| |
13
South Evergreen Park Dr. SW., P.O. Box 47250 - Olympia, Washingtion 98504-7250
(360 )664-1160 - TTY - (360) 586-8205
JOHN R. BINGHAM
September
19, 2009
Regulation of Lake Chelan's Commercial Ferry Service
Background
The Washington Utilities and Transportation Commission (UTC) regulates
commercial ferry service. "Commercial ferries" offer service
between fixed points over set routes. Commercial ferry service does not
include charter or excursion boat services. Along with fares, the commission
also regulates:
| |
* Market entry by granting exclusive operating
rights in a specific territory.
* Terms and conditions of service.
* Consumer protection. |
|
Currently
the UTC regulates eight commercial ferry service providers operating mainly
on Puget Sound. Rates, terms and conditions of service are outlined in
a document called a tariff. As part of its regulatory duties, the commission
must approve all changes to a private ferry's tariff before the company
may implement any changes (e.g., rates, routes or passenger rules).
During the 2009-10 legislative session, Engrossed Senate Bill (ESB) 5894
was passed and on May 19, Gov. Gregoire signed the bill into law. The
measure allows the commission to exempt certain commercial ferry-service
operations from regulation after a hearing if the:
| |
*
Ferry service does not serve an essential transportation service;
* Ferry service is solely for recreation; and
* Exemption from regulation (allowing others
to compete) would not adversely affect the rates of services of an
existing operator. |
|
If
a commercial ferry service operation is exempted from regulation by the
commission, it means the company would no longer have exclusive operating
rights in a specific territory and that other providers could apply to
serve that route. Exemption also means that the ferry company's rates
and terms of service are no longer regulated. This could have a profound
effect on customers.
In addition, the new law directs the commission to conduct a study and
report on the appropriateness of regulating the rates and services of
commercial ferry-service operations on Lake Chelan. The report is to be
delivered to the Legislature by Dec. 31. For the UTC to complete this
study, the commission is asking for public comments. Two public meetings
will be held at the following locations and times:
| |
Date
|
Time
|
Place
|
|
Meeting
1
|
October
19, 2009 |
11
a.m. |
Stehekin
Community Hall
Stehekin, WA 98852
|
|
Meeting
2
|
October
19, 2009 |
7
p.m. |
City
of Chelan Council Chambers
135 E Johnson
Ave
Chelan, WA 98816 |
You may also comment by using the public comment form on the UTC Web site
at www.utc.wa.gov, or by e-mail to comments@utc.wa.gov.
The UTC also will accept comments submitted by mail to:
| |
UTC
P.O. Box 47250
Olympia, WA 98504-7250 |
|
Questions:
1. Value provided from regulating exclusive operating
rights, rates and service
| |
a.
What are the advantages to regulating ferry service on Lake Chelan?
b. What are the disadvantages?
c. What do you see as advantages and disadvantages
of the local county government regulating ferries on Lake Chelan rather
than the commission? |
|
| |
1.
County Government...key benefits and disadvantages
2. Special District… key benefits and disadvantages
3. Other (specify)… key benefits and disadvantages |
|
2.
Satisfied or not with the existing status quo.
| |
a.
If you could change anything about the ferry service on Lake Chelan,
what would it be and why?
b. What is it about the ferry service on Lake Chelan
that you would want to see remain the same and why? |
|
Sincerely,
John Cupp
Public Involvement Coordinator
|
|