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WSF proposes multi-ride extension, peak surcharge increase; public poll favors both options
Summary
At a public setting, WSF offered two fare options — extend multi-ride pass expiration from 90 to 120 days and raise peak-season surcharge from 25% to 30% (excluding San Juans) — and reported meeting poll support of roughly 79% and 65% respectively; final fares will be set by the Washington State Transportation Commission.
Washington State Ferries presented two fare-design options at a community meeting and solicited immediate public input through polls.
Todd, who led the budget and fare session, said the legislature set a revenue target just north of $408 million for the upcoming biennium and directed a $0.50 increase to the capital vessel surcharge (raising it to $1.00) along with a credit-card cost-recovery mechanism expected to begin March 1, 2026. To meet targets while limiting hardship on regular commuters, WSF proposed two choices for public comment: extend the multi-ride pass expiration from 90 days to 120 days, and increase peak-season surcharges from 25% to 30% on most routes (the San Juan Island peak surcharge would remain unchanged).
Meeting poll results presented by Todd showed the session’s participants favored extending the multi-ride pass (about 79% of poll respondents) and favored raising the peak-season surcharge (about 65% of respondents). Todd said WSF will remodel revenue projections after public input and that the Washington State Transportation Commission will adopt any final fare changes following its rulemaking process.
Todd also confirmed a legislatively directed credit card cost recovery (to recoup at least 3% of transaction costs) that would start in March 2026 and that fare changes derived from modeling are intended to meet — not exceed — the revenue target set by the legislature.
