The state Transportation Commission has unanimously approved a 2.5 percent hike in ferry fares to take effect on the first of 2011. The new fares eliminate day-of-week pricing and peak season passenger surcharges on the Anacortes-San Juan Islands route.
The price for a round-trip walk-on passenger from Anacortes to any of the islands will be $11.50, up from the current lowest off-season, early week price of $10.10, but less than the peak season, weekend price of $13.45.
A car and driver would pay $39.85 from Anacortes to Friday Harbor in the off-peak season and $53.80 for peak season. The Anacortes-Sydney, BC fares will increase, too. A car and driver would pay $45.15 off peak season, up from $44.05.
The approval followed a protest from initiative promoter Tim Eyman, who argued against what he called “illegal action” by what he called “an unelected commission.” He said the increases should be debated at the state legislature.
He said the fare hikes would fall under Initiative 1053, which requires a two-thirds vote by both houses of the Legislature to approve new revenue measures. That initiative doesn’t take effect until Dec. 5.
Commissioner Dan O'Neal said that the commission has "all sorts of public outreach and notice requirements." Commissioner Carol Moser told Eyman, "This is the first time I have ever seen you at a ferry fare hearing.”
The vote came after Washington State Ferries chief David Moseley explained how the ferry system has cut $27.7 million in annual reductions. He said, even with the cuts, “The ferry system is not sustainable at its present level of service, has not been for some time and will not be even with a 2.5 percent increase."