Fare Increase Season

As the first hints of autumn whisper through the trees on Guemes Island, we're once again entering what has become an unwelcome annual tradition: Guemes Ferry Fare Increase Season. This period, stretching well into the new year, tests our resilience as a community. Last year, it dragged on from early August to the end of January, leaving many of us feeling unheard and exhausted. But with another proposed 30% fare hike on the horizon, it's time to channel that fatigue into renewed action.

Let's take a moment to reflect on how last year's Fare Increase Season unfolded, not to dwell on the frustration, but to remind ourselves of our collective strength and the importance of staying engaged.

On August 5, 2024, Skagit County Public Works revealed a plan that disregarded the recommendations from their own KPFF study, which advised a phased in fare increase of 15% per year, over 5 years. Instead, they proposed a staggering 30% jump across the board, with even steeper hits for certain users—like propane trucks facing fees up to $2,500. At the public hearing on September 17, 2024, islanders didn't just show up; we spoke out passionately against the hikes and the erosion of Multi-ride discounts. Over 50 letters poured in, detailing the real-world impacts: higher costs for commuting, groceries, medical visits, and even heating our homes during the winter months.

What followed was disheartening. The county held two "secret" work sessions—open to the public but poorly publicized—on November 14 and 26, where leadership devised a plan to nearly eliminate Multi-ride discounts and create their new charter fares. For year-round residents and frequent riders, this translated to effective increases of 30-90% in the final fares.  The justifications aired in those sessions were as baffling as they were dismissive:

- Claims that islanders were "duplicitous" by obscuring expiration dates on punch cards.

- Accusations of staff abuse and a "sense of entitlement" among riders.

- Assertions that we'd been "coddled" for too long.

- Comparisons to unrelated county services like vaccines or building permits, which don't offer bulk discounts—ignoring the essential nature of our ferry as a transportation lifeline.

- Accusations that a new electronic ticketing system would make it too easy to share QR codes, potentially reducing revenue.

We also discovered broken promises-both on communication and agreed upon contracts with ridership. For instance, the no-expiry punch cards were promoted in 2020 with clear assurance: "Purchase by phone, email, or mail by May 20, and we’ll waive the expiration date.”  This was quietly redefined by the County with a new expiration date, without the promised communication, in a buried Consent Agenda Resolution claiming the public was "confused.”

Fast forward to this year: On August 15, 2025, Skagit County kicked off this season with another bombshell—another proposed 30% increase. Adding insult to injury, we learned that last year's narrative of a $2 million subsidy from the County Road Fund was overstated; the actual figure was $928,156. Their 2024 budget projections were inflated by over $1 million, skewing future estimates and justifying unnecessary rate hikes. Promises from Resolution R20230152—phased-in increases, follow-up communications, and annual meetings—have gone unfulfilled, eroding trust further.

It's understandable why many feel fatigued-I know that I am.  Last year's efforts—heartfelt letters, fact-based testimonies at hearings—seemed to fall on deaf ears, culminating in outcomes that felt predetermined. Why repeat the process when the results were so disappointing? But here's the truth: Our participation last year wasn't in vain. It amplified our predicament and highlighted inequities. Without it, flaws in their budgeting and planning would have gone unchallenged. This year, with fresh revelations we have proof of overstated costs. We also have a new Public Works Director and a new County Engineer in the mix – could this be a game changer? 

To build on that momentum, here's the schedule of key events for this Fare Increase Season. Mark your calendars and consider how you can contribute:

Fellow islanders, I get it—it's tough to muster the energy for another round. But think of this as more than a repeat; it's another opportunity to demand accountability, push for transparency, and advocate for sustainable solutions that respect Guemes Islanders as the benefit to Skagit County we are.  Write those letters to the Commissioners—share your personal stories, crunch the numbers on how these hikes affect your budget, and reference the discrepancies in last year's projections. Attend the hearings, whether in person or virtually, and speak from the heart. Last year's testimonies were professional, emotional, and grounded in facts; let's make this year's even more compelling.

If we continue to unite—as neighbors, families, and a community reliant on this vital link—we can influence a better outcome. Let's turn our fatigue into fuel and make this Fare Increase Season the one where our voices finally lead to fairness. Together, we can ensure the ferry remains accessible for all.

Cindy Kamp

Fair Fares, LLC

Link to 2025 Draft Ferry Fare Target Report: 

https://www.skagitcounty.net/Publicworksferry/documents/2026fares/Draft%202025%20Ferry%20Fare%20Revenue%20Target%20Report_08152025.pdf

Please write:

Email: [email protected] (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