Beginning last Monday, Washington State Ferries implemented both the annual peak season surcharge and a 6 percent fare increase, recently approved by the state Transportation Commission.

The peak season surcharge equals about 25 percent on most routes and is only charged for the full fare vehicle and driver tickets and is not applied to the passenger fares or the frequent user fares.

"The surcharge is tied to the months with the highest traffic demands" says Traci Brewer-Rogstad, director of operations.

The 6 percent fare increase is across the board and impacts all fare types. For specific information on fares by route, customers can check the ferries web site at: www.wsdot.wa.gov/ferries or pick up a fare brochure at the nearest terminal.