WSR 10-20-148

PROPOSED RULES

TRANSPORTATION COMMISSION


[ Filed October 6, 2010, 8:16 a.m. ]

     Original Notice.

     Preproposal statement of inquiry was filed as WSR 10-11-010.

     Title of Rule and Other Identifying Information: State ferries and toll bridges, WAC 468-300-010, 468-300-020, 468-300-040, and 468-300-220.

     As required by law, the transportation commission is reviewing the need to adjust ferry fares in 2011. The proposed rules revise the subject WACs by increasing passenger tolls, vehicle tolls and ferry charter rates effective January 1, 2011.

     Hearing Location(s): Puget Sound Regional Council, 1011 Western Avenue, 5th Floor, Seattle, WA 98104, on November 15, 2010, at 3:00 p.m. - 5:00 p.m.

     Date of Intended Adoption: November 15, 2010.

     Submit Written Comments to: Reema Griffith, Executive Director, Transportation Commission, 2404 Chandler Court S.W., Suite 270, Olympia, WA 98501, e-mail griffir@wstc.wa.gov, fax (360) 705-6802, by November 15, 2010.

     Assistance for Persons with Disabilities: Contact transportation commission office by November 15, 2010, TTY (360) 705-7070.

     Purpose of the Proposal and Its Anticipated Effects, Including Any Changes in Existing Rules: The purpose of this rule is to raise the ferry tolls within the specified WACs. The revisions follow the annual review of Washington state ferries (WSF) farebox revenue needs.

     No major effects are anticipated.

     Reasons Supporting Proposal: WSF's need for additional farebox revenue to meet legislative budget requirements.

     Statutory Authority for Adoption: RCW 47.56.030 and 47.60.326.

     Statute Being Implemented: RCW 47.56.030 and 47.60.326.

     Rule is not necessitated by federal law, federal or state court decision.

     Name of Proponent: Washington state department of transportation, ferries division, governmental.

     Name of Agency Personnel Responsible for Drafting, Implementation and Enforcement: Raymond G. Deardorf, 2901 Third Avenue, Suite 500, Seattle, WA 98121-3014, (206) 515-3491.

     No small business economic impact statement has been prepared under chapter 19.85 RCW. The commission has considered this rule and determined that it does not affect more than ten percent of one industry or twenty percent of all industry.

     A cost-benefit analysis is not required under RCW 34.05.328. WSF is anticipated to take in more farebox revenue from the proposed fare increase at the rate of approximately $1,304,000 for fiscal year 2011. Ridership drop-off stemming from the fare increase will not cause a net reduction in farebox revenues. Previous experience with fare hikes has shown that WSF gains more money in fare increases than it loses from reduced ridership, if any.

October 6, 2010

Reema Griffith

Executive Director

OTS-3682.3


AMENDATORY SECTION(Amending WSR 09-19-044, filed 9/10/09, effective 10/11/09)

WAC 468-300-010   Ferry passenger tolls.  

EFFECTIVE 03:00 A.M. ((October 11, 2009)) January 1, 2011


ROUTES

Full Fare

Senior/

Disabled

Youth Fare

18 and under

 Multiride Media 20

Rides1

Monthly Pass5

Bicycle Surcharge2,6
Via Auto Ferry

*Fauntleroy-Southworth

((5.30))

5.50

((2.65))

2.75

((4.25))

4.40

((42.40))

44.00

((67.85))

70.40

 1.00
*Seattle-Bremerton

*Seattle-Bainbridge Island

*Edmonds-Kingston

 ((6.90))

7.10

 ((3.45))

3.55

 ((5.55))

5.70

 ((55.20))

56.80

 ((88.35))

90.90

 1.00
Port Townsend-Keystone ((2.65))

2.75

 ((1.30))

1.35

 ((2.15))

2.20

 ((42.40))

44.00

 ((67.85))

70.40

 0.50
*Fauntleroy-Vashon

*Southworth-Vashon

*Pt. Defiance-Tahlequah

 ((4.45))

4.55

 ((2.20))

2.25

 ((3.60))

3.65

 ((35.60))

36.40

 ((57.00))

58.25

 1.00
*Mukilteo-Clinton ((4.10))

4.20

 ((2.05))

2.10

 ((3.30))

3.40

 ((32.80))

33.60

 ((52.50))

53.80

 1.00
((*Anacortes to Lopez, Shaw, Orcas or Friday Harbor - Sunday-Tuesday 10.10 5.05 8.10 72.80 N/A 2.007))
*Anacortes to Lopez, Shaw, Orcas or Friday Harbor(( - Wednesday-Saturday)) ((11.20))

11.50

 ((5.60))

5.75

 ((9.00))

9.20

 ((72.80))

74.75

 N/A 2.007
Between Lopez, Shaw, Orcas and Friday Harbor4 N/C N/C N/C N/C N/A N/C
Anacortes to Sidney and Sidney to all destinations ((16.40))

16.85

 ((8.20))

8.40

 ((13.15))

13.50

 N/A N/A 4.008
From Lopez, Shaw, Orcas and Friday Harbor to Sidney ((6.15))

6.30

 ((3.05))

3.15

 ((4.95))

5.05

 N/A N/A 1.009
Lopez, Shaw, Orcas and Friday Harbor to Sidney (round trip)3 ((22.55))

23.15

 ((11.25))

11.55

 ((18.10))

18.55

 N/A N/A 5.0010

All fares rounded to the next multiple of $0.05.
* These routes operate as a one-point toll collection system.

