Home>FAQ

FAQ

FAQ Categories

Questions & Answers

App

How do I download an App?

Depending on the device the app is operating on, for iPhones and iPads go to the App Store or for Android devices go to Google Play app store and search for “Pierce County Ferry.”

Which phones and operating systems are supported?

iOS devices running an operating system of iOS 7 and above, and Android devices running an operating system of 4.3 and above.

What if the App is unresponsive?

Try logging out and closing the app, then open the app and log back in. If unsuccessful, try powering your device off and then back on.

What if I get a new phone? Can I transfer my tickets?

If you get a new phone, reinstall the app and log in to your account. All information and ticket purchases will remain in the app.

Cell Phone

What if my battery dies?

You are responsible for showing proof of valid fare to the member of the crew scanning tickets. If your cell phone battery dies, or is not working, during the work day (Monday thru Friday) you can see personnel at the ticket booth who may be able to print a ticket from your account. Of note, you must provide a current government issued identification card and account verification information, including username and password. This is for the protection of your account. After hours and during the weekend personnel at the Ferry Terminal do not have the ability to print your ticket from your account.

Connection

Do I need a wireless connection to buy or use tickets?

No. You will need a data connection, using either cellular data or Wi-Fi, to purchase ticket on the mobile App. Tickets purchased on the ticket portal can be made over your regular internet connection.

My Account

How do I set up my account?

For Android Devices: After you first launch the app, you’ll see the App Dashboard. Tap “My Account” and “Register Today!” You can also create an account by tapping the “My Tickets” button, then “Register Today!”

For iOS Devices: After you first launch the app, you’ll see the App Dashboard. Tap “My Account”, “login” and “Register Today!” You can also create an account by tapping the “My Tickets” button, then “Register Today!”

What is the difference between creating an account and logging in?

“Create an account” if you don’t have one or want to create a new one.

“Login” if you want to use an existing account.

How do I reset my password?

On the App: On the bottom of the login screen, tap the link named “Forgot your password? Reset Here" and follow the directions.

On the Main Account Page: There is a "Forgot Password" prompt. Click on the prompt and follow the directions. Of note, your username is your email address.

What type of credit card can I use?

The online account system only accepts MasterCard and Visa.

Ticket Purchase

Is it necessary to create an account to purchase a ticket?

Yes. You will be prompted to create an account before purchasing a ticket. This allows greater convenience for you as you can access your account from the Mobile App, the online ticket portal, or at the terminal ticket booth. In addition, it will assist in providing you a refund if one is requested.

How do I add a debit/credit card to my account?

For Android Devices: Adding a debit/credit card can be done while making a purchase and/or under “My Account.” Log into your account and click “My Account.” Under “Tickets” click “Payment Methods” and press the “ ” in the green circle next to “Payment Methods” You will then be prompted to enter your credit card number. You can manually enter your credit card number or click the camera icon to take a picture of your card, which will automatically enter your card number. Next enter your expiration date, CVV number and postal code.

For iOS Devices: Login to your account and click “My Account”. Under “Tickets”, click “Payment Methods: and tap the “Add a New Credit Card” button. The camera opens up and can automatically scan your credit card number. You also have the option to select “KeyBoard” and enter the card number yourself. Next enter your expiration date, CVV number and postal code. To finish entering in your credit card tap “Done.”

Can I store more than one card?

Yes. You can add another card while making a purchase and tapping the currently selected credit card and next tapping the green “ ” button when prompted for payment options or in “My Account” under “Payment Methods.”

You can add another card while making a purchase tapping “Change” on the Ticket Checkout screen. The Payment Methods screen will open with an option to “Add A New Credit Card.” Tap that option.

You can also add additional cards within “My Account” and “Payment Methods”. There is no limit to the number of credit cards you can add.

Where is my personal information and credit card information stored?

All personal and credit card information is stored on a securely encrypted Payment Card Industry Data Security Standard (PCI DSS) compliant server.

How quickly is the payment processed?

Once the payment is authorized, the payment is processed immediately.

What if my credit/debit card declines?

First, confirm you have the correct bank card details registered in the app exactly as they appear on your card and billing statement, such as credit card number, zip code and three-digit security code (CVV) on the back. If everything is correct, contact your bank for further information. Transactions showing as “pending” have not been processed and typically are removed within two business days. Your credit card will not be charged for these transactions.

My card was declined — why is there a pending transaction on my statement?

Transactions showing as pending have not been processed and typically are cleared within two business days. Your card will not be charged for these transactions.

Can I get a refund?

A Ferry Ticket can be refunded only if it has not been used, and its life has not expired.

Value Pass:

Value Passes expire 40 days from the date of purchase.
There are no refund for unused Value Pass rides beyond 40 days from time of purchase.
No value after expiration.

