Ferry Advisory Committee News

Overnight engine repairs and a meeting with Ferry Advisory Committee executives are detailed In this excerpt from the latest 'Washington State Ferries Weekly Update', by Capt. George A. Capacci, Interim Assistant Secretary WSDOT/Ferries Division. WSF crews constantly monitor the mechanical and support systems on all of our vessels. This week, the Vessel Engine department and Eagle Harbor maintenance crews completed overnight repairs on several vessels, including the Walla Walla, Spokane, and the Hyak. These repairs included replacing internal bolts that secure the piston on one of the Walla Walla’s main engines; repairing a cracked exhaust expansion joint on the Spokane; and replacing a seal on the Hyak’s generator.

Aross-the-board proposed ferry fare increases: Washington State Transportation Commission (WSTC) to hold public consultations. The increase is necessary to ensure the state meets the ferry-fare-revenue target set by the Legislature in the recently enacted 2013 - 2015 transportation budget. The commission is seeking public comment on the proposal during the coming weeks and plans to make a final decision during its meeting at 3 p.m. Tuesday, July 30, 2013, at Union Station in Seattle.

Rising fuel costs may mean another fare hike for ferry riders. The Washington State Transportation Commission last week directed the ferry system to cover a $10 million shortfall blamed on the high cost of diesel fuel. Fare increases between 5 percent and 20 percent are now under consideration, as well as capital improvement cutbacks and asking the state Legislature for more money. The WSF Tariff Advisory Committee will likely convene soon to review WSF’s finances and possibly recommend increased ticket prices. Riders last month saw a 6 percent increase. According to Bainbridge Island Ferry Advisory Committee, WSF has hiked fares by about 70 percent since 2000. That was the year voters approved Initiative 695, which slashed the state motor-vehicle excise tax to $30.

The Tariff Policy Committee is recommending a general fare increase and other changes to the Washington State Ferries (WSF) rate structure, effective in May 1999, pending public input and Transportation Commission action. The Policy Committee, consisting of legislators, Ferry Advisory Committee members, transit, labor and industry representatives, and WSDOT and WSF staff, has been meeting since 1991 to assess WSF revenue needs. The Committee considered a number of proposals before deciding on ani nflationary increase of 2.2 percent plus fares rounded up to the next $0.10 for passengers and motorcycles and $0.25 for all other vehicles. The fare increases are driven by several factors. New ferry services and inflation will result in higher system operating costs for the ferry system.