State ferry rates to increase under proposal

SEATTLE – Most vehicle and passengers fares will increase this October and again next year under a proposal being considered by the Washington State Transportation Commission.

The commission is meeting in Seattle Wednesday to vote on ferry fare and policy changes.

Under the proposal, rates for smaller and standard-sized vehicles would increase by 2.9 percent and passenger rates would go up 2.5 percent in October.

Rates would go up again on Oct. 1, 2018 – by 2.5 percent for small and standard-sized vehicles and 2.1 percent for passengers.

The Kitsap Sun says the Legislature’s transportation budget assumes Washington State Ferries will generate $381 million in fares during the biennium that began July 1, or about 70 percent of its operating costs. Ferries officials determine how exactly to raise the money.

A final public hearing is scheduled before Wednesday’s vote.