Ferry incentives prompt equity debate; amendment to drop item fails

Council members spent significant time on item 1, which asks King County to "work with state agencies to incentivize Washington State ferry commuters to use more climate friendly transportation options through fares and priority loading procedures."

Bill Logan (speaker 13) cautioned that prioritizing ferry loading for certain vehicles could be "elitist," saying it would disadvantage working people who cannot afford newer, cleaner cars. "I mean, it's it's a worthy goal, but I I think it's a little bit elitist if it's gonna give priority to people who can afford electric cars and hybrid cars," he said. Kevin Jones (speaker 10) replied that the motion is intended to open a conversation and that the county's equity review would be part of any policy design.

An amendment moved by Bill Logan to drop item 1 was seconded and put to a vote after discussion about fairness and possible alternatives, including vehicle‑length‑based fees and use of alternative funding sources like the Climate Commitment Act. The chair counted hands in the room and on Zoom; the amendment did not pass and item 1 remained in the package.

The debate underscored two themes the council repeatedly returned to: (1) the desire to reduce greenhouse‑gas emissions and (2) strong concern about inadvertent burdens on lower‑income residents. Council members urged King County to analyze equity impacts and to consider alternative incentives such as car‑pool lanes, charging infrastructure, or targeted subsidies for low‑income commuters.