WSF rate increase for motorcycles

[snowmonkey]

Oppose the Motorcycle Fare Increase on Washington State Ferries

Visit https://www.ipetitions.com/campaigns/WSF_Moto_Fares

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WSF Ferry Rate Increase Update #3 - February 17, 2006

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There are 229 signatures on the petition as of 02/17/2006.

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Report from the Southworth Meeting

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Thanks to Noelle for this report. If you have attended a meeting drop me line and tell me about it. Send your report to: [email protected]

"We went to a ferry fare meeting last night and got the rate increase for motorcycles shoved up our, xxx'. It was a complete waste of time. There was about 12 people representing the State and another 8 that were unpaid ferry "advisory" represenatives. (they are supposed to represent the common folks, but nobody really knows who they are or how to contact them.) Then there was Keith and I, and 2 others that commute on the ferry, including Dave. Out numbered to say the least. I would think the Bainbridge meeting will have a better showing. When we pulled into the parking lot we had to wait for a stream of motorcycle riders that didn't turn into the school to go to the meeting. One of the ferry advisory folks said there were about 50 comments on line from our boat but she didn't make it clear if those were bikers. There are more meetings on other routes so we still have a chance to be heard."

Folks, we have to get out there to be heard. The remaining public meetings are listed below. Grab some friends and go; preferably on your bike.

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Public Meeting Schedule

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The following are public meetings of the Washington State Ferries staff and

members of the Tariff Policy Committee.

Wednesday, February 22 at Trinity Lutheran Church in Freeland, 6-7 p.m. with a

public Ferry Advisory Committee Meeting from 7-8:30 p.m.

Thursday, February 23 at Flounder Bay Café in Anacortes from 9-10:30 a.m. and

will include the public Ferry Advisory Committee Meeting.

Thursday, February 23 at Orcas Center on Orcas Island from 2-3:30 p.m.

Thursday, February 23 at Mullis Senior Center in Friday Harbor from 5:30 7

p.m.

Monday, February 27 at the Norm Dicks Government Center in Bremerton, from 6-7

p.m. with a public Ferry Advisory Meeting from 7-8:30 p.m.

Wednesday, March 1 at the Bainbridge Commons on Bainbridge Island from 6:30-8

p.m.

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Can't Make A Meeting? - You Can Still Be Heard!

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The public may comment via postal mail, email, fax or phone.

Email: [email protected]

Fax: 206.515.3773

Phone: 888.808.7977

Postal mail:

Tariff Proposal

Washington State Ferries

2901 Third Avenue, Suite 500

Seattle, WA 98121-1042

And,

Write a letter to the editor of your local paper.

--

John Davis

Editor & Publisher

www.NorthwestCycleNews.com

Oppose the Motorcycle Fare Increase on Washington State Ferries

Visit https://www.ipetitions.com/campaigns/WSF_Moto_Fares

 

[markjenn]

I don't have an issue with it. Reducing the motorcycle discount (on the vehicle portion only) from 80% to 75% hardly seems onerous. In the overall scheme of tolls and the like, this discount, even slightly reduced, seems unusually generous.

Motorcyclists have lots of battles worth fighting - this isn't one of them.

- Mark

 

[Ignacio]

Washington State ferries are a HUGE expense. I don't know why users don't pay more for it's cost anyway. They're massively subsidized already and think users should pay more of their cost. I'm OK with the increase.

 

[snowmonkey]

Nearly 300 signatures were gathered on the petition opposing the motorcycle fare increase. The petition has been submitted to the Tariff Policy Committee. Following is the response that I received after submitting the petition and signatures:

=== Begin Quoted Material ===

Thank you for taking the time to write the Washington State Transportation Commission, concerning the 2006 WSF Tariff Proposal.

The decision to propose raising the fares was difficult for the Tariff Policy Committee, a group appointed by the Commission and made up of ferry riders, legislators and transit professionals. This group makes the recommendations based on the financial needs of the system and the objective of helping the ferry system to become more self-sufficient in this day of competing transportation projects and state budget deficits.

Your ideas and comments will be part of the overall report on public comments that Washington State Ferries gives to the Commission. The Tariff Policy Committee will also meet one more time, prior to the final hearing in Seattle on March 23, to review the comments received and decide if changes to the existing proposal are warranted.

=== End Quoted Material ===

I don't want to sound the victory horn too soon; but the Seattle Times is reporting today (3/16/06) that the Tarrif Policy Committee, in response to motorcyclists concerns, is recommending that motorcycles fares be increased in equal measure to automobile fares.

Here is the article:

=== Begin Quoted Material ===

Bikers may escape steep ferry-fare rise

Motorcyclists may be spared a steep increase in ferry fares under a recommendation going to the state Transportation Commission next week.

While the state is recommending a 6 percent increase in ferry fares, motorcycles would have seen a 14 percent increase. That's because motorcycles are getting bigger.

They are now charged the equivalent of one-fifth the size of a car; the state wanted to increase it to one-quarter the size.

The state Tariff Policy Committee, which has been holding hearings on the rate proposal, is recommending that there be no change for motorcycles, other than the 6 percent increase everyone will pay.

Motorcyclists had complained that the proposed increase was unfair.

The fare will be considered by the Transportation Commission March 23, and the new rates will go into effect May 1.

Under the 6 percent increase, which is likely to be approved, the fare for a car and driver between Seattle and Bainbridge Island would increase from $10.60 to $11.25 and the passenger fare from $6.10 to $6.50."

=== End Quoted Material ===

If motorcyclists are not subject a fare increase greater than automobiles, it is due to YOUR efforts in making YOUR voice heard. Whether it was through the petition or attending one of the Committee meetings, we were able to make a difference.

You are all to be congratulated!

 

[snowmonkey]

Ferry Rate Increase Defeated!

Written by John

Thursday, 23 March 2006

The Seattle Times is reporting that:

Based on overwhelming public comment in opposition to one of its proposals, the Tariff Policy Committee has dropped a recommendation for a steeper increase in motorcycle fares.

Part of the "overwhelming public comment" was the nearly 300 signatures gathered online from Northwest Cycle News readers.

Motorcyclists can be a powerful force when we work together. ( NO THANKS to our eastside brothers )

 

[Ignacio]

Motorcyclists can be a powerful force when we work together. ( NO THANKS to our eastside brothers )

As one of your eastside brothers I'm happy for you and your special interest project. When our taxes are raised to pay for this I'll be sure to thank you again.

 

[snowmonkey]

  When our taxes are raised to pay for this I'll be sure to thank you again.

The proposed 8% difference will be covered by the car and truck fares. I don't understand why you believe that it's OK to unfairly tax motorcyclist that use the WSF. Is it that eastsider mentality where you feel that you shouldn't have to pick up the tab for anything on the west side? Or is it just a personal thing?

 

[Ignacio]

Not at all. I think the fares I pay as a motorcyclist are too cheap considering we get to go to the front of the line and bypass those cars that have to wait for hours. I also think users across the board should pay more for the WSF. My basis for that is as a Washintonian....not being from one side or the other.