OLYMPIA — The state ferry system plans fare increases beginning in October and is taking public comment on the proposal now.
Fares would be increased over the next two years with the aim of generating $357 million between July 1 and June 30, 2017, as required in the recently passed two-year state transportation budget for Washington State Ferries’ operations, the state Transportation Commission said.
The commission is expected to vote on the increases Tuesday, Aug. 4, in the Puget Sound Regional Council’s boardroom, 1011 Western Ave., Suite 500, Seattle, after a public hearing from 10 a.m. to noon.
Before then, public meetings are planned in Friday Harbor, Whidbey Island and Bremerton, as well as online.
The meetings are:
■ Friday Harbor — 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. Tuesday, July 7, County Administrative Office Building, Council Hearing Room, 55 Second St.
■ Whidbey Island — 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. Wednesday, July 8, Clinton Community Hall, 6411 Central Ave., Clinton.
■ Online virtual meeting — Noon to 1:30 p.m. Monday, July 13. Details on how to participate will be posted on the commission’s website at www.wstc.wa.gov.
■ Bremerton — 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. Wednesday, July 22, Kitsap Conference Center at Bremerton Harborside, Oyster Bay Conference Room, 100 Washington Ave.
Proposed dates and details of fare increases are:
■ Oct. 1 — A 2.5 percent fare increase for vehicles and a 1 percent fare increase for passengers.
The current over-height surcharge for vehicles less than 22 feet in length would be eliminated.
The over-height waiver currently in place for qualifying disability vehicles 22 to 30 feet long will be expanded to include any feature necessary to accommodate a disability on the vehicle that may add height, rather than limiting it to a lift or other mechanism.
■ May 1, 2016 — A 2.5 percent fare increase for vehicles and a 1 percent fare increase for passengers.
The over-height fare threshold for vehicles 22 to 30 feet long would be reduced from the current 7 feet, 6 inches to 7 feet, 2 inches.
Comment also can be made by email at transc@wstc.wa.gov, with “Ferry Fares” in the subject line; on the website at www.wstc.wa.gov; or in writing to the Washington State Transportation Commission, P.O. Box 47308, Olympia, WA 98504-7308 (phone 360-705-7070).
People also can join the Voice of Washington State (VOWS) input program at www.voiceofwashingtonstate.org and post ideas and comments using the commission’s online discussion forums.
For more information, see www.wstc.wa.gov.