Title of Rule and Other Identifying Information: Amending WAC 468-300-010 Ferry passenger tolls—18 and under free passenger fares.
Purpose of the Proposal and Its Anticipated Effects, Including Any Changes in Existing Rules: The purpose of this rule making is to amend WAC 468-300-010 fare tables and policy language to allow children/youth passenger riders 18 years and under to ride free of charge on all Washington state ferries system routes, effective October 1, 2022.
Rule is not necessitated by federal law, federal or state court decision.
Name of Proponent: Washington state transportation commission, governmental.
Name of Agency Personnel Responsible for Drafting: Aaron Halbert, 2404 Chandler Court S.W., Olympia, WA 98504, 360-705-7118; Implementation and Enforcement: Rick Singer, 2901 Third Avenue, Suite 5000, Seattle, WA 98121, 206-515-3403.
Agency Comments or Recommendations, if any, as to Statutory Language, Implementation, Enforcement, and Fiscal Matters: Not applicable.
Content is explicitly and specifically dictated by statute.
Explanation of the Reason the Agency Believes the Expedited Rule-Making Process is Appropriate: This rule making adopts language as dictated under section 421, ESSB 5974, therefore no additional public process is necessary for adoption.
THIS RULE IS BEING PROPOSED UNDER AN EXPEDITED RULE-MAKING PROCESS THAT WILL ELIMINATE THE NEED FOR THE AGENCY TO HOLD PUBLIC HEARINGS, PREPARE A SMALL BUSINESS ECONOMIC IMPACT STATEMENT, OR PROVIDE RESPONSES TO THE CRITERIA FOR A SIGNIFICANT LEGISLATIVE RULE. IF YOU OBJECT TO THIS USE OF THE EXPEDITED RULE-MAKING PROCESS, YOU MUST EXPRESS YOUR OBJECTIONS IN WRITING AND THEY MUST BE SENT TO Reema Griffith, Washington State Transportation Commission, P.O. Box 47308, Olympia, WA 98504-7308, phone 360-705-7070, fax 360-705-6802, email transc@wstc.wa.gov, AND RECEIVED BY August 23, 2022.
EFFECTIVE 03:00 A.M. October 1, 2021
ROUTES | Full Fare9 | Senior/ Disabled, Youth9 | Multiride Media 20 Rides1, 9 | Monthly Pass5, 9 | Bicycle Surcharge2 |
Via Auto Ferry *Fauntleroy-Southworth | 7.20 | 3.60 | 58.60 | 93.80 | 1.00 |
*Seattle-Bremerton *Seattle-Bainbridge Island *Edmonds-Kingston | 9.25 | 4.60 | 75.00 | 120.00 | 1.00 |
Port Townsend-Coupeville | 3.85 | 1.90 | 63.60 | 101.80 | 0.50 |
*Fauntleroy-Vashon *Southworth-Vashon *Pt. Defiance-Tahlequah | 6.10 | 3.05 | 49.80 | 79.70 | 1.00 |
*Mukilteo-Clinton | 5.65 | 2.80 | 46.20 | 73.95 | 1.00 |
*Anacortes to Lopez, Shaw, Orcas or Friday Harbor | 14.85 | 7.40 | 98.30 | N/A | 2.006 |
Between Lopez, Shaw, Orcas and Friday Harbor4 | N/C | N/C | N/C | N/A | N/C |
Anacortes to Sidney and Sidney to all destinations | 21.80 | 10.90 | N/A | N/A | 4.007 |
From Lopez, Shaw, Orcas and Friday Harbor to Sidney | 13.70 | 6.85 | N/A | N/A | 2.008 |
Lopez, Shaw, Orcas and Friday Harbor to Sidney (round trip)3 | 26.90 | 13.20 | N/A | N/A | 4.007 |
| All fares rounded to the nearest multiple of $0.05. |
* | These routes operate as a one-point toll collection system with round trip tolls. |
1MULTIRIDE MEDIA - Shall be valid only for 90 days from date of purchase after which time the tickets shall not be accepted for passage. Remaining value will not be eligible for refund or exchange. There shall be no commercial resale of this fare media. For mail order deliveries, WSF may add additional days to allow for delivery times.
