Ferry Fare and Fare Policy Considerations

Attention: The WSTC’s Online Open House for setting fares for 2025-27 has been closed. Up-to-date information on this process can be found here: Read up-to-date information on this process

The WSTC is considering different options for adjusting fares to meet the legislature’s two-year ferry fare revenue target of $408.8 million:

General Ferry Fare Adjustment1 Multi-Ride Pass Adjustments2 Summer “Peak” Season Surcharge Adjustments3
Increase both vehicle and passenger fares by an average of 2.5% in October 2025 and again in October 2026. Extend the expiration date on the multi-ride passes to 120 days (from the current 90 days). Increase the summer “peak” season surcharge to 30% for all routes other than the San Juan Island routes (Anacortes to Lopez, Shaw, Orcas and Friday Harbor) which would remain unchanged at 35%.

Additional information:

  1. While the overall fare increase would average 2.5%, actual fare amounts will vary by route based upon the length/ sailing time for each route. The general fare increase would be in addition to the $0.50 increase to the capital/vessel surcharge directed by the Legislature.

Sample fares with 2.5% increase

A table showing select ferry routes with current and estimated fares for 2025 and 2026 for standard passenger and standard vehicle categories. In 2025, passenger fares are expected to increase by $0.60 to $0.90 and vehicle fares by $0.75 to $1.95. In 2026, passenger fares are expected to increase by $0.10 to $0.40 and vehicle fares increase by $0.30 to $1.50. Estimated fares include a $0.50 increase to the capital/vessel surcharge in 2025, as directed by the Legislature.

  1. Multi-ride passes currently offer a percentage discount for a defined number of trips and expire 90 days after purchase. Please refer to WSF’s website for more information on the current multi-ride / multi-use pass structure.
  2. During the months of May through September, a summer “peak” season surcharge is assessed on single ticket vehicle fares only. The revenue from this change will go towards meeting the two-year fare revenue target and thus help keep the general fare increase as low as possible. There are two different surcharge amounts – currently:
    • 35% for the San Juan Island routes (Anacortes to Lopez, Shaw, Orcas and Friday Harbor)
    • 25% for all other routes
Prev
Next