Just in from Washington State Ferries, a reminder that a fare increase will take effect at the same time as a decrease a week from Sunday – read on:

The Washington State Department of Transportation Ferries Division (WSF) reminds customers of two fare changes that will go into effect on Sunday, October 11. On that date, the peak season surcharge ends and a systemwide 2.5 percent fare increase goes into effect.

Per state tariff law, WSF implements a 25 percent peak season surcharge for full fare vehicle/driver tickets each year from May 1 until the second Sunday in October. On the Anacortes/San Juan Islands route passenger single fares increase 20 percent during the peak season and vehicle/driver fares increase 35 percent. Fares will return to the lower, non-peak season rates on Sunday, October 11.

WSF will also implement a 2.5 percent fare increase on all routes on Sunday, October 11. Central Puget Sound passenger fares will rise from $6.70 to $6.90; the car and driver rate will go from $11.55 to $11.85. This fare increase was set by the Washington State Transportation Commission, the statewide authority that sets all highway and bridge tolls and ferry fares. This is the first across-the-board ferry fare increase since May 2007.