Washington State Ferries to hike fares Jan. 1

Riding a Washington State ferry will be a little more expensive beginning Jan. 1.

A 2.5 percent fare increase will go into effect on all routes on New Year’s Day. New fares for the Kingston to Edmonds and Bainbridge to Seattle routes will be:

  • Vehicle and driver full fare: $12.15
  • Multi-ride (20 trips): $194.40
  • Passenger fares: adults $7.10; seniors (ages 65 and over) or disabled $3.55; youth (ages 6-18) $5.70
  • Commuter: multi-ride (10 trips) $56.80; monthly pass $90.90

The state Transportation Commission approved the fare increase in November. The fare hike was called into question in December because voter approved initiative 1053 – passed in 2010 – requires two-thirds legislative approval for tax and fee increases.

On Dec. 22, Attorney General Rob McKenna determined the fare increase was filed before initiative 1053 went into effect and allowed Washington State Ferries to move forward with the fare increase.

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