04/30/2006: "Fare Increase Begins Today, May 1"

Monday, May 1, Washington State Ferries will implement both the annual peak season surcharge and a fare increase, recently approved by the Transportation Commission.

The 6% fare increase is across the board and impacts all fare types. For specific information on fares by route, customers can check the ferries web site on the link above (WSF Updates) or pick up a fare brochure at the nearest terminal.

Paid parking at the Anacortes Terminal will also begin May 1, with rates at $10 per day, $25 for three days and $40 for a week.

The peak season surcharge equals about 25% on most routes and is only charged for the full fare vehicle and driver tickets and is not applied to the passenger fares or the frequent user fares. The exception to this is the Anacortes to San Juan Islands routes, which have peak season surcharge on both passenger and car and driver fares. The surcharge is slightly larger, 35%, than on down Sound routes. This route also has day of week pricing, giving a price break to those traveling Sunday through Tuesday.

"The surcharge is tied to the months with the highest traffic demands" says Traci Brewer-Rogstad, Director of Operations. "During the late spring and summer, there is more demand for car space than we have capacity and the higher rates reflect the premium space."

For more information, contact Washington State Ferries at 1-888-808-7977.