Skagit County commissioners on Nov. 10 approved a revised fare schedule for the Guemes Island ferry that implements about a 30% increase and set rules to convert non-expiring paper punch cards into electronic trips.

Rachel Rowe, operations division manager for the county’s Ferry Division, told the board the increase is part of an effort to reach a 65% cost recovery target by December 2028 under the county’s existing ferry-resolution framework. “If you approve the resolutions today, the fare increase will take effect 01/01/2026, and all tickets will expire 12/31/2026,” Rowe said, adding that passengers may make an appointment at the Anacortes ferry office to convert remaining paper rides into an electronic account.

Commissioners raised questions about a spreadsheet anomaly that showed a lower peak fare for some oversized vehicles. Staff acknowledged a calculation error in the fare spreadsheet that is being investigated and said corrections could be considered midyear if needed. Commissioners also expressed concern about affordability for island residents and equitable treatment for walk-on riders versus vehicle users.

The board voted 3–0 to amend the controlling resolution to adopt the 2026 fare schedule. Separately, the board approved a resolution to convert paper punch cards sold without expiration to the county’s electronic system by appointment during business hours; converted trips will remain transferable and will not expire but must be redeemed in the electronic system by Dec. 31, 2026.

Staff said a press release with conversion appointment instructions will be issued and that conversion will be available Monday–Thursday, 8 a.m.–4 p.m. The county will monitor revenue and, if rider behavior reduces expected receipts, may return with recommendations or a revision to the current resolution.