May ferry fare increases are a double whammy

By NATALIE JOHNSON
Vashon-Maury Island Beachcomber Reporter
April 24, 2012 · Updated 4:56 PM 

Ferry riders’ pocketbooks will be squeezed a little tighter beginning next Tuesday, when across-the-board fare increases are implemented at the same time as the annual peak-season surcharge.

Beginning Tuesday, May 1, Washington State Ferries will implement a 3 percent fare increase for all tickets, including multi-ride cards, to help cover the ferry system’s operating costs.

The Washington State Transportation Commission approved the increase, the second such fare hike in six months, last August in order to meet the ferry system’s revenue targets.

Also beginning in May, a peak-season surcharge of 25 percent will be applied to full-price vehicle tickets on all routes except the San Juan Islands, where the surcharge will be 35 percent.

The peak-season surcharge will be in place through September and will not apply to passenger and walk-on tickets or multi-ride cards.

A car-and-driver ticket from Fauntleroy to Vashon that was $16.25 in April will cost $20.90 beginning in May and will drop to $16.75 in October.

Drivers of short cars, however, will get a break beginning in May. Tickets for vehicles shorter than 14 feet will cost 20 percent less than standard-sized vehicles.

 

Contact Vashon-Maury Island Beachcomber Reporter Natalie Johnson at njohnson@vashonbeachcomber.com or 206-463-9195.

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