     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. For mail order deliveries, WSF may add additional days to allow for delivery times.


     2BICYCLE SURCHARGE - Is an addition to the appropriate passenger fare.


     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 Island/Sidney. 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 PERMIT - A bicycle pass is available on all routes except: Anacortes/San Juan Island/Sidney for a $20.00 annual fee subject to meeting WSF specified conditions. The pass is valid for one year. A cyclist with a valid pass shall have the bicycle surcharge waived.


     7BICYCLE SURCHARGE - This becomes $4.00 during peak season (May 1 ((until the second Sunday in October)) through September 30).


     8BICYCLE SURCHARGE - This becomes $6.00 during peak season.


     9BICYCLE SURCHARGE - This becomes $2.00 during peak season.


     10BICYCLE SURCHARGE - This becomes $8.00 during peak season.


     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 80% of full fare rounded to the next 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.


     PERSONS OF DISABILITY - Any individual who, by reason of illness, injury, congenital malfunction, or other incapacity or disability is unable without special facilities or special planning or design to utilize ferry system services, 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. In addition, those persons 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.


     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 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.


          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 percent of full fare.


     SCHOOL GROUPS - Passengers traveling in authorized K-12 school groups for institution-sponsored activities will be charged a flat rate of $1 per walk-on group or per vehicle of students and/or advisors and staff. All school groups require a letter of authorization on the sponsoring school's letterhead. Vehicles and drivers will be charged the fare applicable to vehicle size. The special school rate is $2 on routes where one-point toll systems are in effect. ((Due to space limitations, authorized school groups will not be permitted to use one of the passenger-only routes without prior WSF approval.))


     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. ((Anacortes to San Juan Islands senior/disabled fares will be bundled at the applicable early week price.


     PEAK SEASON SURCHARGE - A 20% surcharge shall be applied to passengers from May 1 to the second Sunday in October, except those using frequent user fare media, on the Anacortes to Lopez, Shaw, Orcas and Friday Harbor routes. The resulting fare is rounded up to the next $0.05 if required.))


     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. WSF may implement such ferry passage on a pilot project basis to assess the operational, financial and administrative impact on WSF. By June 30, 2011, WSF shall submit a written report to the Transportation Commission identifying such impacts with a recommendation whether to make such passage authorization a permanent component of the WSF ferry toll schedule.


     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.

[Statutory Authority: RCW 47.56.030 and 47.60.326. 09-19-044, § 468-300-010, filed 9/10/09, effective 10/11/09; 08-08-070, § 468-300-010, filed 3/31/08, effective 5/1/08; 07-08-064, § 468-300-010, filed 3/29/07, effective 5/1/07; 06-08-036, § 468-300-010, filed 3/29/06, effective 5/1/06; 05-10-041, § 468-300-010, filed 4/28/05, effective 6/1/05; 03-08-072, § 468-300-010, filed 4/1/03, effective 5/2/03; 02-09-010, § 468-300-010, filed 4/5/02, effective 5/6/02; 01-11-010, § 468-300-010, filed 5/3/01, effective 6/3/01; 00-24-050, § 468-300-010, filed 11/30/00, effective 12/31/00; 99-08-066, § 468-300-010, filed 4/5/99, effective 5/6/99; 98-08-051, § 468-300-010, filed 3/27/98, effective 4/27/98; 96-05-046 and 96-05-047 (Orders 79 and 80), § 468-300-010, filed 2/16/96, effective 3/19/96; 94-18-014 (Order 77), § 468-300-010, filed 8/25/94, effective 9/25/94; 94-07-104 (Order 75), § 468-300-010, filed 3/18/94, effective 4/18/94; 93-18-005, § 468-300-010, filed 8/19/93, effective 9/19/93; 92-18-005, § 468-300-010, filed 8/20/92, effective 9/20/92; 91-18-022 (Order 72), § 468-300-010, filed 8/27/91, effective 9/27/91; 89-14-052 (Order 67, Resolution No. 354), § 468-300-010, filed 6/30/89; 89-04-014 (Order 66, Resolution No. 343), § 468-300-010, filed 1/23/89, effective 7/1/89; 87-12-005 (Order 61, Resolution No. 298), § 468-300-010, filed 5/21/87. Statutory Authority: RCW 47.60.290, 47.60.300 and 47.60.326. 86-24-009 (Order 59, Resolution No. 287), § 468-300-010, filed 11/21/86. Statutory Authority: RCW 47.60.326. 86-06-010 (Order 54, Resolution No. 263), § 468-300-010, filed 2/21/86; 85-11-007 (Order 44, Resolution No. 241), § 468-300-010, filed 5/3/85; 84-11-052 (Order 42, Resolution Nos. 221 and 222), § 468-300-010, filed 5/17/84; 84-10-002 (Order 41, Resolution No. 218), § 468-300-010, filed 4/20/84; 83-07-062 (Order 33, Resolution No. 175), § 468-300-010, filed 3/22/83; 82-07-063 (Order 28, Resolution No. 143), § 468-300-010, filed 3/22/82. Statutory Authority: RCW 47.60.325 and 47.56.030. 81-15-099 (Order 23, Resolution No. 117), § 468-300-010, filed 7/22/81. Statutory Authority: RCW 47.60.325. 81-08-044 (Order 17, Resolution No. 104), § 468-300-010, filed 3/31/81; 80-16-012 (Order 16, Resolution No. 90), § 468-300-010, filed 10/27/80; 80-04-104 (Order 15, Resolution No. 72), § 468-300-010, filed 4/1/80; 79-09-136 (Order 11, Resolution No. 57), § 468-300-010, filed 9/5/79; 79-04-047 (Order 6, Resolution No. 44), § 468-300-010, filed 3/27/79; 78-06-040 (Order 2, Resolution No. 21), § 468-300-010, filed 5/19/78.]


