Fares going up for most ferry riders
SEATTLE -- The Washington State Transportation Commission voted Tuesday to increase the fares for most riders on Washington State Ferries.
Adult passenger fares will go up 2% and vehicle fares will increase 3%, starting Oct. 1. Passenger fares will go up another 2% and vehicle fares will jump another 2.5% in May 2014.
Adult fares will be $7.85. Vehicle fares will be $13.65.
But not everyone will pay more. Youth fares will be going down from 80% of full fare to 50% of full fare.
The increases are expected to raise $328 million over the next two years to meet state budget requirements set by the Legislature. The rate increase is designed simply to maintain services and pay for increased costs like fuel prices. The money won't go towards any improvements.
Detailed information, including fare tables, is available on the commission's website: www.wstc.wa.gov