Washington State Ferry Fares Could Increase In 2017, 2018

EDMONDS, WA - A two-phase increase for vehicles and passengers riding Washington state ferries is before the Washington State Transportation Commission this week. The commission will likely decide whether to raise rates this October, and then again in October 2018, on Wednesday. The ferry system needs to bring in $381 million through June 2019 to meet state budget goals.

Here are the increases the commission is considering:

October 1, 2017:

• 2.9 percent fare increase for small and standard sized vehicles
• 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
• 0.8 percent to 1.8 percent fare increase for oversized vehicles (22 feet and longer), depending on vehicle size

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 has held four public hearings this month, and will hold a final hearing on Wednesday at 10 a.m. at the Puget Sound Regional Council’s Board Room, 1011 Western Ave., Suite 500, Seattle.

Image via Patch.com file photo