AMENDATORY SECTION(Amending WSR 09-19-044, filed 9/10/09, effective 10/11/09)

WAC 468-300-020   Vehicle under 20', motorcycle, and stowage ferry tolls.  

EFFECTIVE 03:00 A.M. ((October 11, 2009)) January 1, 2011

ROUTES Vehicle Under 20' Incl. Driver One Way Vehicle Under 20'

w/Sr Citizen or

Disabled Driver4

 Vehicle Under 20' Over Height Charge1 Multiride Media

20 Rides2
Fauntleroy-Southworth Port Townsend/Keystone ((9.15))

9.35

 ((7.80))

7.95

 ((9.15))

9.35

 ((146.40))

149.60
Seattle-Bainbridge Island Seattle-Bremerton Edmonds-Kingston ((11.85))

12.15

 ((10.10))

10.35

 ((11.85))

12.15

 ((189.60))

194.40
*Fauntleroy-Vashon *Southworth-Vashon

*Pt. Defiance-Tahlequah

 ((15.20))

15.55

 ((12.95))

13.25

 ((15.20))

15.55

 ((121.60))

124.40
Mukilteo-Clinton ((7.00))

7.20

 ((5.95))

6.15

 ((7.00))

7.20

 ((112.00))

115.20
10 Rides - 5 Round Trips
*Anacortes to Lopez(( - Sunday-Tuesday)) ((24.55))

27.95

 ((19.50))

22.20

 ((24.55))

27.95

 ((102.20))

104.85
((*Lopez - Wednesday-Saturday 27.25 21.65 27.25 102.20
*Shaw, Orcas - Sunday-Tuesday 29.45 24.40 29.45 122.65))
*Shaw, Orcas(( - Wednesday-Saturday)) ((32.70))

33.55

 ((27.10))

27.80

 ((32.70))

33.55

 ((122.65))

125.85
((*Friday Harbor - Sunday-Tuesday 35.05 30.00 35.05 145.90))
*Friday Harbor(( - Wednesday-Saturday)) ((38.90))

39.85

 ((33.30))

34.10

 ((38.90))

39.85

 ((145.90))

149.45
Between Lopez, Shaw, Orcas and Friday Harbor3 ((17.95))

18.75

 ((17.95))

18.75

 ((17.95))

18.75

 ((71.80))

75.00
International Travel
Anacortes to Sidney and Sidney to all destinations ((44.05))

45.15

 ((35.85))

36.70

 ((44.05))

45.15

 N/A
Lopez, Shaw, Orcas and Friday Harbor to Sidney ((13.15))

13.50

 ((10.05))

10.35

 ((13.15))

13.50

 N/A
Lopez, Shaw, Orcas and Friday Harbor to Sidney

(round trip)5

 ((57.20))

58.65

 ((45.90))

47.05

 ((57.20))

58.65

 N/A



EFFECTIVE 03:00 A.M. ((October 11, 2009)) January 1, 2011

ROUTES Motorcycle5 Incl.

Driver Stowage1

One Way

 Motorcycle w/Sr Citizen or Disabled Driver Stowage1 One Way Motorcycle

Oversize Charge1

 Motorcycle Frequent User Commuter

20 Rides2
Fauntleroy-Southworth Port Townsend/Keystone ((3.95))

4.10

 ((2.60))

2.70

 ((1.30))

1.35

 ((63.20))

65.60
Seattle-Bainbridge Island Seattle-Bremerton Edmonds-Kingston ((5.15))

5.30

 ((3.40))

3.50

 ((1.70))

1.75

 ((82.40))

84.80
*Fauntleroy-Vashon *Southworth-Vashon

*Pt. Defiance-Tahlequah

 ((6.60))

6.75

 ((4.35))

4.45

 ((2.15))

2.20

 ((52.80))

54.00
Mukilteo-Clinton ((3.05))

3.15

 ((2.00))

2.10

 ((1.00))

1.05

 ((48.80))

