(JUNEAU, Alaska) –The Alaska Department of Transportation and Public Facilities (ADOT&PF) announced today that fares on the Alaska Marine Highway System (AMHS) will increase 4.5 percent for travel beginning May 1, 2015.
 
The new fare structure will go into effect January 1, 2015. The rate increase will not affect reservations made prior to the effective date.

Some fares will not be affected by the new tariff structure. Fares that are disproportionately higher than the majority of AMHS fares will remain unchanged.

“In 2005 AMHS revenues accounted for nearly half of the system’s operating budget. Today revenues cover less than one third of the operating budget,” said ADOT&PF Deputy Commissioner Reuben Yost.

The fare increase will help cover operating costs and meet revenue targets for AMHS. In 2013 revenues recovered approximately 31 percent of AMHS operating costs, which required $119.3 million from the state General Fund. The fare increase is the first since 2007 and is expected to generate an additional $1.8 million in revenue.

The fare increase is consistent with preliminary tariff recommendations that were presented to the Marine Transportation Advisory Board on December 12, 2014. A copy of the meeting packet, including the presentation, is available at dot.alaska.gov/mtab.

Travelers are encouraged to make reservations in advance either online at FerryAlaska.com, by calling 1-800-642-0066, or visiting ferry terminal staff throughout the system. Making advance reservations is the best way to guarantee space for passengers and vehicles, and it allows the system to operate more efficiently. Fare information is available online or from reservations agents.

The Alaska Department of Transportation and Public Facilities oversees 237 airports, 9 ferries serving 35 communities along 3,500 marine miles, over 5,600 miles of highway and 839 public facilities throughout the state of Alaska. The mission of the department is to “Keep Alaska Moving through service and infrastructure.”

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