03/20/2006: "WSF To Change Some Proposals"

In what the Washington State Ferry system is calling "a move that demonstrates the value of public involvement", the WSF appointed Tariff Policy Committee "has revised a portion of its recommendations for fare adjustments to the Washington State Transportation Commission", but unless you ride a motorcycle (proposed an increased of 11 to 16 percent, but have dropped it), the recommendations going forward to public hearing next week in Seattle by the State Transportation Commission are expected to remain as presented at the public input sessions held on Orcas and San Juan Island.. (Previous story) The recommendations follow:

The remaining recommendations for tariff changes effective May 1, 2006, will be presented to the State Transportation Commission for consideration:

• General fare increase of six percent with next-nickel rounding and continuation of Tariff Route Equity (distance-based fares) phasing
• Implement an up-front, non-refundable, maintenance fee of $50 per year for commercial accounts
• Implement a new discount program for in-need organizations
• Limit monthly passes to 31 round-trips per month (these are non-transferable and intended for a single user)
• Extend over height surcharge waiver for over height vehicles with a wheelchair lift to vehicles 20 feet to 30 feet in length
The Tariff Policy Committee also recommends for after May 1, 2006
• At the first fare change opportunity, no sooner than six months after the Electronic Fare System is in place system wide, a five percent surcharge will be added to tollbooth purchases of multi-fare products that are available for purchase on-line or at kiosks. Seniors and persons with disabilities would be exempt.

The hearing will be held on Thursday, March 23, from 10 a.m. to noon at the Puget Sound Regional Council Boardroom, 5th Floor, 1011 Western Avenue, in Seattle. The Tariff Policy Committee will begin the hearing with a presentation of the revised recommendations at 10 a.m., followed by public testimony, after which, the Commission may consider adopting all, part, or none of the recommendations.