50.40
*Anacortes to Lopez(( - Sunday-Tuesday)) ((13.05))

14.80

 ((8.00))

9.05

 ((2.95))

3.30

 ((108.40))

111.00
((*Lopez - Wednesday-Saturday 14.45 8.85 3.25 108.40
*Shaw, Orcas - Sunday-Tuesday 13.95 8.90 3.85 116.25))
*Shaw, Orcas(( - Wednesday-Saturday)) ((15.50))

15.95

 ((9.90))

10.20

 ((4.30))

4.45

 ((116.25))

119.65
((*Friday Harbor - Sunday-Tuesday 15.10 10.05 5.00 125.65))
*Friday Harbor(( - Wednesday-Saturday)) ((16.75))

17.20

 ((11.15))

11.45

 ((5.55))

5.70

 ((125.65))

129.00
Between Lopez, Shaw, Orcas and Friday Harbor3 ((5.10))

5.35

 ((5.10))

5.35

 ((5.10))

5.35

 N/A
Anacortes to Sidney and Sidney to all destinations ((21.95))

22.55

 ((13.75))

14.10

 ((5.55))

5.70

 N/A
Travelers with advanced reservations ($15 fee) Anacortes to Sidney and Sidney to all destinations6 N/A N/A N/A N/A
Lopez, Shaw, Orcas and Friday Harbor to Sidney ((7.55))

7.75

 ((4.45))

4.60

 ((1.40))

1.45

 N/A
Travelers with advanced reservations ($7 fee) from Lopez, Shaw, Orcas and Friday Harbor to Sidney 6 N/A N/A N/A N/A
Lopez, Shaw, Orcas and

Friday Harbor to Sidney

(round trip)5

 ((29.50))

30.30

 ((18.20))

18.70

 ((6.95))

7.15

 N/A

All fares rounded to the next multiple of $0.05.
* These routes operate as a one-point toll collection system.

     1SIZE - All vehicles up to 20' in length and under 7'6" shall pay the vehicle under 20' toll. Vehicles up to 20' but over 7'6" in height shall pay an overheight charge of 100% of the vehicle full fare. Motorcycles with trailers, sidecars, or any vehicle licensed as a motorcycle with three or more wheels will pay an oversize motorcycle charge of 100% of the motorcycle full fare. Upon presentation by either the driver or passenger of a WSF Disability Travel Permit, Regional Reduced Fare Permit, or other identification which establishes disability, the height charge will be waived for vehicles equipped with wheel chair lift or other mechanism designed to accommodate the person with disability.


     2MULTIRIDE MEDIA - Shall be valid only for 90 days from date of purchase after which time the media shall not be accepted for passage. Remaining value will not be eligible for refund. For mail order deliveries, WSF may add additional days to allow for delivery time.



     3INTER-ISLAND FARES - Tolls collected westbound only. Vehicles traveling between islands may request a single transfer ticket good for one transfer at an intermediate island. The transfer may only be obtained when purchasing the appropriate vehicle fare for inter-island travel (westbound at Lopez, Shaw, or Orcas) and is free of charge. Transfers shall be valid for 24 hours from time of purchase.


     4SENIOR CITIZEN, DISABLED DRIVER OR DISABLED ATTENDANT DRIVER - Half fare discount applies to driver portion of the vehicle-driver fare and only when the driver is eligible. Those persons 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, when driving, to have the driver portion of the vehicle fare waived.


     5ROUND TRIP - Round trip passage for international travel available for trips beginning or ending on one of the islands served.


     6 VEHICLE RESERVATION DEPOSIT - Nonrefundable deposits for advance vehicle reservations may be established at a level of from 25 to 100 percent of the applicable fare. This is a deposit toward the fare and not an additional fee, and applies only to those routes where the legislature has approved the use of a reservation system. Refunds may be available under certain circumstances.


     RIDE SHARE VEHICLES - A commuter ride share vehicle which carries five or more persons on a regular and expense-sharing basis for the purpose of travel to and from work or school and which is certified as such by a local organization approved by the Washington state ferry system, may purchase for a $20 fee, a permit valid for one year valid only during the hours shown on the permit. The $20.00 fee shall include the driver. Remaining passengers shall pay the applicable passenger fare. Except that the minimum total paid for all passengers in the van shall not be less than four times the applicable passenger fare. Carpools of three or more registered in WSF's preferential loading program must also pay a $20.00 yearly permit fee.


     STOWAGE - Stowage carry-on items including kayaks, canoes and other items of comparable size which are typically stowed on the vehicle deck of the vessel shall be charged at the motorcycle rate. This rate includes the walk-on passenger carrying on the item to be stowed.


     PEAK SEASON SURCHARGE - A 25% surcharge shall be applied to vehicles from May 1 ((to the second Sunday in October)) through September 30 except those using multiride media. A 35% surcharge shall be applied on vehicle fares from Anacortes to Lopez, Shaw, Orcas and Friday Harbor, except those using multiride media. A 114% surcharge shall be applied to the San Juan Islands to Sidney route. The resulting fare is rounded up to the next $0.05 if required.


