Beginning Tuesday, Washington State ferry prices will increase once again, marking the second fare hike in just two years. The Washington State Transportation Commission (WSTC) has approved a 4.25% increase for both passenger and vehicle fares as part of the efforts to meet the revenue requirements outlined in the 2023-2025 transportation budget.
The fare increase was confirmed during a WSTC hearing on August 10, 2023, and is part of a broader financial strategy following the passage of the state transportation budget by the Legislature and its subsequent enactment by Governor Jay Inslee.
According to the WSTC, fare revenues account for approximately 57% of the funding needed for Washington State Ferries’ operations, with the remaining 43% sourced from other tax revenues. This reliance on fare income highlights the critical need for adjustments to maintain service levels and operational costs.
In addition to the fare increase, the WSTC has implemented a policy change regarding the fuel surcharge rule, clarifying that any future fuel surcharges will require review and approval before being enacted. This change aims to provide transparency and accountability in how fuel costs impact ferry operations and passenger fares.
In a notable shift, Tuesday will also mark the first day without the peak season surcharge for vehicles, a policy that will resume on May 1, 2025. This change is expected to provide some relief to motorists using the ferry system, though the overall fare increase may offset these savings.
Furthermore, the multiride discount will see a slight increase of 1% starting Tuesday, which will remain in effect until September 30, 2025.
The fare increases come at a time when many Washington residents are grappling with rising costs in various sectors of the economy. While the WSTC emphasizes the necessity of the adjustments to maintain ferry services, some passengers may express concerns about the cumulative impact of such increases.
