Get ready to pay more for a Washington state ferry ride

The Washington State Transportation Commission approved a 3% increase in ferry fares effective October 1, with another 3% planned for May 2026. The summer surcharge on ferry rides will rise to 35% next year, and multi-ride passes will be valid for 120 days instead of the previous 90 days. Commissioner Debbie Young expressed that raising rates is never enjoyable but necessary to minimize the impact on regular riders. Additionally, starting October 1, public and private bus services must pay tolls on the State Route 520 floating bridge and Tacoma Narrows Bridge, following a new law signed by Gov. Bob Ferguson.

The fare hikes are part of a strategy to generate $408. 8 million for Washington State Ferries over the next two years. Ferry officials estimate the fare increases will yield $412. 3 million, surpassing the target. Despite fare hikes, ridership is expected to grow by 2.

3 million in the upcoming budget cycle, partly due to the restoration of domestic service after 2019. However, overall ferry ridership remains below pre-pandemic levels, with about 20 million expected to travel this year compared to nearly 25 million in 2019.