Local Ferry Rates Going Up Next Month

Passengers riding the ferry from Steilacoom, Anderson Island, and Ketron Island will pay slightly more starting Jan. 1, 2012.

For example, an adult fare will be raised from $4.70 to $5. Seniors and disabled passengers will pay 10 cents more as their fare increases from $2.40 to $2.50. Children under the age of 6 now get to ride for free; previously, children under the age of 5 could ride for free.

"Ferry fares have not increased since 2008, while the cost of fuel and other expenses have continued to rise. The cost of fuel to operate the ferry last year was $570,000," said Deb Wallace, ferry administrator for Pierce County Public Works and Utilities.

Ketron Island residents also will experience some changes. They will need to make a reservation to ride the ferry at least 20 minutes in advance by calling 253-588-1950. Patrons wishing to travel to Ketron Island from Steilacoom must still line up at the ferry terminal in the Ketron Island loading lane at least 20 minutes in advance.

Other changes effective Jan. 1:

• Senior citizens and must show their ID at boarding. (Age 65 or older)
• Disabled passengers must show their valid ID to use a discount pass.
• No refunds will be issued after Feb. 15, 2012 for tickets purchased prior to the change.
• All vehicles with tax-exempt license plates traveling to the islands for governmental or institutional business no longer get free passage. They will need to purchase tickets prior to boarding.
• There will no longer be a 7 a.m. run on Sunday from Steilacoom to Anderson Island. The first ferry of the day on Sunday will leave at 6:45 a.m.

The Pierce County Ferry System recorded total ridership in 2010 of 198,791. For a full list of the rate increases and changes, including peak season and non-peak season, visit www.piercecountywa.org/ferry.