Winter ferry schedule posted, changes in voyages and how prices are charged

The Alaska Marine Highway has posted its winter schedule that covers travel from Oct. 1 thru April 30.

The way fares are determined has changed and will vary depending on availability, timing of purchase, and other factors.

For instance, the price of a ticket will become more expensive as the ship fills up and there are fewer openings left, fares increase for travel to and from special events, and change fees will vary based on how close the change is to the day of departure.

 

 

The ferry system suffered a number of setbacks as the Alaska Legislature and Gov. Mike Dunleavy struggled to reach a final budget for the Marine Highways. In the end, funding for the current fiscal year was reduced by $43 million, which is a 31-percent budget cut from last year, according to the Department of Transportation.

In a press release announcing the new ferry schedules, the Marine Highway System said budget cuts left little room for flexibility in the schedule. And that staff ‘worked diligently to meet community needs.”

Passengers are encouraged to book early for the best fares.

The Alaska Department of Transportation and Public Facilities oversees 10 ferries that service 35 communities.