Transportation commission to vote on ferry fare increase

Associated Press

SEATTLE — Most vehicle and passengers fares will increase this October and again next year under a proposal being considered by the Washington State Transportation Commission.

The commission is meeting in Seattle Wednesday to vote on ferry fare and policy changes.

Under the proposal, rates for smaller and standard-sized vehicles would increase by 2.9 percent and passenger rates would go up 2.5 percent in October.

Rates would go up again on Oct. 1, 2018 — by 2.5 percent for small and standard-sized vehicles and 2.1 percent for passengers.

The Kitsap Sun says the Legislature’s transportation budget assumes Washington State Ferries will generate $381 million in fares during the biennium that began July 1, or about 70 percent of its operating costs. Ferries officials determine how exactly to raise the money.

A final public hearing is scheduled before Wednesday’s vote.

Talk to us

> Give us your news tips.

> Send us a letter to the editor.

> More Herald contact information.

More in Local News

More frequent service coming for Community Transit buses

As part of a regular update to its service hours, the agency will boost the frequencies of its Swift lines and other popular routes.

More than $1 million is available for housing-related programs in Snohomish County, and the Human Services Department is seeking applications. (File photo)
Applicants sought for housing programs in Snohomish County

More than $1 million is available for housing-related programs in… Continue reading

The newly rebuilt section of Index-Galena Road is pictured on Saturday, Nov. 4, 2023, near Index, Washington. (Jordan Hansen / The Herald)
Snohomish County honored nationally for Index-Galena road repair

The county Public Works department coordinated with multiple entities to repair a stretch of road near Index washed out by floods in 2006.

Birch, who was an owner surrender and now currently has an adoption pending, pauses on a walk with volunteer Cody McClellan at PAWS Lynnwood on Thursday, Aug. 7, 2025 in Lynnwood, Washington. (Olivia Vanni / The Herald)
Pet surrenders up due to rising cost of living, shelter workers say

Compared to this time last year, dog surrenders are up 37% at the Lynnwood PAWS animal shelter.

Pedestrians cross the intersection of Evergreen Way and Airport Road on Thursday, Aug. 7, 2025 in Everett, Washington. (Olivia Vanni / The Herald)
In Snohomish County, pedestrian fatalities continue a troublesome trend

As Everett and other cities eye new traffic safety measures, crashes involving pedestrians show little signs of decreasing.

The Mountlake Terrace City Council discusses the Flock Safety license plate camera system on Thursday, June 5, 2025 in Mountlake Terrace, Washington. (Olivia Vanni / The Herald)
Mountlake Terrace public express ongoing ire with future Flock system

The city council explored installing a new advisory committee for stronger safety camera oversight.

Crane Aerospace & Electronics volunteer Dylan Goss helps move branches into place between poles while assembling an analog beaver dam in North Creek on Wednesday, Aug. 6, 2025 in Everett, Washington. (Olivia Vanni / The Herald)
Adopt A Stream volunteers build analog beaver dams in North Creek

The human-engineered structures will mimic natural dams in an effort to restore creek health in an increasingly urbanized area.

Ferries pass on a crossing between Mukilteo and Whidbey Island. (Andy Bronson / Herald file)
State commission approves rate hike for ferry trips

Ticket prices are set to rise about 6% over the next two years.

Ian Terry / The Herald A school bus driven by Jan Bates stops on 83rd Avenue Northeast in Marysville on Tuesday, March 14. Bates’ bus, along with 14 others in the district, have been equipped with cameras to watch for drivers who illegally pass the bus when its stop sign is out. Photo taken on 03142017
After 1,000 school zone violations last year, Marysville police urge drivers to slow down

Police issued 553 citations for speeding in school zones and 506 violations regarding stop paddles.

Jake Graham holds a photograph of his mother Poppy Graham on Monday, Aug. 11, 2025 in Everett, Washington. (Olivia Vanni / The Herald)
RIP Poppy: Lake Stevens renter finds missing ashes in garage

Thanks to the power of social media, Jake Graham was reunited with his mom after 15 years.

Damage from a kitchen fire at Scriber Creek Apartments in Lynnwood on Monday, Aug. 25, 2025. (South County Fire)
Lynnwood apartment fire displaces six residents on Monday

First responders said the fire began in the kitchen at Scriber Creek Apartments.

Logo for news use featuring Snohomish County, Washington. 220118
Four Everett men named in federal drug conspiracy indictment

The indictment describes drug deals connected with the Sinaloa Cartel that stretched as far north as Arlington and Whidbey Island.

Support local journalism

If you value local news, make a gift now to support the trusted journalism you get in The Daily Herald. Donations processed in this system are not tax deductible.