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State Transportation Commission holds public hearing on ferry fares
Posted 3.16.06
Olympia Headquarters - PO Box 47308 - Olympia, WA 98504-7308
(360) 705-7070
Date: March 16, 2006
| Contacts: |
Reema Griffith, Transportation Commission Administrator,
360-705-7070 |
OLYMPIA – In a move that demonstrates the value of public involvement, the Tariff Policy Committee has revised a portion of its recommendations for fare adjustments to the Washington State Transportation Commission. The Commission is holding a public hearing next week in Seattle, prior to taking action on the tariff committee’s proposals.
The hearing will be held on Thursday, March 23, from 10 a.m. to noon at the Puget Sound Regional Council Boardroom, 5th Floor, 1011 Western Avenue, in Seattle. The Tariff Policy Committee will begin the hearing with a presentation of the revised recommendations at 10 a.m., followed by public testimony, after which, the Commission may consider adopting all, part, or none of the recommendations.
Based on overwhelming public comment in opposition to one of its proposals, the Tariff Policy Committee dropped its recommendation related to motorcycle fares. Washington State Ferries received a total of 689 comments on the 2006 Tariff Proposal, of which 365 were from motorcyclists, including a petition containing 273 signatures and comments. The initial proposal would change the standard vehicle-to-motorcycle ratio from 5 to 1, to 4 to 1, resulting in an increased fare of 11 to 16 percent, depending on the route. Although the Transportation Commission may still consider the motorcycle fare adjustment in its action, that particular proposal is no longer part of the Tariff Committee’s recommendations.
The remaining recommendations for tariff changes effective May 1, 2006, will be presented to the State Transportation Commission for consideration:
- General fare increase of six percent with next-nickel rounding and continuation of Tariff Route Equity (distance-based fares) phasing
- Implement an up-front, non-refundable, maintenance fee of $50 per year for commercial accounts
- Implement a new discount program for in-need organizations
- Limit monthly passes to 31 round-trips per month (these are non-transferable and intended for a single user)
- Extend over height surcharge waiver for over height vehicles with a wheelchair lift to vehicles 20 feet to 30 feet in length
The Tariff Policy Committee also recommends for after May 1, 2006
- At the first fare change opportunity, no sooner than six months after the Electronic Fare System is in place system wide, a five percent surcharge will be added to tollbooth purchases of multi-fare products that are available for purchase on-line or at kiosks. Seniors and persons with disabilities would be exempt.
The Tariff Policy Committee is made up of ferry users, transit providers, and Legislators, all appointed by the Transportation Commission.
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