Historic Ferry Regulation Ordered in Eastern Washington
For the first time, state regulators impose rules on the Columbia River ferry lines to protect local travelers.
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A cleaned-up reading of the newspaper page: spelling and layout repaired, one story lifted off a crowded page. It follows the original closely but it is not a transcription. The original page is below; read it if a detail matters.
For the first time in the history of the state, the public service commission has undertaken the regulation of ferry companies. Monday, in an order written by Commissioner Lewis, the service board ordered a new schedule of rates filed by the McPherson Brothers’ ferry line, operating between Douglas and Okanogan counties over the Columbia river, though it holds that the company is not at present making an unreasonable return on its investment.
“For the first time in the history of the state the public service commission has undertaken the regulation of ferry companies.”
This early attempt at regulating Columbia River infrastructure highlights the transition from private enterprise to public utility management in Washington. Today, the WSDOT ferry system manages these crossings, reflecting a long-term shift toward public oversight of essential transit.
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