Ferry system may seek another fare hike

SEATTLE – State ferry riders may face another increase in fares after the Washington State Transportation Commission voted Wednesday to direct the ferry system to find ways to deal with the high cost of diesel fuel.

The commission's move means that the ferry system will start exploring options to fill the $10 million shortfall caused by the fuel prices, said commission chairman Dan O'Neal.

O'Neal said the commission is studying a fare increase between 5 percent and 20 percent, as well as asking the Legislature for more money.

Earlier this year, the ferry system received $17 million from the state for rising fuel costs. And the commission voted in March to raised rates by 6 percent, effective May 1.

But O'Neal said the system still faces a shortfall and needs more money.

"The cost of diesel fuel shot up and it's a much higher level than was planned," he said. "This is not anything that the ferries are doing alone. The railroads, the airlines, the truckers, any company that has to rely on fuel to operate has been increasing its prices in order to offset the higher costs."

O'Neal said a decision would likely be made by October.