As part of the two-year state budget cycle, the State Legislature establishes how much revenue needs to be generated from ferry fares. The ferry fare revenue target for the upcoming two-year period (July 1, 2025 – June 30, 2027) is $408.8 million.
Ferry Fare Proposal
The Commission has issued its ferry fare and policy proposal for public input through July. The proposal is informed by a recommendation from Washington State Ferries, input from the Ferry advisory Committee on Tariff, and public feedback gathered through community meetings and an online open house.
Key features of the proposal are summarized below, and the impact to select fares can be viewed here (pdf 749kb).
| General Ferry Fare Adjustment | Multi-Ride Pass Adjustments | Summer “Peak” Season Surcharge Adjustments |
|---|---|---|
| Increase both vehicle and passenger fares by an average of 3% in October 2025 and again in May 2026. | Pilot an extended expiration date on the multi-ride passes, from the current 90 days to 120 days, beginning May 2026. | Increase the summer “peak” season surcharge to 35% for all routes, consistent with what is currently charged for San Juan routes. |
These changes would be in addition to other fare changes mandated by the Legislature:
- A 50-cent increase to the vessel replacement surcharge, which would start on Oct. 1, 2025.
- Direction to WSF to implement a fee to recoup credit card and other financial transaction costs no later than March 1, 2026.
Ways to comment on the Commission’s ferry fare proposal
You can provide your feedback and comments to the Commission in a few different ways:
- Email: transc@wstc.wa.gov
- Phone: 360-705-7070
- Mail: PO Box 47308, Olympia WA 98504-7308
Schedule
- Public Comment Period: Now through August 5
- Virtual Public Hearing: August 6 – 10 a.m.
- New Fares Take Effect: October 1, 2025 & May 1, 2026