2BICYCLE SURCHARGE - Is an addition to the appropriate passenger fare. Customers using multiride media and monthly passes are exempt from the bicycle surcharge. On all routes except Anacortes/San Juan Islands/Sidney, B.C., customers paying with the ePurse or the ORCA card are exempt from the bicycle surcharge. For the purposes of WSF fares determination, the bicycle fare category shall include both bicycles as defined by RCW 46.04.071 and electric-assisted bicycles as defined by RCW 46.04.169. Bicycles towing a kayak or canoe are to be charged the motorcycle/driver (stowage) rate in WAC 468-300-020. This rate includes the fare for the walk on passenger with the bicycle, and the kayak or canoe being towed by the bicycle. This requirement shall not apply to interisland travel in the San Juan Islands. All other bicycles towing trailers are charged the applicable bicycle surcharge. 3ROUND TRIP - Round trip passage for international travel available for trips beginning or ending on one of the Islands served.
4INTER-ISLAND FARES - Passenger fares included in Anacortes tolls.
5PASSES - Passenger passes are available for all routes except Anacortes/San Juan Islands/Sidney, B.C. Passes are valid for the period printed on the pass and will be presented to Washington state ferries staff or scanned through an automated turnstile whenever a passenger fare is collected. This pass is based on 16 days of passenger travel with a 20% discount. A $1.00 retail/shipping and handling fee will be added to the price of the pass.
A combination ferry-transit pass may be available for a particular route when determined by Washington state ferries and a local public transit agency to be a viable fare instrument. The WSF portion of the fare is based on 16 days of passenger travel per month at a 20% discount.
The monthly pass is valid for a maximum of 31 round trips per month, is nontransferable, is nonreproducible, and is intended for a single user. Monthly passes purchased through the regional SmartCard program are also nontransferable and intended for a single user, but allow for unlimited usage.
6BICYCLE SURCHARGE - This becomes $4.00 during peak season (May 1 through September 30).
7BICYCLE SURCHARGE - This becomes $6.00 during peak season (May 1 through September 30).
8BICYCLE SURCHARGE - This becomes $3.00 during peak season (May 1 through September 30).
9CAPITAL SURCHARGE - Included is a $0.50 capital surcharge on each single passenger fare collected. On all multiride cards except for Port Townsend/Coupeville, the included capital surcharge is $5.00. For Port Townsend/Coupeville, the included capital surcharge is $10.00 on multiride cards. On all monthly passes except Port Townsend/Coupeville, there is included a $8.00 capital surcharge. For Port Townsend/Coupeville, the included capital surcharge is $16.00 on monthly passes. For passenger half fare on Port Townsend/Coupeville the capital surcharge is $0.40.
CHILDREN/YOUTH - Children under six years of age will be carried free when accompanied by parent or guardian. Children/youths six through ((eighteen))18 years of age will be charged the youth fare, which will be 50% of full fare rounded down to the nearest multiple of $0.05.
SENIOR CITIZENS - Passengers age 65 and over, with proper identification establishing proof of age, may travel at half-fare passenger tolls on any route where passenger fares are collected, which will be rounded down to the nearest multiple of $0.05.
PEOPLE WITH DISABILITIES - Any person who has a physical or mental impairment that substantially limits one or more major life activity, upon presentation of a WSF Disability Travel Permit, Regional Reduced Fare Permit, or other identification which establishes a disability may travel at half-fare passenger tolls on any route where passenger fares are collected, which will be rounded down to the nearest multiple of $0.05. In addition, people with disabilities who require attendant care while traveling on the ferries, and are so certified by their physician, may obtain an endorsement on their WSF Disability Travel Permit and such endorsement shall allow the attendant to travel free as a passenger.
BUS PASSENGERS - Passengers traveling on public transit buses pay the applicable fare. Passengers traveling in private or commercial buses will be charged the half-fare rate, which will be rounded down to the nearest multiple of $0.05.
MEDICARE CARD HOLDERS - Any person holding a medicare card duly issued to that person pursuant to Title II or Title XVIII of the Social Security Act may travel at half-fare passenger tolls, which will be rounded down to the nearest multiple of $0.05 on any route upon presentation of a WSF Disability Travel Permit or a Regional Reduced Fare Permit at time of travel.
