The Washington State Transportation Commission has approved changes to state ferry fares, which will begin to go into effect this fall. Commissioners also implemented direction from the Legislature to no longer provide toll exemptions to transit vehicles on tolled bridges.

At its meeting on Wednesday, Aug. 6, the commissioners adopted ferry fare changes that will support meeting the $408.8 million revenue target set by the Legislature for the 2025-2027 biennium. The adopted fare changes will:

Increase both vehicle and passenger fares by an average of 3% on Oct. 1, 2025, and again on May 1, 2026.

Increase the summer peak season surcharge to 35% for all routes, aligning with the current rate for the San Juan Island-Anacortes ferry routes.

Pilot an extended expiration date on multiride passes, from the current 90 days to 120 days, starting in May 2026.

The fare changes were developed based on a recommendation from Washington State Ferries and supported by the Ferry Advisory Committee on Tariff, a citizen group that advises WSF. More information on the fare-setting process and details on how these changes will impact specific fares can be found on the commission’s website, wstc.wa.gov.