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Public Works proposes 30% ferry fare increase for 2026 and conversion option for COVID punch cards
Summary
Skagit County Public Works proposed a 30% fare increase for 2026 to move toward a 65% fare‑box recovery target by Dec. 31, 2028, and a resolution to convert non‑expiring COVID era punch cards to electronic trips. The proposal is scheduled for possible adoption Nov. 10, 2025; public comment was taken at a hearing Oct. 27.
Skagit County Public Works held a public hearing Oct. 27 to solicit comments on a proposed 2026 ferry fare schedule and a companion resolution to allow holders of non‑expiring COVID era punch cards to convert remaining trips to an equivalent number of electronic trips.
Mike See, Skagit County Public Works director, reminded the board that Resolution 2023‑0152 (signed July 27, 2023) directed the ferry division to work toward a 65% fare‑box recovery target by Dec. 31, 2028. See said that between 2015 and 2023 fares remained largely flat while operating costs and deferred maintenance rose sharply; construction of a new vessel was postponed in 2023 due to rising costs, which led to substantial repower and structural costs in 2025.
Rachel Rowe, ferry operations division manager, summarized prior fare actions and…
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