IN-NEED ORGANIZATIONS - For qualified organizations serving in-need clients by providing tickets for transportation on WSF at no cost to clients, program would offer a monthly discount to approximate appropriate multiride media discount rates. Appointing bodies (those that appoint Ferry Advisory Committees) will nominate to the Washington State Transportation Commission those organizations that meet the criteria of the program. The Commission will review such nominations and certify those organizations that qualify. The following criteria will be used for nominating and certifying in-need organizations: Nongovernmental and not-for-profit organizations whose primary purpose is one or more of the following: Help clients with medical issues; provide clients with low-income social services; help clients suffering from domestic violence; provide clients with employment-seeking services; and/or help clients with Social Security. Travel will be initially charged based on full fare and billed monthly. The credits will be approximately based on the discount rates offered to multiride media users applicable on the date of travel.
PROMOTIONAL TOLLS - A promotional rate may be established at the discretion of the WSF Assistant Secretary, Executive Director for a specific discount in order to enhance total revenue and effective only at designated times on designated routes. A promotional fare product may also be established to support tourism or other special events. The promotional fare or product may be bundled and sold as part of a multiparty promotional program.
Special passenger fare rate(s) may be established for a pilot program in conjunction with the Central Puget Sound Regional Fare Integration project on ferry route(s) serving King, Pierce, Snohomish and Kitsap counties. The rate(s) may be established at the discretion of the WSF Assistant Secretary, Executive Director for a specific discount not to exceed ((fifty))50 percent of full fare.
SCHOOL GROUPS - Passengers traveling in authorized school groups, including home-school groups, will be charged a flat rate of $5.00 per walk-on group or per vehicle of students and/or advisors and staff. All school groups require a letter of authorization and prior notification. In the case of home-school groups, in addition to prior notification, a copy of the filed Declaration of Intent (as outlined in RCW 28A.200.010) shall be submitted to the tollbooth at the time of travel. Notification shall be made no less than 72 hours before the scheduled departure and will include the expected number of school-age children and adults that will be traveling to ensure WSF can satisfy U.S. Coast Guard lifesaving equipment requirements. Failure to provide adequate notification may result in delayed travel. Vehicles and drivers will be charged the fare applicable to vehicle size. The special school rate is $10.00 on routes where one-point toll systems are in effect. BUNDLED SINGLE FARE BOOKS - WSF may bundle single fare types into multiride media as a customer convenience. Remaining value will not be eligible for refund or exchange. For mail order deliveries, WSF may add additional days for delivery times.
FIRE DEPARTMENT AND FIRE DISTRICT FARE CONSIDERATION - At the discretion of the WSF Assistant Secretary, WSF may authorize no-fare or discounted fare passage on scheduled and/or special ferry sailings for fire departments and fire districts that provide contracted fire protection services for WSF ferry terminals and/or other WSF facilities within their jurisdiction. Such passage shall be considered full and complete consideration for such fire protection services, in lieu of annual payments for such services, to be so noted in such fire protection agreements. The scope of such authorization includes designated fire department and fire district vehicles (see below), drivers and passengers en route to and from an emergency call, on ferry routes with a WSF terminal and/or other WSF facility served by a fire department or fire district pursuant to a WSF fire protection service agreement. Authorized vehicles may include public fire department and fire district medical aid units, fire trucks, incident command and/or other vehicles dispatched to and returning from an emergency call.
GROUP OR VOLUME SALES - In order to increase total revenues, WSF may develop full fare or discounted customer packages or bundle single fare types into multiride media or offer passes for high volume or group users. In pricing these packages, WSF will have discretion to set appropriate volume discounts based on a case-by-case basis.
SPECIAL EVENTS - In order to increase total revenues, WSF may develop, create or participate in special events that may include, but not be limited to, contributing or packaging discounted fares in exchange for the opportunity to participate in the income generated by the event.
