OLYMPIA, Wash. – The Washington Utilities and Transportation Commission has approved rate increases for Lake Chelan Boat Company, Inc.
The company, which operates the Lady of the Lake and Lady Express ferries on Lake Chelan, is implementing a rate increase of 8.5% to address decreased ridership and restrictions on the number of passengers allowed due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Passengers will see an increase of $0.25 to $2 per one-way trip, depending on the destination and season.
The increase will allow the company to increase its annual revenues by about $118,500.
The rate increase will simplify fare options, revise scheduled service for efficiency, and provide an additional vessel to do scheduled runs.
The commission received one comment opposed to the rate increase.
The new rates went into effect on January 8.
The company last updated its rates in January 2020.
BACKGROUND
Lake Chelan Boat Company, Inc. operates commercial passenger ferry services from Chelan to Stehekin with intermediate stops along the way. The company provides basic, year-round passenger transportation where residents have limited transportation alternatives. They serve approximately 55,000 passengers annually on Lake Chelan.
The company was first issued an operating permit from the UTC in 1929 and changed ownership in February 2019.
The commission regulates the rates and services of private commercial ferry companies in Washington. The UTC does not regulate charter or excursion-boat services. Please visit www.utc.wa.gov for more information.