     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. WSF may implement such ferry passage on a pilot project basis to assess the operational, financial and administrative impact on WSF. By June 30, 2011, WSF shall submit a written report to the Transportation Commission identifying such impacts with a recommendation whether to make such passage authorization a permanent component of the WSF ferry toll schedule.


     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 (20% off base season rates, except for Anacortes to San Juan Islands where it is 35% off base season end of week 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 approximate based on the discount rates offered to multiride media users applicable on the date of travel.


     PENALTY CHARGES - Owner of vehicle without driver will be assessed a $100.00 penalty charge.


     PROMOTIONAL TOLLS - A promotional rate may be established at the discretion of the WSF Assistant Secretary, Executive Director for a specified discount in order to enhance total revenue and effective only at designated times on designated routes.


     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.


     BUNDLED SINGLE FARE MEDIA - WSF may bundle single fare types into multiple trip books as a customer convenience. Remaining value will not be eligible for refund or exchange. For mail order deliveries, WSF may add additional days to allow for delivery time. Anacortes to San Juan Islands senior/disabled fares will be bundled at the applicable early week price.

[Statutory Authority: RCW 47.56.030 and 47.60.326. 09-19-044, § 468-300-020, filed 9/10/09, effective 10/11/09; 08-08-070, § 468-300-020, filed 3/31/08, effective 5/1/08; 07-08-064, § 468-300-020, filed 3/29/07, effective 5/1/07; 06-08-036, § 468-300-020, filed 3/29/06, effective 5/1/06; 05-10-041, § 468-300-020, filed 4/28/05, effective 6/1/05; 03-08-072, § 468-300-020, filed 4/1/03, effective 5/2/03; 02-09-010, § 468-300-020, filed 4/5/02, effective 5/6/02; 01-11-010, § 468-300-020, filed 5/3/01, effective 6/3/01; 00-24-050, § 468-300-020, filed 11/30/00, effective 12/31/00; 99-08-066, § 468-300-020, filed 4/5/99, effective 5/6/99; 98-08-051, § 468-300-020, filed 3/27/98, effective 4/27/98; 96-19-045 (Order 82), § 468-300-020, filed 9/12/96, effective 10/13/96; 94-18-014 (Order 77), § 468-300-020, filed 8/25/94, effective 9/25/94; 94-07-104 (Order 75), § 468-300-020, filed 3/18/94, effective 4/18/94; 93-18-005, § 468-300-020, filed 8/19/93, effective 9/19/93; 92-18-005, § 468-300-020, filed 8/20/92, effective 9/20/92; 91-18-022 (Order 72), § 468-300-020, filed 8/27/91, effective 9/27/91; 89-14-052 (Order 67, Resolution No. 354), § 468-300-020, filed 6/30/89; 89-04-014 (Order 66, Resolution No. 343), § 468-300-020, filed 1/23/89, effective 7/1/89; 87-12-005 (Order 61, Resolution No. 298), § 468-300-020, filed 5/21/87. Statutory Authority: RCW 47.60.326. 86-06-010 (Order 54, Resolution No. 263), § 468-300-020, filed 2/21/86; 85-11-007 (Order 44, Resolution No. 241), § 468-300-020, filed 5/3/85; 84-11-052 (Order 42, Resolution Nos. 221 and 222), § 468-300-020, filed 5/17/84; 84-10-002 (Order 41, Resolution No. 218), § 468-300-020, filed 4/20/84; 83-07-062 (Order 33, Resolution No. 175), § 468-300-020, filed 3/22/83; 82-07-063 (Order 28, Resolution No. 143), § 468-300-020, filed 3/22/82. Statutory Authority: RCW 47.60.325 and 47.56.030. 81-15-099 (Order 23, Resolution No. 117), § 468-300-020, filed 7/22/81. Statutory Authority: RCW 47.60.325. 81-08-044 (Order 17, Resolution No. 104), § 468-300-020, filed 3/31/81; 80-04-104 (Order 15, Resolution No. 72), § 468-300-020, filed 4/1/80; 79-09-136 (Order 11, Resolution No. 57), § 468-300-020, filed 9/5/79; 79-04-047 (Order 6, Resolution No. 44), § 468-300-020, filed 3/27/79; 78-06-040 (Order 2, Resolution No. 21), § 468-300-020, filed 5/19/78.]


AMENDATORY SECTION(Amending WSR 09-19-044, filed 9/10/09, effective 10/11/09)

WAC 468-300-040   Oversize vehicle ferry tolls.  

