Editor's note: The attached video originally aired in 2018.
Ferry fares for vehicles and drivers could increase by more than $1 by next May if Washington State Ferries’ proposed fare hikes are approved.
State ferries presented its recommendations to the Washington State Transportation last week, pitching fare increases in October 2019 and May 2020 as well as a new capital surcharge for investments in vessels.
Under the recommended proposal, passenger fares would increase 2% in October and 2% in May. Vehicle and driver fares would increase 2.5% on the same timeline. Both passengers and vehicles would pay an additional 25-cent surcharge beginning in May.
In past years the fare hikes have occurred in October, but moving the second year increase to May would allow state ferries to collect an extra $1.5 million revenue, according to the agency.
If the transportation commission approves the plan, a regular passenger fare on the Seattle-Bainbridge, Seattle-Bremerton, and Edmonds-Kingston routes would increase to $8.67 in October and $9.09 in May. During off-peak season, standard-sized vehicles and drivers would pay $15.73 starting in October and $16.37 beginning in May. During peak season between May 1 and September 30, drivers with a car would pay $20.37.
The fare hike stems from the Legislature’s budget, which required $407.9 million in fare revenue and is $9.6 million more than state ferries could provide without a fare increase. The governor also signed ESHB 2161, which requires the state transportation commission to add a capital surcharge for ferry vessel construction or purchases.
Last October ferry fares increased by 2.5% for small and standard-sized vehicles and by 2.1% for passengers. In October 2017 fares increased 2.9% for small and standard-sized vehicles, 0.8-1.8% for oversized vehicles, and 2.1% for passengers.
The commission will hold a final public hearing on the proposed fare increase on August 6.
