Fares on Washington state ferries are going up again.
On Tuesday, the Washington State Transportation Commission approved a two-stage increase. The fare increases are designed to meet a $328 million revenue target set by the state Legislature.
State Ferries Director David Moseley says the fare hike will mostly just maintain the status quo.
"We are not, unfortunately, in a financial condition to make substantial improvements to the system,” he said. “Our job is to do what we can as cost-effectively as we can to maintain and preserve the level of service that we have today.”
Effective Oct. 1, passenger fares will increase 2 percent and vehicle fares by 3 percent. Passenger fares will go up another 2 percent and vehicle fares 2.5 percent on May 1, 2014. The aim is to encourage walk-on riders.
It's not all bad news. Families traveling on the state ferries may appreciate a bigger discount on children's tickets. The youth discount widens to 50 percent off the adult fare starting in the fall.