LOW-INCOME FARE PILOT - Starting no earlier than January 1, 2020, special passenger fare rate(s) may be established for a pilot program offering a low-income fare on any ferry route for riders made eligible through an existing transit agency's low-income fare program. Enactment of this program is dependent upon legislative funding for the pilot project. If funded, Washington State Ferries' Assistant Secretary shall submit a proposal to carry out this pilot program and the Washington State Transportation Commission must approve both the program and the fare schedule before it is implemented. Once implemented, WSF shall provide, at a minimum, updates to the Commission every six months on the pilot. The pilot will conclude no longer than three years from its implementation.
GOOD TO GO! PILOT - Special ferry toll rate(s) may be established for a pilot program of Good to Go! or similar fare collection infrastructure, technology, or ORCA replacement system on any ferry route. Washington State Ferries Assistant Secretary shall design the program and submit a proposed program and fare schedule to the Washington State Transportation Commission. The Commission shall review, modify and approve the proposed fare schedule and fare policies before it is implemented. Once implemented, WSF shall provide, at a minimum, updates to the Commission every six months on the pilot. The pilot will conclude no longer than three years from its implementation.
EFFECTIVE 03:00 A.M. October 1, 2022
ROUTES | Full Fare8 | Senior/ Disabled((, Youth))8 | Multiride Media 20 Rides1, 8 | Monthly Pass5, 8 | Bicycle Surcharge2 |
Via Auto Ferry *Fauntleroy-Southworth | 7.40 | 3.70 | 60.20 | 96.35 | 1.00 |
*Seattle-Bremerton *Seattle-Bainbridge Island *Edmonds-Kingston | 9.45 | 4.70 | 76.60 | 122.60 | 1.00 |
Port Townsend-Coupeville | 3.95 | 1.95 | 65.20 | 104.35 | 0.50 |
*Fauntleroy-Vashon *Southworth-Vashon *Pt. Defiance-Tahlequah | 6.25 | 3.10 | 51.00 | 81.60 | 1.00 |
*Mukilteo-Clinton | 5.80 | 2.90 | 47.40 | 75.85 | 1.00 |
*Anacortes to Lopez, Shaw, Orcas or Friday Harbor | 15.20 | 7.60 | 100.55 | N/A | 2.006 |
Between Lopez, Shaw, Orcas and Friday Harbor4 | N/C | N/C | N/C | N/A | N/C |
Anacortes to Sidney and Sidney to all destinations | 22.35 | 11.15 | N/A | N/A | 4.007 |
From Lopez, Shaw, Orcas and Friday Harbor to Sidney | 14.05 | 7.00 | N/A | N/A | 2.008 |
Lopez, Shaw, Orcas and Friday Harbor to Sidney (round trip)3 | 27.60 | 13.50 | N/A | N/A | 4.007 |
| All fares rounded to the nearest multiple of $0.05. |
* | These routes operate as a one-point toll collection system with round trip tolls. |
1MULTIRIDE MEDIA - Shall be valid only for 90 days from date of purchase after which time the tickets shall not be accepted for passage. Remaining value will not be eligible for refund or exchange. There shall be no commercial resale of this fare media. For mail order deliveries, WSF may add additional days to allow for delivery times.
2BICYCLE SURCHARGE - Is an addition to the appropriate passenger fare. Customers using multiride media and monthly passes are exempt from the bicycle surcharge. On all routes except Anacortes/San Juan Islands/Sidney, B.C., customers paying with the ePurse or the ORCA card are exempt from the bicycle surcharge. For the purposes of WSF fares determination, the bicycle fare category shall include both bicycles as defined by RCW 46.04.071 and electric-assisted bicycles as defined by RCW 46.04.169. Bicycles towing a kayak or canoe are to be charged the motorcycle/driver (stowage) rate in WAC 468-300-020. This rate includes the fare for the walk on passenger with the bicycle, and the kayak or canoe being towed by the bicycle. This requirement shall not apply to interisland travel in the San Juan Islands. All other bicycles towing trailers are charged the applicable bicycle surcharge. 3ROUND TRIP - Round trip passage for international travel available for trips beginning or ending on one of the Islands served.
4INTER-ISLAND FARES - Passenger fares included in Anacortes tolls.
