The Washington State Transportation Commission adopted changes to current ferry fares at a hearing held in Seattle on Wednesday, August 24.
According to Ferries Secretary for the State Department of Transportation, David Moseley, “The changes included a general fare increase of 2.5 percent on Oct. 1, 2011, and a 3 percent increase on May 1, 2012; a restructuring of car size-based fare categories; elimination of bicycle permits, and the addition of a surcharge of 25 cents per fare to go toward building new vessels. ”
For more information, visit https://www.wstc.wa.gov/. For specific information on the elimination of the bicycle permits, visit www.wsdot.wa.gov/ferries/bpp/
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But our Mini will start getting a small discount. Looking for the glass half-full here, but honestly don’t know how many working folk can continue to pay these escalating prices.
Ya know, everything goes up in cost, including the cost of using the ferry. BUT, you would expect either the same or a better level of service, or better maintained or more current vessels along with increased cost. Instead, all the boats are one year older, and the schedule is the worse summer schedule yet.
Me thinks that other localities have a much lobby presence in Olympia than San Juan County. Come to think, do we even have a lobbyist in Olympia?