Whatcom County announces significant rise in ferry fares to Lummi Island
Fares for the Lummi Island ferry will be rising sharply because of increased costs, under an order from Whatcom County Executive Satpal Sidhu.
In his order, Sidhu said there is not enough money in revenue, reserves and forecast revenue at the current rate to support the ferry’s projected 2026 budget.
Revenues come from countywide taxes in the Road Fund and from fares. County codes require fares to cover 55% of ferry costs, including personnel, fuel and maintenance.
Ferry service is operating at a loss, according to a June 10 presentation to the County Council.
“I want to recognize that higher fares will impact the pocketbooks of virtually all ferry users and that the popular multi-ride punch cards are seeing the highest price increases. However, it is clear that the fare structure has been out of balance for some time, and this restructuring is a much-needed step toward sustainability and compliance with County Code, which caps multi-ride discounts at 20 percent,” Sidhu said in an emailed statement.
New fares will take effect Aug. 23, Sidhu said.
Rates for the most common fares will be:
▪ $24 for a vehicle with driver under 11,000 pounds, up from $14.
▪ $10 for a pedestrian or passenger, up from $8.
▪ $13 for a bicycle with rider, up from $8.
▪ $14 for a motorcycle with rider, up from $9.
▪ Schoolchildren ride free, as do Lummi tribal members on foot or in a non-commercial vehicle (with ID).
The M/V Whatcom Chief carries cars and passengers on the 8-minute ride across Hale Passage between Lummi Island and Lummi Nation. It’s the only access to the mainland for most residents and visitors.
According to data from Whatcom County, the Whatcom Chief made 2,849 round trips in the first quarter of this year, down from 2,910 in the same period of 2024.
The ferry made 6,053 trips in 2024, carrying 177,498 total passengers and 112,029 total vehicles.
According to U.S. census figures, the island had a 2023 population of 1,020 with an average age of 62 and a median income of about $45,000.
Whatcom County has a 2024 population of 234,954 with a median household income of $80,989.
This story was originally published June 19, 2025 at 7:35 AM.
