Get ready to pay more for a Washington state ferry ride

The Washington State Transportation Commission approved a 3% fare increase for state ferries, effective October 1, with a second increase set for May 1, 2026. This decision is part of an effort to generate $408. 8 million in revenue over the next two years to cover operational costs. The commission also raised the summer surcharge to 35% and extended the validity of multi-ride passes from 90 to 120 days. Commissioner Debbie Young emphasized the need to balance fare increases with minimizing impacts on regular riders.

Furthermore, public and private transit operators will now pay tolls on specific bridges, following the repeal of a longstanding exemption. The fare hikes include a recently approved 50-cent increase in the vessel replacement surcharge, bringing it to $1 per ticket. Despite fare increases, ferry ridership is projected to rise by 2. 3 million this budget cycle, with a full restoration of domestic services since 2019 as a contributing factor. However, overall ridership remains below pre-pandemic levels, with an expected 20 million ferry travelers this year compared to nearly 25 million in 2018.