EFFECTIVE 03:00 A.M. ((October 11, 2009)) January 1, 2011


Oversize Vehicle Ferry Tolls1

Overall Unit Length - Including Driver
ROUTES 20' To

Under 30'

Under 7'6"

High

 20' To

Under 30'

Over 7'6"

High

 30' To

Under 40'

 40' To Under 50' 50' To

Under 60'

 60' To under 70' 70' To and include 80' Cost Per

Ft. Over

80' @
Fauntleroy-Southworth

Port Townsend/Keystone

 ((13.75)) 14.05 ((27.45)) 28.05 ((36.60)) 37.40 ((45.75)) 46.75 ((54.90)) 56.10 ((64.05)) 65.45 ((73.20)) 74.80 ((0.90))

0.95
Seattle-Bainbridge Island

Seattle/Bremerton

Edmonds-Kingston

 ((17.80)) 18.25 ((35.55)) 36.45 ((47.40)) 48.60 ((59.25)) 60.75 ((71.10)) 72.90 ((82.95)) 85.05 ((94.80)) 97.20 1.20
*Fauntleroy-Vashon

*Southworth-Vashon

*Pt. Defiance-Tahlequah

 ((22.80)) 23.35 ((45.60)) 46.65 ((60.80)) 62.20 ((76.00)) 77.75 ((91.20)) 93.30 ((106.40)) 108.85 ((121.60)) 124.40 1.55
Mukilteo-Clinton ((10.50)) 10.80 ((21.00)) 21.60 ((28.00)) 28.80 ((35.00)) 36.00 ((42.00)) 43.20 ((49.00)) 50.40 ((56.00)) 57.60 0.70
((*Anacortes to Lopez -

Sunday-Tuesday2

 36.85 73.65 98.20 122.75 147.30 171.85 196.40 2.50
*Anacortes to Shaw, Orcas -

Sunday-Tuesday2

 44.20 88.35 117.80 147.25 176.70 206.15 235.60 2.95
*Anacortes to Friday Harbor -

Sunday-Tuesday

 52.60 105.15 140.20 175.25 210.30 245.35 280.40 3.55))
*Anacortes to Lopez(( -

Wednesday-Saturday))2

 ((40.90)) 41.95 ((81.75)) 83.85 ((109.00)) 111.80 ((136.25)) 139.75 ((163.50)) 167.70 ((190.75)) 195.65 ((218.00))

223.60

 ((2.75))

2.80
*Anacortes to Shaw, Orcas(( -

Wednesday-Saturday))2

 ((49.05)) 50.35 ((98.10)) 100.65 ((130.80)) 134.20 ((163.50)) 167.75 ((196.20)) 201.30 ((228.90)) 234.85 ((261.60)) 268.40 ((3.30))

3.35
*Anacortes to Friday Harbor(( -

Wednesday-Saturday))

 ((58.35)) 59.80 ((116.70)) 119.55 ((155.60)) 159.40 ((194.50)) 199.25 ((233.40)) 239.10 ((272.30)) 278.95 ((311.20)) 318.80 ((3.90))

4.00
Between Lopez, Shaw, Orcas and Friday Harbor3 ((26.95)) 28.15 ((53.85)) 56.25 ((71.80)) 75.00 ((89.75)) 93.75 ((107.70)) 112.50 ((125.65)) 131.25 ((143.60)) 150.00 N/A
International Travel

Anacortes to Sidney to all destinations - Recreational Vehicles and Buses

 ((66.10)) 67.75 ((66.10)) 67.75 ((88.10)) 90.30 ((110.15)) 112.90 ((132.15)) 135.45 ((154.20)) 158.05 ((176.20)) 180.60 2.25
Anacortes to Sidney and Sidney to all destinations - Commercial Vehicles ((66.10)) 67.75 ((132.15)) 135.45 ((176.20)) 180.60 ((220.25)) 225.75 ((264.30)) 270.90 ((308.35)) 316.05 ((352.40)) 361.20 ((4.45))

4.50
Lopez, Shaw, Orcas and Friday Harbor to Sidney - Recreational Vehicles and Buses

- Commercial Vehicles

 ((19.75)) 20.25

((19.75)) 20.25

 ((19.75)) 20.25

((39.45)) 40.50

 ((26.30)) 27.00

((52.60)) 54.00

 ((32.90)) 33.75

((65.75)) 67.50

 ((39.45)) 40.50

((78.90)) 81.00

 ((46.05)) 47.25

((92.05)) 94.50

 ((52.60)) 54.00

((105.20)) 108.00

 0.70

1.35
Lopez, Shaw, Orcas and Friday Harbor to Sidney (round trip)4 - Recreational Vehicles and Buses

- Commercial Vehicles

 ((85.85)) 88.00

((85.85)) 88.00

 ((85.85)) 88.00

((171.60)) 175.95

 ((114.40)) 117.30

((228.80)) 234.60

 ((143.05)) 146.65

((286.00)) 293.25

 ((171.60)) 175.95

((343.20)) 351.90

 ((200.25)) 205.30

((400.40)) 410.55

 ((228.80)) 234.60

((457.60)) 469.20

 ((2.90))

2.95

((5.80))

5.85

     1OVERSIZE VEHICLES - Includes all vehicles 20 feet in length and longer regardless of type: Commercial trucks, recreational vehicles, vehicles under 20' pulling trailers, etc. Length shall include vehicle and load to its furthest extension. Overheight charge is included in oversize vehicle toll. Vehicles wider than 8'6" pay double the fare applicable to their length. Private and commercial passenger buses or other passenger vehicles pay the applicable oversize vehicle tolls. Public transit buses and drivers shall travel free upon display of an annual permit which may be purchased for $10. Upon presentation by either the driver or passenger of a WSF Disability Travel Permit, Regional Reduced Fare Permit, or other identification which establishes disability, vehicles 20-30 feet in length and over 7'6" in height shall be charged the 20-30 foot length and under 7'6" in height fare for vehicles equipped with wheelchair lift or other mechanism designed to accommodate the person with the disability.


