Public input is needed on the possibility of applying a ferry fuel surcharge to future ferry fares.
State transportation officials said the surcharge will help cover growing fuel costs for the …
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Public input is needed on the possibility of applying a ferry fuel surcharge to future ferry fares.
State transportation officials said the surcharge will help cover growing fuel costs for the state ferry system.
The Washington State Transportation Commission is currently seeking feedback on the idea through an online public input forum that continues through Wednesday, Nov. 30 at ferryfuel.participate.online.
Current regulations that date back to 2011 allow the surcharge if fuel budgets fall short.
State officials said the ferry fuel surcharge has not been needed in the past because fuel costs have remained stable.
With the approval of the Washington State Transportation Commission, however, the surcharge can be added.
If activated, the surcharge would be added to the fare and could be in an amount from 2.5 percent to 10 percent of the fare, depending on the funding gap the surcharge is addressing.
The commission is seeking input on whether a fuel surcharge should be added to ferry fares, as well as how it could be applied.
Input gathered in the online forum will be reviewed by commission members at virtual meetings scheduled for Dec. 13 and Dec. 14. Comments will also help inform discussions around future ferry fuel funding needs during the upcoming 2023 Legislative Session.
The public can also comment by email to transc@wstc.wa.gov.
