Comment on Ferry Fare Changes for County Residents

Transportation Commission adds ways to participate

— from the Washington State Transportation Commission —

Those who want to weigh in on a new ferry fare proposal released by the Washington State Transportation Commission can do so 6 p.m. Tuesday, July 7, at the County Administrative Office Building in Friday Harbor.

The meeting also will be live streamed on the Internet for those unable to attend in person. Persons who choose to listen-in can ask questions during the meeting through email to commission staff who will put them in front of the commissioners and Washington State Ferries staff. More details on the meeting and how to listen-in can be found on the commission’s website: https://wstc.wa.gov/Rates/FerryFares/2015FerryFareProposal.htm

The proposed fare increase must generate $357 million between July 1, 2015, and June 30, 2017, as required in the recently passed two-year state transportation budget for Washington State Ferries’ operations.

The commission is proposing a two-year increase in ferry fares. Details and effective dates are below:

• October 1, 2015: a 2.5 percent fare increase for vehicles and a 1 percent fare increase for passengers.
• October 1, 2015: the current over-height surcharge for vehicles less than 22 feet in length is eliminated.
• October 1, 2015: the over-height waiver currently in place for qualifying disability vehicles 22- to 30-feet long will be expanded to include any feature necessary to accommodate a disability on the vehicle, that may add height, rather than limiting it to a lift or other mechanism.
• May 1, 2016: a 2.5 percent fare increase for vehicles and a 1 percent fare increase for passengers.
• May 1, 2016: the over-height fare threshold for vehicles 22- to 30-feet long will be reduced from the current 7 feet 6 inches, to 7 feet 2 inches.

If you cannot participate in the public meetings, 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, under “contact us”:  https://wstc.wa.gov/ContactUs/feedback.htm

Online Discussion Forums:  People can join the Voice of Washington State (VOWS) input program and post ideas and comments utilizing the commission’s online discussion forums.  Persons will be able to see all the comments submitted and can vote on them.

In Writing:

Washington State Transportation Commission
P.O. Box 47308
Olympia, WA 98504-7308

Phone: 360-705-7070