Higher ferry fares? State seeking comment on increases proposed for this fall and next

| Transportation | West Seattle news

The state Transportation Commission is considering a proposal to increase ferry fares, and looking for public comment. Here’s a summary of the proposal:

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 comment period includes three upcoming meetings – the closest one will be on Vashon Island, 6-8 pm Monday, July 17th, at the Vashon High School cafeteria (9600 SW 204th). The commission is expected to vote at its July 26th meeting.

Mark July 8, 2017 (1:36 pm)

It would be more fare if the State charged based on length of vehicle, why should a driver of a Smart Car pay the same fee as driver of a Ford 150 pick up? Maybe a base fee + x$ per additional foot?

Jon Wright July 8, 2017 (5:07 pm)

Perhaps that’s why WSF already charges based upon vehicle length.

Mark July 8, 2017 (6:31 pm)

Users should pay based on vehicle length. With technology a base fee + a added cost per foot would be more equitable. In other words the fee for a sub compact would be less than for a full size sedan. With a ferry you are renting space, the more space your vehicle takes the higher the cost should be.

Josh July 8, 2017 (10:24 pm)

And we can pay ferry workers $55/hr to measure each car as they go through the line, that should only take a few extra minutes per car! Genius!

Mark July 9, 2017 (3:39 pm)

Technology can easily handle this

HappyOnAlki July 9, 2017 (5:26 pm)

From the WSF site:

Vehicle Under 14′ (less than 168”) & Driver		$14.30
Vehicle Under 22′ (standard veh) & Driver		$18.20

and on up in length . . .

Reid July 10, 2017 (10:16 am)

Have you considered raising the price of single use tickets by a dollar or two while keeping monthly / bulk passes at the same price? This way you could raise the fare by more than a couple of percentage points & it would target tourists / pleasure riders as opposed to everyday commuters. Similar in concept to hotel occupancy taxes levied by cities

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