5PASSES - Passenger passes are available for all routes except Anacortes/San Juan Islands/Sidney, B.C. Passes are valid for the period printed on the pass and will be presented to Washington state ferries staff or scanned through an automated turnstile whenever a passenger fare is collected. This pass is based on 16 days of passenger travel with a 20% discount. A $1.00 retail/shipping and handling fee will be added to the price of the pass.
A combination ferry-transit pass may be available for a particular route when determined by Washington state ferries and a local public transit agency to be a viable fare instrument. The WSF portion of the fare is based on 16 days of passenger travel per month at a 20% discount.
The monthly pass is valid for a maximum of 31 round trips per month, is nontransferable, is nonreproducible, and is intended for a single user. Monthly passes purchased through the regional SmartCard program are also nontransferable and intended for a single user, but allow for unlimited usage.
6BICYCLE SURCHARGE - This becomes $4.00 during peak season (May 1 through September 30).
7BICYCLE SURCHARGE - This becomes $6.00 during peak season (May 1 through September 30).
8BICYCLE SURCHARGE - This becomes $3.00 during peak season (May 1 through September 30).
9CAPITAL SURCHARGE - Included is a $0.50 capital surcharge on each single passenger fare collected. On all multiride cards except for Port Townsend/Coupeville, the included capital surcharge is $5.00. For Port Townsend/Coupeville, the included capital surcharge is $10.00 on multiride cards. On all monthly passes except Port Townsend/Coupeville, there is an included $8.00 capital surcharge. For Port Townsend/Coupeville, the included capital surcharge is $16.00 on monthly passes. For passenger half fare on Port Townsend/Coupeville the capital surcharge is $0.40.
CHILDREN/YOUTH - ((Children under six years of age will be carried free when accompanied by parent or guardian. Children/youths six through eighteen years of age will be charged the youth fare, which will be 50% of full fare rounded down to the nearest multiple of $0.05.))Children/youth passengers 18 years and under will ride free of charge on all system routes.
SENIOR CITIZENS - Passengers age 65 and over, with proper identification establishing proof of age, may travel at half-fare passenger tolls on any route where passenger fares are collected, which will be rounded down to the nearest multiple of $0.05.
PEOPLE WITH DISABILITIES - Any person who has a physical or mental impairment that substantially limits one or more major life activity, upon presentation of a WSF Disability Travel Permit, Regional Reduced Fare Permit, or other identification which establishes a disability may travel at half-fare passenger tolls on any route where passenger fares are collected, which will be rounded down to the nearest multiple of $0.05. In addition, people with disabilities who require attendant care while traveling on the ferries, and are so certified by their physician, may obtain an endorsement on their WSF Disability Travel Permit and such endorsement shall allow the attendant to travel free as a passenger.
BUS PASSENGERS - Passengers traveling on public transit buses pay the applicable fare. Passengers traveling in private or commercial buses will be charged the half-fare rate, which will be rounded down to the nearest multiple of $0.05.
MEDICARE CARD HOLDERS - Any person holding a medicare card duly issued to that person pursuant to Title II or Title XVIII of the Social Security Act may travel at half-fare passenger tolls, which will be rounded down to the nearest multiple of $0.05 on any route upon presentation of a WSF Disability Travel Permit or a Regional Reduced Fare Permit at time of travel.
IN-NEED ORGANIZATIONS - For qualified organizations serving in-need clients by providing tickets for transportation on WSF at no cost to clients, program would offer a monthly discount to approximate appropriate multiride media discount rates. Appointing bodies (those that appoint Ferry Advisory Committees) will nominate to the Washington State Transportation Commission those organizations that meet the criteria of the program. The Commission will review such nominations and certify those organizations that qualify. The following criteria will be used for nominating and certifying in-need organizations: Nongovernmental and not-for-profit organizations whose primary purpose is one or more of the following: Help clients with medical issues; provide clients with low-income social services; help clients suffering from domestic violence; provide clients with employment-seeking services; and/or help clients with Social Security. Travel will be initially charged based on full fare and billed monthly. The credits will be approximately based on the discount rates offered to multiride media users applicable on the date of travel.
