Washington Ferry Fees: New 3% Card Charge Starts March 1

Washington state ferry passengers will soon face an additional cost when paying for tickets with credit or debit cards. A new 3% fee will be applied to one-way and round-trip fares purchased in person, at kiosks, or online, beginning March 1.

New Fees for Washington State Ferries

The fee is a response to rising costs associated with credit card processing, expenses previously absorbed by the state. Lawmakers approved the measure as part of the state’s transportation budget. The Washington State Ferries (WSF) clarifies that the fee will not apply to those paying with cash or an ORCA card.

Did You Know? More than 80% of Washington State Ferry travelers currently pay with a credit or debit card.

Impact on Travelers

The added fee is already drawing reactions from regular commuters. Paula Derrington, a ferry commuter, stated she will simply pay with cash. Shawn Rickett, who regularly travels from Edmonds to Kingston, expressed concern that the fee will only add to existing frustrations with the ferry system. However, passenger Jackson Rice indicated the convenience of the ferry outweighs the additional cost, stating his travel habits are unlikely to change.

Expert Insight: The implementation of this fee represents a shift in cost allocation, moving expenses previously covered by the state directly to consumers. This approach could be a precursor to similar adjustments in other state-funded transportation services facing rising transaction costs.

This new 3% charge comes in addition to a 3% rate increase implemented in May, and a 35% summer fare hike approved to meet legislative revenue targets. WSF estimates the new fee could help cover $7.4 million over two years.

Frequently Asked Questions

When does the new fee go into effect?

The 3% fee for credit and debit card transactions will begin on March 1.

Are there any exceptions to the fee?

The fee will not be applied to payments made with cash, ORCA cards, memorial services, annual business accounts, or promotional activities.

How much revenue is the ferry system hoping to recover with this fee?

WSF estimates the fee could help cover $7.4 million over a two-year period.

It remains to be seen how this new fee will affect overall ridership. A possible next step for WSF could be to monitor transaction data closely to assess the impact on payment methods and revenue. Analysts expect continued scrutiny of ferry fares and operational costs as the system navigates budgetary pressures and increasing demand.