Ferry riders may see a hike in fares over the next few years. How much those increases might be, however, depends on the Washington State Transportation Commission’s decision.

Washington State Ferries is currently in the process of hosting a series of public meetings addressing the possible fare changes. The meeting for the Coupeville-Port Townsend and Clinton-Mukilteo routes was held last week.

The state legislature is requiring that $419 million in revenue be generated from ferry fares, during a two-year period from 2023 to 2025. In order to meet this requirement, fares must increase by a proposed 4%.

An advisory committee of the ferry system is currently considering three different options that vary depending on the type of ticket purchased. For the first choice, fares would increase by a flat rate of 4% in 2023 and 2024 for walk-on passengers and vehicle drivers.

For the Coupeville-Port Townsend route, this translates to a total increase of 25 cents for passengers over the two-year period, $1.05 for drivers during the off peak season and $1.35 during the peak season.

For the Clinton-Mukilteo route, it’s a hike of 40 cents for passengers, 80 cents for drivers during the off peak season and $1 during the peak season.

The second option being mulled encourages more walk-on passengers, with an increase of 3.5% for them and an increase of 4.5% for vehicle drivers in 2023 and 2024.

For the Coupeville-Port Townsend route, this is a total increase of 25 cents for passengers over the two-year period, $1.20 for drivers during the off peak season and $1.50 during the peak season.

For the Clinton-Mukilteo route, it’s a hike of 35 cents for passengers, 90 cents for drivers during the off peak season and $1.15 for drivers during the peak season.

These first two options do not affect those who buy multi-ride passes, but the third choice does. Buyers of the passes would see an increase of about 2.7% in 2023 and about 4.25% in 2024. For passengers and vehicles, the hike is 4.25% for both years.

For the Coupeville-Port Townsend route, walk-on passengers who buy multi-ride passes will see a hike of $4.05 over the two-year period, while vehicle drivers buying the pass will see a greater change of $15.60.

Walk-on passengers buying single tickets will experience an increase of 30 cents over the two years, drivers will see an increase of $1.15 during the off peak season and $1.45 during the peak season.

For the Clinton-Mukilteo route, walk-on passengers who buy multi-ride passes will see a hike of $3.05 over the two-year period, while vehicle drivers buying the pass will see a greater change of $11.45.

Walk-on passengers buying single tickets will experience an increase of 45 cents over the two years, drivers will see an increase of 85 cents during the off peak season and $1.10 during the peak season.

The Washington State Transportation Commission will review the ferry system committee’s proposal during an upcoming meeting on June 21. After a public comment period running June 21-30, the commission will hold a final hearing Aug. 10 to adopt fare changes. If passed, new fares will take effect starting Oct. 1.

Ferry riders can take a survey at wstcfeedback.participate.online that’s open until June 9. Public comments can also be emailed to transc@wstc.wa.gov.