03/24/2006: "WSF Rates Approved As Expected"

The Washington State Transportation Commission approved a 6% fare increase for Washington State Ferries at a Seattle-based public hearing yesterday, which will go into effect May 1, 2006. The increase is part of the tariff proposal for which the Commission had sought public comment throughout the months of February and March. The Commission heard 689 comments from 549 citizens during this time.

Based on negative public comment, one part of the original proposal, changing the motorcycle ratio from five motorcycles to one car (5:1) to 4 motorcycles to one car (4:1) was not approved. Originally recommended by the Tariff Policy Committee, a group of ferry users, legislators and transit managers, appointed by the Commission to research and make tariff recommendations, the group changed their recommendation to the Commission based on the 365 comments received concerning this part of the proposal. The Commission agreed to drop the proposed ratio change, keeping the ratio of 5:1.
Other approved changes to tariff policy include:
• Implementing an up-front, non-refundable commercial account maintenance fee of $50 per year with no prorating.
• Limiting monthly passes to 31 round trips per month, noting the passes are non-transferable, non-reproducible and intended for a single user.
• Extending an overheight surcharge waiver for overheight vehicles with a wheelchair lift to vehicles 20-30 feet in length.
• Implement a new discount program for in-need organizations that approximates the discounts these organizations currently realize by purchasing and severing frequent user products. Users must utilize the same usage of the service as the current coupon book. WSF will work closely with local governments on this program, which will be reviewed before determining whether it will be continued beyond April 30, 2007.
• Adjust WAC language to match WSF operation terminology under the new electronic fare collection system and to make minor corrections.
The Commission also agreed that no sooner than six months after the electronic fare collection system is implemented system-wide, when frequent user or multi-ride products are available online and at terminal kiosks, these products would be charged up to 5% higher (not to exceed $2.50) if purchased at a tollbooth. Exempt from this charge would be seniors, persons with disabilities, and persons purchasing the product with vouchers.