State commission approves rate hike for ferry trips

EVERETT — A state commission approved an increase in ferry ticket prices Wednesday, set to raise rates about 6% over the next two years.

The rate hikes were recommended by Washington State Ferries and a citizen advisory committee, a Washington State Department of Transportation release read Wednesday. The Washington State Transportation Commission approved the increase in ticket costs at a commission meeting Wednesday.

The first increase — about a 3% jump in prices, on average — is set to go into effect on Oct. 1. Another 3% increase will take effect in May 2026. The commission also approved raising the summer season surcharge — which currently varies from route to route — to 35% to all routes, the current rate for the San Juan Island ferries. Those surcharges only apply to vehicle fares, not walk-on passengers.

The fare changes were made in an attempt to hit a revenue target of over $400 million for the 2025-27 biennium, the release read. The increases are expected to help generate $412 million for ferry operations through that time period, a transportation commission presentation said.

https://www.heraldnet.com/news/state-commission-approves-rate-hike-for-ferry-trips/