Summer ferry fares begin Tuesday
SEATTLE -- Starting Tuesday, a ride on a Washington state ferry is going to cost you more when two major fare increases kick-in to help keep the ferry system alive and sailing.
Washington State Ferries increased all fares 3 percent to help cover operating costs after state law makers passed a budget that calls on the ferries to kick-in more money.
Add to that a 25-percent peak-season surcharge for cars and trucks that runs through September and it adds up.
For example, on the Bainbridge-Island-to-Seattle run, the one-way fare for a car and driver will go up from $12.75 to $16.30.
The ferry system is also looking to cut an extra million dollars a year in costs by trimming boat crews. If they don't reach an agreement with there unions on how to do that, fares increases could come into question again.
The 3-percent fare increase affects everyone who rides. The summer surcharge will only affect single ticket, vehicle fares, not passes or passengers.
Washington State Ferries increased all fares 3 percent to help cover operating costs after state law makers passed a budget that calls on the ferries to kick-in more money.
Add to that a 25-percent peak-season surcharge for cars and trucks that runs through September and it adds up.
For example, on the Bainbridge-Island-to-Seattle run, the one-way fare for a car and driver will go up from $12.75 to $16.30.
The ferry system is also looking to cut an extra million dollars a year in costs by trimming boat crews. If they don't reach an agreement with there unions on how to do that, fares increases could come into question again.
The 3-percent fare increase affects everyone who rides. The summer surcharge will only affect single ticket, vehicle fares, not passes or passengers.