PROMOTIONAL TOLLS - A promotional rate may be established at the discretion of the WSF Assistant Secretary, Executive Director for a specific discount in order to enhance total revenue and effective only at designated times on designated routes. A promotional fare product may also be established to support tourism or other special events. The promotional fare or product may be bundled and sold as part of a multiparty promotional program.
Special passenger fare rate(s) may be established for a pilot program in conjunction with the Central Puget Sound Regional Fare Integration project on ferry route(s) serving King, Pierce, Snohomish and Kitsap counties. The rate(s) may be established at the discretion of the WSF Assistant Secretary, Executive Director for a specific discount not to exceed ((fifty))50 percent of full fare.
SCHOOL GROUPS - Passengers traveling in authorized school groups, including home-school groups, will be charged a flat rate of $5 per walk-on group or per vehicle of students and/or advisors and staff. All school groups require a letter of authorization and prior notification. In the case of home-school groups, in addition to prior notification, a copy of the filed Declaration of Intent (as outlined in RCW 28A.200.010) shall be submitted to the tollbooth at the time of travel. Notification shall be made no less than 72 hours before the scheduled departure and will include the expected number of school-age children and adults that will be traveling to ensure WSF can satisfy U.S. Coast Guard lifesaving equipment requirements. Failure to provide adequate notification may result in delayed travel. Vehicles and drivers will be charged the fare applicable to vehicle size. The special school rate is $10 on routes where one-point toll systems are in effect. BUNDLED SINGLE FARE BOOKS - WSF may bundle single fare types into multiride media as a customer convenience. Remaining value will not be eligible for refund or exchange. For mail order deliveries, WSF may add additional days for delivery times.
FIRE DEPARTMENT AND FIRE DISTRICT FARE CONSIDERATION - At the discretion of the WSF Assistant Secretary, WSF may authorize no-fare or discounted fare passage on scheduled and/or special ferry sailings for fire departments and fire districts that provide contracted fire protection services for WSF ferry terminals and/or other WSF facilities within their jurisdiction. Such passage shall be considered full and complete consideration for such fire protection services, in lieu of annual payments for such services, to be so noted in such fire protection agreements. The scope of such authorization includes designated fire department and fire district vehicles (see below), drivers and passengers en route to and from an emergency call, on ferry routes with a WSF terminal and/or other WSF facility served by a fire department or fire district pursuant to a WSF fire protection service agreement. Authorized vehicles may include public fire department and fire district medical aid units, fire trucks, incident command and/or other vehicles dispatched to and returning from an emergency call.
GROUP OR VOLUME SALES - In order to increase total revenues, WSF may develop full fare or discounted customer packages or bundle single fare types into multiride media or offer passes for high volume or group users. In pricing these packages, WSF will have discretion to set appropriate volume discounts based on a case-by-case basis.
SPECIAL EVENTS - In order to increase total revenues, WSF may develop, create or participate in special events that may include, but not be limited to, contributing or packaging discounted fares in exchange for the opportunity to participate in the income generated by the event.
LOW-INCOME FARE PILOT - Starting no earlier than January 1, 2020, special passenger fare rate(s) may be established for a pilot program offering a low-income fare on any ferry route for riders made eligible through an existing transit agency's low-income fare program. Enactment of this program is dependent upon legislative funding for the pilot project. If funded, Washington State Ferries' Assistant Secretary shall submit a proposal to carry out this pilot program and the Washington State Transportation Commission must approve both the program and the fare schedule before it is implemented. Once implemented, WSF shall provide, at a minimum, updates to the Commission every six months on the pilot. The pilot will conclude no longer than three years from its implementation.
GOOD TO GO! PILOT - Special ferry toll rate(s) may be established for a pilot program of Good to Go! or similar fare collection infrastructure, technology, or ORCA replacement system on any ferry route. Washington State Ferries Assistant Secretary shall design the program and submit a proposed program and fare schedule to the Washington State Transportation Commission. The Commission shall review, modify and approve the proposed fare schedule and fare policies before it is implemented. Once implemented, WSF shall provide, at a minimum, updates to the Commission every six months on the pilot. The pilot will conclude no longer than three years from its implementation.