Cross-sound fares would be capped until a study is done.

Washington State Ferries made sure one Bainbridge mother–to-be wouldn’t be stuck in her car, birthing a dockside baby.

Now that mom’s a state legislator who wants to return the favor, ensuring a long and fruitful life for the state’s ferry runs.

But make no mistake – this is tough love.

A wide-ranging bill proposed by Rep. Christine Rolfes would provide a “roadmap for long-term planning to correct the course of the ferry system” while reining-in fare hikes.

The bill may also open the door for peak and off-peak pricing to maximize ferry capacity and limit use of ticket dollars for capital construction projects.

“My husband and I were driving through the night, racing for the tollboth only to see the ferry pulling out,” said Rolfes, recounting an event eight years ago she says is the “greatest fear” of every pregnant island woman. “Then the unthinkable happened…it backed up. It safely loaded us and carried us to Seattle.”

For Rolfes, the story illustrates that the “longterm health and viability of Washington State Ferries is not simply an economic issue or a transportation burden.

“The implications of the ferry system’s future and the costs of operating it are of utmost importance to the ferry communities and the families that live in them.”

Rolfes’ House Bill 2358 would cap ferry fares until WSF develops a new slate of pricing strategies. The bill would also require the state Department of Transportation to review fares annually and create a new citizen advisory committee to gather input on ticket rates.

WSF would also need to conduct a rider survey on service levels, pricing and ferry system budget decisions. The bill would require WSF to use the results of this poll as it develops fare rates and other strategies.

According to Mayor Darlene Kordonowy, new survey data would update WSF’s understanding of how and where the county is growing. This, in turn, could mean lower-cost passenger-only ferry service for Kingston and Bremerton and fewer off-island ferry riders depending on the Bainbridge terminal, she said.

State Secretary of Transportation Doug MacDonald gave his approval of the measure, recognizing the “crisis of the ferry system” and some riders’ unhappiness with steep price increases.

Island resident and frequent rider Debbie Lester said the long wait for WSF’s return to addressing customer concerns nearly sparked rider “revolt.”

“Rather than throw the tea over the ferry boat edge, I’ve come here for a cooperative path,” she said during the hearing.

That path must be lined with a stable funding source to suppliment the wallets and pocketbooks of riders, she said.

“Fares have risen 62 percent since 2001,” said Lester, who estimates she spent nearly $3,000 on ferry-related services last year. “Please do not continue to put the burden on the ferry users.”

The ferry system, she said, is a “marine highway” of comparable importance to the bridges over the Columbia River, the floating speedway to Mercer Island and the mountain passes. Lester asked legislators how users of these transportation features would feel about paying the $30 roundtrip charge she forks out to ferry over to Seattle.

Rolfes cautions that her bill would not reduce ferry fares. Another bill proposed by Rep. Sherry Appleton (D-Poulsbo) and co-sponsored by Rolfes would achieve this goal by increasing WSF’s share of the state gas tax.

But Rolfes believes HB 2358 has brought further recognition that ferry system funding is a statewide issue.

Rolfes points to the work of Rep. Fred Jarrett, a Mercer Island Republican, who drafted the amendment temporarily capping fare increases.

“This is recognition by the legislature that the entire state is responsible for the management of the system, and that fare increases during this time of reassessment would not be fair to riders,” Rolfes said.

The bill also puts some limitations on using fare revenues for capital projects, such as terminal construction and upgrades.

Appleton, who co-sponsored the bill, said tax-paying ferry riders are hit doubly hard when operations and capital funding sources bleed together.

“Taxpayers have spent $500 million in (WSF) capital costs over the last 15 years,” she said. “And in the end, riders also have higher fares.

“I have a real hard time with operations revenues going to capital projects.”

Another component of the bill gives WSF flexibility to increase peak-hour ticket pricing and maximize ferry capacity on off-peak runs.

Kordonowy believes this portion of the bill could encourage ridership and foster greater use of passenger-only ferries. Another component of the bill – requiring the Legislature’s approval of proposed route cuts – would ensure important maritime links are maintained.

“By leaving out passenger-only ferries, (WSF) left out a vital option to use a lesser-cost option when (demand) flattens out,” she said.

By Rolfes’ estimation, lower fares and better financial planning will help Bainbridge and other Puget Sound cities maintain vital transportation services.

“The bill helps recognize the obvious: as fares go up, ridership goes down,” she said. “While this might produce more revenue for the system, it has a big impact on our communities.”