Guemes Island Ferry fares to rise by 30 percent on January 1

Skagit County Commissioners approved a 30% fare increase for the Guemes Island Ferry, effective January 1, 2026. A single adult ticket will range from $6. 75 during non-peak times to $8. 10 during peak seasons, while drivers will pay between $21. 50 and $26.

50 for vehicles under 22 feet. These adjustments are part of a broader strategy to meet a 55% fare box recovery target next year, with plans to reach 65% by the end of 2028. Additionally, the Commissioners set rules for converting unused COVID paper punch cards to non-expiry e-tickets, requiring appointments for conversion starting December 1, 2025. The fare study emphasized the need for equitable fare rates, especially after fares remained flat from 2015 to 2023, while operational costs surged. In 2015, the ferry division needed an additional $1.

1 million from the road fund, a figure expected to rise to $2. 7 million by 2026. The fare increases aim to reduce dependency on the road fund, which diverts resources from critical road and infrastructure projects. Balancing revenue sources is essential to ensure the sustainability of ferry operations and support necessary repairs to roads, bridges, and culverts.