The state should rethink its recent trend of increasing ferry fares for drivers at a higher rate than it increases those for passengers. And Vashon residents who want to see this movement end should speak up now.

With an order to increase revenue from ferry fares, the state has proposed increasing tickets for vehicles by 2.5 percent and tickets for passengers and walk-ons by just 1 percent later this year. The same increases would happen again next year. Similar fare hikes were put in place two years ago, meaning the difference between what drivers pay and what passengers pay could be getting larger and larger.

With climate change a pressing issue and with traffic in the region worsening, it makes sense to give ferry riders incentive to carpool or walk on the boat by keeping those ticket prices lower. However, on Vashon, the choice to drive or walk on the ferry is likely more influenced by where riders are going than ticket prices. Many commuters can take buses from Fauntleroy to their workplaces. However, many people work too far away to take the bus, work in a place where bus service isn’t convenient or work hours when buses aren’t in regular service. King County’s Metro bus service has been cut in recent years on Vashon and on the mainland, and the county has threatened additional cuts more than once. It’s becoming harder to get bus connections to and from the ferry.

For those who aren’t commuters, walking on the ferry is often just not an option due to where they are going, what they’re doing or who they have with them. Ferry tickets are costly and are already a big part of some families’ budgets. Many believe high ferry fares also discourage new families from moving here. When fares do have to go up, they should hit all tickets equally, not bring a greater burden for those who in many cases have no choice but to drive. An expected 11.9 cent gas tax increase to fund the state’s transportation needs — including ferries — will only pile on more costs for drivers.

A citizen committee that included representatives of ferry served communities seemed to agree when it voted 7-4 to not recommend the lopsided proposal. The state might consider other means to encourage walking on, such as funding sustained bus service or providing extra incentives for carpoolers.

It’s possible that after implementing these new fares, the state might widen it’s fare gap even further in another two years. If this is a trend islanders don’t like, the state should hear about it. However you feel, consider commenting on this proposal before the Washington State Transportation Commission makes its final in decision August. See wstc.wa.gov for more on how to comment.