If ferry ticket prices continue to climb, even the most out-of-shape commuter may consider swimming as an alternative.

That’s the main reason Sen. Mary Margaret Haugen is against adding a fuel surcharge this fall even though ferry fuel prices are soaring. And as chair of the powerful Senate Transportation Committe, what the Camano Island Democrat thinks often translates into policy.

The Washington State Transportation Commission has discussed imposing a fuel surcharge in addition to a general fare increase. Commission members, however, recommended giving the Legislature an opportunity to address the ferry budget shortfall related to fuel costs during the next session, which begins in January.

Haugen said Tuesday that the proposal to hike fares yet again has not been well received in Olympia.

“There’s not a lot of support,” for a fuel surcharge, she said. “I’ve told the commission I don’t support it at all.”

The ferry system only pays sales tax on fuel, not the fuel tax paid by consumers at the gas pump. The money then goes into the general fund, much to Haugen’s chagrin.

“My goal is to get the money redirected into the ferry system,” she said.

The dollars would not offset all of the costs, but the extra funds would be a start.

“It certainly would help,” she said. “Ferry fares are very high right now.”

The Transportation Commission is made up of seven citizen members appointed by the governor and confirmed by the Senate. One of its duties is to set ferry fares. It will also be given the charge of setting tolls on bridges and highways if the state designates toll roads, such as the new Tacoma Narrows bridge.