The Commission has begun its process for adjusting ferry fares for the 2023/2025 biennium. The process will take a few months, and begins with recommendations from Washington State Ferries. The fare recommendations are based upon requirements set forth in the Transportation Budget passed by the 2023 Legislature. The budget requires $419 million to be generated from fares over the two-year budget timeframe (July 1, 2023 – June 30, 2025.)
Fare Setting Process
- May 15 – June 9: Online public survey open – comment on possible fare increase approaches.
- May 23 – June 7: WSF/WSTC Public Meetings on service update and possible fare changes. Details on the meeting can be found here.
- June 21: Commission selects fare proposal at Friday Harbor Commission meeting, for further public comment. If you would like to attend this meeting and offer comment you can do so in person or virtually by registering here.
- June 21 – July 30: Public comment period on fare proposal (will be posted on this page.)
- August 10: Commission holds final, in-person hearing to adopt fare changes.
- Time: 9:00 a.m.
- Location: Puget Sound Regional Council Board Room, 1011 Western Ave. Suite 500, Seattle WA.
- Virtual attendance will be available – check back for more information closer to the date.
- October 1: New fares take effect.
How to Provide Comments
Public comment will be gathered through July 30, 2023:
- Web comment form
- Email: transc@wstc.wa.gov
- Online public input survey while open May 15 – June 9
- Testify at the final hearing on August 10th at 9 a.m. (see details above)