Anyone with an interest in Washington State Ferries fares are being asked to weigh in on a new proposal that would see the cost increased twice in the foreseeable future, the first hike taking place in October.

Through Monday, July 29 the public is encouraged to provide comments on all of the proposed fare changes. Learn more about the fare proposal and “vote” on each proposed change at www.ferryfarecomments.participate.online.

The Washington State Transportation Commission recently released its proposal to increase ferry fares over the next two years. The proposed increase must generate $407 million in fare revenue between July 1, 2019 and June 30, 2021, as required in the recently passed two-year state transportation budget for Washington State Ferries operations.

The commission’s proposal includes two fare increases over the next two years and an increase in the current capital surcharge paid on each fare, as required by the Legislature to support construction of a new vessel.

The first increase, set for October, will include a 2.5 percent fare increase for vehicles, a 2 percent fare increase for passengers, and an additional 5 percent fare increase for oversize vehicles on the Anacortes/Sidney, British Columbia route.

The second increase, set for May, 2020, will include an additional 2.5 percent fare increase for small and standard sized vehicles and another 2 percent fare increase for passengers, in addition to a 25-cent increase for the capital surcharge, dedicated to the construction of a new vessel.