http://stream.publicbroadcasting.net/production/mp3/kplu/local-kplu-959182.mp3
Riders on the nation’s biggest ferry system, Washington State Ferries, should brace themselves for another round of fare increases. The only remaining question is how much.
The state House and Senate have come out with competing spending blueprints for roads and ferries. One thing the budgets have in common is higher ferry fares. The increase this fall ranges between 2.5% and 5% and another 2.5% coming next fall.
Republican state Senator Curtis King says there’s bipartisan agreement to raise fares.
“Our ferry system (as is) is not sustainable. With this budget we are trying to start the process to rectify that situation,” says King.
He says the ferry budget is getting hammered by rising fuel prices. If prices go even higher, a separate ticket surcharge is a possibility.
To save money, senators also want to change course on buying biodiesel, meaning ferries would run on regular diesel for the next two years. Midday and late night service cutbacks are also proposed.
Lawmakers will be forging compromises between the Senate and House transportation budgets before voting on a final bill.