Replacements (Lost/Stolen): TBD

Ways to request a Refund:

In Person: Currently the system does not allow for same day refund. However, we are working to provide this option as quickly as possible. Until this option is available, all refunds must be processed through the Refund Request Form.
By Mail: You can request a refund directly from the Pierce County Ferry main office. If you are at the terminal, ask the Cashier for a “PCF Request for Refund” form. Make sure you fill out the form completely and put proper postage before mailing. The mailing address is printed on the form.
By Email: Complete the online form,

http://www.pierceferrytickets.com/customer-service/refund-form/

To have your request processed in a timely manner, please completely fill out the Request for Refund form. It typically takes about 3 weeks to process a refund if all information on the form is complete. Missing information may delay your request.

Reason for Reimbursement request:

Some examples:

Rate changes.
Wrong ticket purchased (ex: brought senior ticket instead of Vehicle/Adult Ticket).
Unable to print out ticket.

Refund Periods:

Peak Season (May 1^st – September 30^th): During peak season, you have 10 days from the start of the new pricing to request a refund on unused ticket from a previous season.

Non-Peak Season (October 1^st – April 30^th): Off peak season, you have 10 days from the start date of the new pricing to request a refund on unused ticket from a previous season.

Year End/Rate Changes: You have 10 days from start date of the new pricing to request a refund of an unused ticket.

Note: Disputed fares must be submitted within 30 days of purchase. Please allow 3-4 weeks for resolution.

Questions? Please contact us at PierceFerryRefund@hmsgm.com.

Are receipts available for my mobile ticketing purchase?

Receipts are not available for mobile ticketing purchases. You will see a confirmation page within the app upon processing of payment. However, you can print a receipt from your main account.

Purchasing Fares

Can multiple tickets be purchased at one time?

Yes, you can purchase more than one ticket at a time. Unused tickets will be stored in your account for future use.

Is there a limit for purchases?

No, there is no limit

Can I purchase my ticket ahead of time with the app?

Yes. Please note that purchasing a ticket ahead of time does not guarantee a seat on your preferred boat. All ticket holders (paper or mobile) are subject to a first come/first serve.

Does my ticket expire?

Yes. Value Pass tickets expire 40 days after purchase. All other tickets expire 10 days after an annual rate change or from non-Peak to Peak season rates.

For example, if you purchase a ticket during the Non-Peak Season (October 1st - April 30th), the ticket is good through the Non-Peak Season and up for 10-days into the Peak Season (May 1st - September 30th).

Activating Tickets

How do I activate my Mobile App tickets?

Log onto your Mobile App account, go to "My Tickets" and select the ticket for your upcoming trip on the ferry. Prior to the ticket agent scanning your ticket, tap on the "Show Ticket" icon for the respective ticket.

When the ticket agent asks for your ticket, tap on the QR code on the lower left hand corner of your phone's screen, which will enlarge the QR for scanning. The enlarged QR code will remain on your screen for 10 seconds before reducing back to the small icon. You may have to tap on the QR again if the agent has not scanned the QR code prior to it reducing to the small icon.

How do I view my active ticket?

After a crew member has activated your ticket, simply click “back” on the top of your screen from your iOS device and return to your “My Tickets” list. On Android use the built-in back button on your device to return to the “My Tickets” list. The ticket status will update. Next click on the ticket to view.

Can I use multiple tickets at the same time for myself and my family or friends?

Yes, just go to “My Tickets”, and select “Show Ticket” for each ticket needed for the group traveling with you. To use more than one ticket, you must first purchase the tickets by going to the “Buy Tickets” tab.

Boarding with your Mobile Ticket

Will a crew member show me how to use the app?

It’s best to do your research before you head out. A crew member may be able to help, but their job is to check your fare and focus on boarding passengers. There is a FAQ that addresses how to activate a ticket.

The ticket takes a long time to display, what can I do?

Click the back button and select “Show Ticket” again. Also, closing other apps you aren’t using can help your phone’s responsiveness. If the issue continues, try restarting your phone and/or uninstalling and reinstalling the app.

If the problem continues, you can bring your phone to the ticket booth at the Ferry Terminal for assistance.

As a reminder, it is your responsibility to have your ticket ready for activation upon boarding. If your ticket is not ready or your phone is not working, you may be asked to allow other passengers to board.

Contact Us

How do I contact you if my question is not answered?

If you still have a question about your account, you can send your question to:

PierceFerryAdmin@hmsgm.com

We will answer your question as quickly as possible.

Thank you.

Ferry Rules and Regulations

Where can I find the Ferry Rules and Regulations?

The Rules and Regulations for the Pierce County Ferry system can be found on the Pierce County Ferry webpage. The link is:

http://www.co.pierce.wa.us/2718/Rules-Regulations

Thank you for riding the Pierce County Ferry.