     2TRANSFERS - Tolls collected westbound only. Oversize vehicles traveling westbound from Anacortes may purchase a single intermediate transfer when first purchasing the appropriate fare. The transfer is valid for a 24-hour period and is priced as follows: ((October 11, 2009 - October 9, 2010, $58.25)) $59.50 base season, $((78.75)) 80.25 peak season.


     3INTER-ISLAND - Tolls collected westbound only. Vehicles traveling between islands may request a single transfer ticket good for one transfer at an intermediate island. The transfer may only be obtained when purchasing the appropriate vehicle fare for inter-island travel (westbound at Lopez, Shaw, or Orcas) and is free of charge. Transfers shall be valid for 24 hours from time of purchase.


     4ROUND TRIP - Round trip passage for international travel available for trips beginning or ending on one of the islands served.


     VEHICLE RESERVATION DEPOSIT - Nonrefundable deposits for advanced reservations may be established at a level of from 25 to 100 percent of the applicable fare. This is a deposit toward the fare and not an additional fee, and applies only to those routes where the legislature has approved the use of a reservation system. Refunds may be available under certain special circumstances.


     COMMERCIAL VEHICLE RESERVATION FEES - For commercial vehicles traveling with reservations a participation fee ($200 for summer schedule season, $100 for each of the other schedule seasons) will be charged. Fees will be collected when reservations are confirmed.


     PEAK SEASON SURCHARGE - A peak season surcharge shall apply to all oversize vehicles from May 1 ((to the second Sunday in October)) through September 30. The oversize fare shall be determined based on the peak-season car-and-driver fare and the analogous oversize vehicle fare, calculated with the same factor as the oversize base seasons fares are to the base season under 20 foot fare. The senior citizen discount shall apply to the driver of an oversize vehicle. The resulting fare is rounded up to the next $0.05 if required.


     SENIOR CITIZEN DISCOUNTS - Discounts of 50% for the driver of the above vehicles shall apply. Senior citizen discount is determined by subtracting full-fare passenger rate and adding half-fare passenger rate. The senior citizen discount shall apply to the driver of an oversize vehicle.


     PENALTY CHARGES - Owner of vehicle without driver will be assessed a $100.00 penalty charge.


     DISCOUNT FROM REGULAR TOLL - Effective June 1, 2005, through fall of 2005, oversize vehicles making 12 or more, one-way crossings per week (Sunday through Saturday) will qualify for a 10% discount from the regular ferry tolls. With the implementation of EFS in spring 2006, WSF will provide a commercial account program that will be prepaid and offer access to volume discounts based on travel, revenue or other criteria in accordance with WSF business rules. On an annual basis, commercial accounts will pay a $50 nonrefundable account maintenance fee.


     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 multiple trip books 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.


     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. WSF may implement such ferry passage on a pilot project basis to assess the operational, financial and administrative impact on WSF. By June 30, 2011, WSF shall submit a written report to the Transportation Commission identifying such impacts with a recommendation whether to make such passage authorization a permanent component of the WSF ferry toll schedule.


     EMERGENCY TRIPS DURING NONSERVICE HOURS - While at locations where crew is on duty charge shall be equal to the cost of fuel consumed to make emergency trip. Such trips shall only be offered as a result of official requests from an emergency services agency and only in the case of no reasonable alternative.


     DISCLAIMER - Under no circumstances does Washington state ferries warrant the availability of ferry service at a given date or time; nor does it warrant the availability of space on board a vessel on a given sailing.

