If you’re one of Washington’s 22 million annual ferry riders, or even just looking at a quick trip from Bremerton to Seattle, take note – Ferry fares are going up October 1st.
In July the Washington State Transportation Commission voted to approve increases of 2 percent on passenger fares and 3 percent on vehicle fares, as well as a 4.1 increase on the Anacortes to Sydney, British Columbia route. These increases are necessary to ensure that Washington’s ferry system remains financially stable in the wake of difficult economic times.
Here are some other new policies that will take effect, according to WSDOT:
· The final phase of a three part plan to reduce fares for smaller vehicles that take up less space on the ferry. Fares for cars less than 14 feet will be charged 70 percent of the vehicle fare charged for standard vehicles
· Vehicles that currently pay the motorcycle oversize surcharge will pay either the under-14-feet-vehicle fare or, if they are under 8-feet in length, the motorcycle/driver fare.
· The youth discount for ages 6 through 18 will from the current 20 percent off the full fare to 50 percent off the full fare.