Price hikes for ferry coupon books floated

Islanders may need to dig deeper to pay for ferry coupons that are valid for 90 days.

The state Transportation Commission decided Jan. 18 to seek public input regarding a two-tier frequent-user discount program that was endorsed in December by the Washington State Ferries Tariff Policy Committee.

If the plan is approved, those continuing to purchase 90-day coupon books, which contain five tickets, will become subject to “convenience” rates, which be 20 percent higher on average than they are today. Commuter rates will also be available, but they will have to be used within 30 days. The commuter rates will be about 6 percent higher than they are today.

If eventually approved, the two-tier program will be introduced when the ferry system unveils its new electronic fare system in September.

One thing that the proposal has already accomplished is to incur the wrath of about 150 islanders who sent e-mails to local legislators opposing the plan.

Orcas islanders got wind of the changes and, over the past few days, they contacted members of the Senate and House transportation committees. The members included State Senator Harriet Spanel (D - Bellingham) and Representative Jeff Morris (D - Anacortes). E-mails were also sent to San Juan Islands Ferry Advisory Chairman Bob Distler.

Single ticket prices throughout much of the system are also expected to rise this year, and by an additional 5 percent, under the so-called “5+5+5” business plan authored by former Ferries CEO Mike Thorne. The price hike will be even higher on the Anacortes - Friday Harbor route, because Washington State Ferries has yet to completely phase in “route equity” on that particular route. “Route equity” will enable Washington State Ferries to set all prices in the system based on the length of each route.

Distler and Morris testified jointly against the two-tier program during the Jan. 18 meeting of the Transportation Commission. Spanel and Quall wrote letters opposing the rate structure.

Public hearings will take place on all three islands Wednesday, March 2. The meeting on Lopez will run 11 a.m. - 12:40 p.m. San Juan Island’s meeting will take place 3:15 - 5 p.m., while the Orcas gathering will run 6:30 - 8 p.m.

County commissioners Alan Lichter and Kevin Ranker, meanwhile, also agreed to send a letter to the state commission opposing the discount reduction.

Distler said local ferry customers who rely on a 90 -day expiration date can expect little support from most of their counterparts systemwide. Roughly 80 percent of commuters who ride the ferries down Sound redeem their frequent-user coupons within 30 days, compared to less than 50 percent in the San Juans. The lack of local customer volume combined with the ferry system’s financial failings could conspire against continuation of the current system, he said.

Distler said the electronic fare system also promises to undermine the habits of some local coupon users. Booklets will be replaced by plastic cards containing account information -- similar to a gift card at a retail store. They cannot be separated or divided, then given to someone else.

PROPOSED CAR AND DRIVER COUPON FARES

Anacortes - Lopez

Now: $86.25

30-day commuter fares: $91

90 day convenience fares: $103.25

Anacortes-Shaw-Orcas

Now : $104.25

30-day commuter fares: $108.75

90-day convenience fares: $123.25

Anacortes - Friday Harbor

Now: $121

30-day commuter fares: $129

90-day convenience fares: $146.25

Inter-Island

Now: $55

30-day commuter fares: $55

90-day convenience fares: $62

Passenger Books (10 tickets)

Now: $61.80

30-day commuter fares: $65

60-day convenience fares: $35 (for five tickets)

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