[Statutory Authority: RCW 47.56.030 and 47.60.326. 09-19-044, § 468-300-040, filed 9/10/09, effective 10/11/09; 08-08-070, § 468-300-040, filed 3/31/08, effective 5/1/08; 07-08-064, § 468-300-040, filed 3/29/07, effective 5/1/07; 06-08-036, § 468-300-040, filed 3/29/06, effective 5/1/06; 05-10-041, § 468-300-040, filed 4/28/05, effective 6/1/05; 03-08-072, § 468-300-040, filed 4/1/03, effective 5/2/03; 02-09-010, § 468-300-040, filed 4/5/02, effective 5/6/02; 01-11-010, § 468-300-040, filed 5/3/01, effective 6/3/01; 00-24-050, § 468-300-040, filed 11/30/00, effective 12/31/00; 99-08-066, § 468-300-040, filed 4/5/99, effective 5/6/99; 98-08-051, § 468-300-040, filed 3/27/98, effective 4/27/98; 96-19-045 (Order 82), § 468-300-040, filed 9/12/96, effective 10/13/96; 94-18-014 (Order 77), § 468-300-040, filed 8/25/94, effective 9/25/94; 94-07-104 (Order 75), § 468-300-040, filed 3/18/94, effective 4/18/94; 93-18-005, § 468-300-040, filed 8/19/93, effective 9/19/93; 92-18-005, § 468-300-040, filed 8/20/92, effective 9/20/92; 91-18-022 (Order 72), § 468-300-040, filed 8/27/91, effective 9/27/91; 89-14-052 (Order 67, Resolution No. 354), § 468-300-040, filed 6/30/89; 89-04-014 (Order 66, Resolution No. 343), § 468-300-040, filed 1/23/89, effective 7/1/89; 87-12-005 (Order 61, Resolution No. 298), § 468-300-040, filed 5/21/87. Statutory Authority: RCW 47.60.290, 47.60.300 and 47.60.326. 86-24-009 (Order 59, Resolution No. 287), § 468-300-040, filed 11/21/86. Statutory Authority: RCW 47.60.326. 86-06-010 (Order 54, Resolution No. 263), § 468-300-040, filed 2/21/86; 85-11-007 (Order 44, Resolution No. 241), § 468-300-040, filed 5/3/85; 84-11-052 (Order 42, Resolution Nos. 221 and 222), § 468-300-040, filed 5/17/84; 83-07-062 (Order 33, Resolution No. 175), § 468-300-040, filed 3/22/83; 82-18-009 (Order 29, Resolution No. 153), § 468-300-040, filed 8/20/82; 82-07-063 (Order 28, Resolution No. 143), § 468-300-040, filed 3/22/82. Statutory Authority: RCW 47.60.325 and 47.56.030. 81-15-099 (Order 23, Resolution No. 117), § 468-300-040, filed 7/22/81. Statutory Authority: RCW 47.60.325. 81-08-044 (Order 17, Resolution No. 104), § 468-300-040, filed 3/31/81; 80-04-104 (Order 15, Resolution No. 72), § 468-300-040, filed 4/1/80; 79-09-136 (Order 11, Resolution No. 57), § 468-300-040, filed 9/5/79; 79-04-047 (Order 6, Resolution No. 44), § 468-300-040, filed 3/27/79; 78-06-040 (Order 2, Resolution No. 21), § 468-300-040, filed 5/19/78.]


AMENDATORY SECTION(Amending WSR 09-19-044, filed 9/10/09, effective 10/11/09)

WAC 468-300-220   Calculation of charter rates for vessels owned by the Washington state ferry system.   Pursuant to chapter 323, Laws of 1997, vessels owned by the Washington state ferry system may be made available for charter subject to operational availability. Execution of a charter agreement as set forth in the statute must precede a commitment to charter. The following actual hourly vessel operating costs have been calculated for establishing the rates to be charged for vessel charters from ((October 11, 2009)) July 1, 2010, through June 30, ((2010)) 2011:


Vessel Class Deck Crew

On Overtime

 Deck Crew

On Straight Time
Jumbo Mark II $((1,791.00)) 1,911.00 $((1,481.00)) 1,615.00
Jumbo ((1,742.00)) 1,862.00 ((1,446.00)) 1,580.00
Super ((1,650.00)) 1,755.00 ((1,365.00)) 1,483.00
Evergreen ((1,153.00)) 1,189.00 ((925.00)) 972.00
Issaquah ((1,256.00)) 1,313.00 ((1,019.00)) 1,086.00
Rhododendron ((874.00)) 885.00 ((694.00)) 713.00
Hiyu ((651.00)) 657.00 ((531.00)) 541.00

     The rate for an individual charter will be calculated by:

     (1) Multiplying the actual operating cost set forth above for the vessel that is chartered by the number of hours, or fraction thereof, for which the vessel is chartered;

     (2) Adding labor costs, mileage and per diem expenses to determine the total actual costs if the particular charter requires a crew callout; and

     (3) Increasing the total actual costs calculated pursuant to subsections (1) and (2) of this section by an appropriate profit margin based on market conditions, and rounding to the nearest fifty dollars.

     In the case of charters for the transport of hazardous materials, the transporter is required to pay for all legs necessary to complete the charter, even if the vessel is simultaneously engaged in an operational voyage on behalf of the Washington state ferry system.

[Statutory Authority: RCW 47.56.030 and 47.60.326. 09-19-044, § 468-300-220, filed 9/10/09, effective 10/11/09; 07-08-064, § 468-300-220, filed 3/29/07, effective 5/1/07; 06-08-036, § 468-300-220, filed 3/29/06, effective 5/1/06; 05-10-041, § 468-300-220, filed 4/28/05, effective 6/1/05; 03-08-072, § 468-300-220, filed 4/1/03, effective 5/2/03; 02-09-010, § 468-300-220, filed 4/5/02, effective 5/6/02; 01-11-010, § 468-300-220, filed 5/3/01, effective 6/3/01; 99-08-066, § 468-300-220, filed 4/5/99, effective 5/6/99; 98-08-051, § 468-300-220, filed 3/27/98, effective 4/27/98. Statutory Authority: RCW 47.01.061, 47.56.032 and 1997 c 323. 97-15-110 (Order 83), § 468-300-220, filed 7/22/97, effective 8/22/97.]

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