Washington State Transportation Commission – NEWS
Transportation Commission Office – PO Box 47308 – Olympia, WA 98504-7308
360-705-7070
Date: June 14, 2017
Contact: Reema Griffith, WSTC Executive Director, 360-705-7070 (Olympia)
State Transportation Commission to host four meetings in ferry-served communities
OLYMPIA – Ferry customers and anyone with an interest in Washington State Ferry fares are being asked to weigh in on a new fare proposal that would take effect starting this October. The Washington State Transportation Commission has released its proposal to increase ferry fares over the next two years. The proposed increase must generate $381 million in operating revenue between July 1, 2017, and June 30, 2019, as required in the recently passed two-year state transportation budget for Washington State Ferry operations.
The commission’s proposal includes two ferry fare increases over the next two years. The commission proposed these increases after considering input from Washington State Ferries and the Ferry Advisory Committee on Tariffs. A summary of the ferry fare proposal is as follows:
October 1, 2017
- 2.9 percent fare increase for small and standard sized vehicles
- 0.8 percent to 1.8 percent fare increase for oversized vehicles (22 feet and longer), depending on vehicle size
- 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
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 will be holding four in-person public input meetings. No action will be taken at these meetings. Details are below:
- Bainbridge Island: 6 – 8 p.m. Thursday, July 6, Waterfront Park Community Center (Senior Center) Huney Hall, 370 Brien Dr. SE, Bainbridge Island
- Friday Harbor: 6 – 8 p.m. Monday, July 10, San Juan County Administrative Office Building, Legislative Hearing Room, 55 Second St., Friday Harbor
- Whidbey Island: 6 – 8 p.m. Tuesday, July 11, Whidbey Telecom Community Media Conference Center, 1651 Main Street, Freeland
- Vashon Island: 6 – 8 p.m. Monday, July 17, Vashon Island High School Cafeteria, 9600 SW 204th St., Vashon Island
The commission will hold its final hearing at 10 a.m. Wednesday, July 26, at the Puget Sound Regional Council’s Board Room, 1011 Western Ave., Suite 500, Seattle. The commission is expected to take action and vote on the final fare and policy changes at this hearing.
In addition to the public meetings listed above, other ways people can comment on the ferry fare proposal are as follows:
Email: transc@wstc.wa.gov. Please indicate “Ferry Fares” in the subject line.
Website: Submit comments utilizing the online comment form on the commission’s website.
In Writing:
Washington State Transportation Commission
P.O. Box 47308
Olympia, WA 98504-7308
Phone: 360-705-7070
For more information on the ferry fare proposal, please visit the transportation commission’s web site: wstc.wa.gov
Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) Information
Accommodation requests for people with disabilities can be made by contacting the WSDOT Diversity/ADA Affairs team at wsdotada@wsdot.wa.gov or by calling toll-free, 855-362-4ADA (4232). Persons who are deaf or hard of hearing may make a request by calling the Washington State Relay at 711.
Title VI Statement to Public
It is WSDOT’s policy to assure that no person shall, on the grounds of race, color, national origin or sex, as provided by Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, be excluded from participation in, be denied the benefits of, or be otherwise discriminated against under any of its federally funded programs and activities. Any person who believes his/her Title VI protection has been violated, may file a complaint with WSDOT’s Office of Equal Opportunity (OEO). For additional information regarding Title VI complaint procedures and/or information regarding our non-discrimination obligations, please contact OEO’s Title VI Coordinator 360-705-7090.