EVERETT — A state commission approved an increase in ferry ticket prices Wednesday, set to raise rates about 6% over the next two years.

The rate hikes were recommended by Washington State Ferries and a citizen advisory committee, a Washington State Department of Transportation release read Wednesday. The Washington State Transportation Commission approved the increase in ticket costs at a commission meeting Wednesday.

The first increase — about a 3% jump in prices, on average — is set to go into effect on Oct. 1. Another 3% increase will take effect in May 2026. The commission also approved raising the summer season surcharge — which currently varies from route to route — to 35% to all routes, the current rate for the San Juan Island ferries. Those surcharges only apply to vehicle fares

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