Commission could rule Wednesday on ferry hikes

"State Transportation Commission members want to hear from ferry commuters before choosing between two ticket price increase proposals.The commission has scheduled a public hearing for 8 a.m.-noon Wednesday, March 28, on the fourth floor of the King County Courthouse, 516 3rd Ave., in Seattle. Ferry commuters are encouraged to attend. Washington State Ferries (WSF) spokeswoman Pat Patterson said the commission plans to accept public input regarding the fare increases currently proposed by the commission's Tariff Policy Committee (TPC). Patterson added the commission could take a vote on the fare-increase proposals.The most recent TPC proposal would raise passenger-only fares to $6.50 ($5.15 for users of commuter ticket books) on passenger-only ferry routes from Bremerton and Vashon Island to Seattle.The original TPC proposal would have raised passenger-only fares to $9 round trip ($6.30 for frequent commuter tickets). But commuters shouted down that proposal at a series of TPC hearings.If the commission votes in favor of a rate increase Wednesday, ticket prices would change May 13. "

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