New Ferry Fare increases are being proposed for 2026

October 7, 2025

There is a lot going on right now with the ferry, so we wanted to provide a quick recap of what’s going on, and what you can do to engage.

New Fare increases are being proposed for 2026, and they are continuing to skyrocket thanks to uncontrolled spending and expenses by the Ferry Division.
The County is forming an advisory committee to figure out what to do about the new ferry. They are accepting applications now through Sept 26th.

Keep Reading for more information and what you can do to try to effect change:

New Fare increases are being proposed for 2026 – With the County spending more money than ever, they are raising rates to justify this out of control spending. It’s crucial that this stops, as the community of Guemes and our way of life is at stake.

Here’s the link: FINAL 2025 Ferry Fare Revenue Target Report (Updated 10/1/25))

The main takeaways are:

The County is driving up Operations & Maintenance(O&M) costs at an exponential rate, without transparency or explanation for the increases to the spending and proposed budgets.
This unchecked spending is the reasoning the County is using to justify increasing fares. These increases are going to hit hard, with proposed increases of 20 – 30% over 2025 rates, which were increased -30% from 2024 rates.

What you can do

GIFC will be sending out additional info to support you on this in the coming weeks.

Read the report, and have the knowledge of what the County is proposing
Submit your comments on the proposal by October 21st. We’ll send out more information and materials to help you with your comments.
Provide public comment in person on October 21st from 1:00-2:30pm

How to Comment

Early public comment will be taken by e-mail or mail on the 2026 budget documents and proposed 2026 ferry fare schedule.

Email: ferrycomments@co.skagit.wa.us (use subject line: Ferry 2026 Fare Proposal)

Please include your comments in the body of the email and not in an attachment.

Mail: 1800 Continental Place, Mount Vernon, WA 98273 ATTN: Ferry 2026 Fare Proposal

What you can do: