A controversial new fee is set to impact Washington State Ferries, and it's a topic that has many travelers talking. Starting March 1st, a 3% fee will be added to all credit and debit card transactions, affecting the majority of ferry passengers.
But here's where it gets interesting: this fee is designed to help the state ferries recover costs associated with credit card companies, a burden previously shouldered by the state. So, why the change? Well, it's all about balancing the books and ensuring the ferries can continue to operate smoothly.
For those who pay with cash or an ORCA card, there's no additional charge. However, with an estimated 80% of travelers using credit or debit, this fee could generate a significant amount of revenue, potentially covering over $7 million in just two years.
Some commuters, like Paula Derrington, are surprised by the resilience of the ferry system, while others, like Shawn Rickett, foresee increased dissatisfaction among riders. Yet, Jackson Rice, a ferry passenger, believes the fee won't deter him from his travels, emphasizing the importance of his destination over the added cost.
This fee is just one part of a larger financial strategy for the state ferries. Lawmakers approved it as part of the transportation budget in 2025, aiming to recover the costs of processing card payments. Interestingly, the money won't be used as operational revenue, but rather to offset these specific expenses.
And this is the part most people miss: this fee is just one of several recent increases. In May, there was another 3% rate hike, and during the summer, a 35% fare hike was implemented as a surcharge to meet legislative revenue targets.
There are, however, some exceptions to the 3% card fee. State ferries have clarified that it won't apply to memorial services, annual business accounts, or promotional activities.
So, what do you think? Is this fee a necessary evil to keep the ferries afloat, or is it an unfair burden on travelers? We'd love to hear your thoughts in the comments below!
