Ferry prices will increase starting in October.
Thursday morning, the Washington State Transportation Commission voted unanimously to increase fares for the next two years.
Prices will go up 4.25% in October, then again in 2024.
For instance, to drive onto the Edmonds/Kingston ferry today costs $13.55. In October it will go up to $14.10, and next year it will go up to $14.65.
The commission says the money will go towards operations and maintenance, meaning the crews, the boats operation, and fuel. It does not include building new boats, said one transportation official.
In previous years prices have only increased by 2.5%. The Transportation Committee says legislators are ultimately the ones setting the increase, because the state budget now requires that the ferry system generate $419 million in revenue each year. They say that requires a price increase.
Earlier this year riders were given the opportunity to voice their opinion during public meetings, and were asked to fill out an online survey. The commission received over 5,000 survey responses, and 40% of people were against a price jump.