A $1 surcharge on most ferry trips on the Whatcom Chief will begin on Monday, May 17. Student, needs-based, and qualified senior/disabled fares are exempt.
All ferry punch cards purchased before May 17 will be honored at face value, Per Whatcom County Code section 10.34.020 M. Replacement of lost or damaged existing punch cards, after the program starts, will incur the surcharge.
Examples of how the surcharge will impact riders:
On March 23, the Whatcom County Council unanimously passed, with the support of the Lummi Island Ferry Advisory Committee, a $1 surcharge on most ferry trips. The money will go to a dedicated fund to help pay capital expenditures for a new ferry vessel and modifications to the ferry docks in order to accommodate the new vessel. A new vessel and dock upgrades are expected to cost around $35 million. Construction of the new ferry can’t start until the county has secured at least $32.9 million. No single source will cover the entire cost. The county is applying for state and federal funding to help make up the difference.
Visit the webpage of frequently asked questions about the new fare surcharge and the new ferry vessel that would replace the Whatcom Chief. More information is available on the new ferry vessel webpage.
