The Washington State Transportation Commission held its final hearing in Seattle Aug. 4 on its proposal to increase ferry fares. The proposal is designed to generate $357 million between July 1, 2015, and June 30, 2017, as required in the 2015-2017 state transportation budget for Washington State Ferries’ operations. A unanimous vote was taken to make the following changes to fares over the next year.

By Oct. 1 of this year, a 2.5 percent fare increase for vehicles and a 1 percent fare increase for passengers. In addition, the current over-height surcharge for vehicles less than 22 feet in length is eliminated. Also, 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.

By May 1, of 2016 there will be another 2.5 percent fare increase for vehicles and a 1 percent fare increase for passengers. The over-height fare threshold for vehicles 22-30 feet long will be reduced from the current 7 feet 6 inches, to 7 feet 2 inches. The commission held three public input meetings in Friday Harbor, Whidbey Island, and Bremerton, and also took input at the final hearing this week. They also held a virtual, online meeting. Input was provided at the public meetings and via emails.