Ferry fares will go up on May 12

Wondering what to buy Mom for Mother's Day?

Wondering what to buy Mom for Mother’s Day? How about a more expensive ferry ticket. It may not compare with a diamond heart necklace, but it does with a box of candy or bouquet of flowers.

On May 12, Washington State Ferries will increase the price of a ferry ride by 12.5 percent statewide. This is the same day peak season ticket prices jump by 75 cents for the summer.

Taken together, the two increases will boost the price of driving a car onto the ferry and off the island to $7, up from $5.

In addition to this increase, the fare for a motorcycle and driver will increase from $2.70 to $3; passenger fares from $2.70 to $3.10,; senior fares from $1.30 to $1.50,; and youth fares from $1.90 to $2.20.

Coupon books are going up in price as well. Auto driver books are up from $80 to $88; motorcycle books from $35.20 to $40; and passenger books from $19 to $23.25. Vanpool and carpool fees have doubled from $10 to $20 per year

Those who travel more frequently will actually save $2.50 on the monthly pass which is decreasing from $39.70 to $37.20. Those passes can now be purchased at two local stores, rather than just at the booths at the ferry dock. Liquor stores in Freeland and at Ken’s Korner will sell the passes. Passes sold through retail outlets will include a $1 handling fee.

There is a change for the half-fare passenger ticket books and the bicycle surcharge books. The current books are valid only through May 11. The books will became temporarily unavailable May 1-11. The books go on sale at a higher price May 12.