Ferries: Kids ride free, rates rise for others

Published 1:30 pm Tuesday, October 4, 2022

As of Oct. 1, Washington State Ferry rides are mostly free for those aged 18 and younger, but others will pay a general fare increase of 2.5% for all fares.

The switch to free ridership for children and youth comes as a result of this year’s Move Ahead Washington transportation package, a law that directs transit agencies to provide free fares for passengers 18 and younger across the state.

In terms of ferries, the legislation applies only to youth riding as a passenger in a vehicle and those walking onto a state ferry. It does not include teenagers behind the wheel of a motor vehicle. Drivers younger than 19 years old will continue to pay the adult vehicle and driver fare.

Because of this change, youth tickets are no longer available at self-serve kiosks and online. However, youth walking onto a ferry will still need a ticket or a valid ORCA card to board at terminals where one is currently needed. Terminal employees at the ticket booth can issue free-fare youth tickets, which will be valid for two hours.

According to Vashon Island School District (VISD) superintendent Slade McSheehy, the switch to free youth fares is good news for VISD’s population of commuter students — a development he said he hopes will attract even more off-island families to consider enrolling their students in the district.

For each enrolled student, the district receives approximately $11,000 in state revenue.

The district currently has approximately 250 students who commute to Vashon schools.

For more information on ferry fares, visit wasdot.wa.gov/travel/washington-state-ferries.