Ferry rates between Steilacoom and Anderson Island will go up 10 percent Tuesday, Jan. 1. The new fare is $11.50 for a car and driver and $3.30 for adult passengers and walk-ons.
Commuter tickets for five round trips increase from $41.75 to $46 for a car and driver and from $9.50 to $10.50 for adult passengers and walk-ons. These additional passenger/walk on fares will go into effect: senior or disabled citizen, $1.65, and youth (ages 5 through 18), $2. Children under 5 will continue to travel free. Unused ferry fare tickets (other than commuter tickets) issued prior to Jan. 1 will be valid through Feb. 15.
Vehicle fares continue to be based on the vehicle’s length. For example, vehicles more than 20 feet and less than 30 feet and driver will be charged $20.50, and those 80 feet and greater will be charged $80. Vehicle fares increase during peak season (May 15 through Sept. 15). For example, the car and driver fare is $13.80 during peak season; vehicles more than 20 feet and less than 30 feet and driver will be charged $24.60, and those 80 feet and greater will be charged $96.
Senior citizens (65 and older) must show proof of age with valid photo identification or a Regional Reduce Fare permit. Disabled passengers must present one of the following as valid disability identification: Regional Reduce Fare permit; Veterans Administration certification of 40 percent or greater disability; regional ADA paratransit card.
Passengers may take one bicycle on board at no extra cost. An 80-cent fee was charged previously for bicycles.
The Pierce County County Council approved the fare rate increases in November after determining the previous fare schedule approved in 1999 no longer provided sufficient revenue for the ferry system’s effective operation.