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Washington ferry fares going up 2.5 percent in October

New fare rates for Washington state ferries have been announced.
WSDOT
New fare rates for Washington state ferries have been announced.

OLYMPIA, Wash. — Within the plans to increase fares, cars shorter than 14 feet will be charged a lower fare on Washington ferries and bike riders won't need an annual permit under changes approved by the state Transportation Commission.

Small cars would pay 90 percent of the standard vehicle fare when changes take effect Oct. 1, and the small car fare would drop to 70 percent in 2013. The bicycle permit is eliminated for passengers with monthly passes.

The big change for most ferry riders will be a general fare increase of 2.5 percent in October and another 3 percent increase next May. Also a 25-cent surcharge will be added on every ticket to go into a fund dedicated for vessel replacement.

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