 1 percent fare increase for passengers.
October 1, 2015: The current over-height surcharge for vehicles less than 22 feet in length is eliminated.
October 1, 2015: The over-height waiver currently in place for qualifying disability vehicles 22- to 30-feet long will be expanded to include any feature necessary to accommodate a disability on the vehicle, that may add height, rather than limiting it to a lift or other mechanism.
May 1, 2016: A 2.5 percent fare increase for vehicles and a 1 percent fare increase for passengers.
May 1, 2016: The over-height fare threshold for vehicles 22- to 30-feet long will be reduced from the current 7 feet 6 inches, to 7 feet 2 inches.
The commission held three public input meetings in Friday Harbor, Whidbey Island, and Bremerton, and also took input at the final hearing this week. It also held a virtual, online meeting. Input was provided at the public meetings and via emails.
A Vashon citizen committee had criticized the plan, saying charging more to drivers is unfair on Vashon because many commuters are unable to walk on the ferries because of where or when they work.