The Washington State Transportation Commission approved a 2.5 percent fare increase for Washington State Ferries that was effective May 1.

The increase is less than the 4 percent increase proposed by the commission in the 2007 tariff proposal released in February. The commission decided on the 2.5 percent rate increase based upon comments from ferry users, who were quite vocal over the effects rising ferry fares have on their communities.

The 2.5 percent fare increase will raise full fare Cross Sound passenger fares 20 cents from $6.50 to $6.70 roundtrip and a one-way full fare car and driver fees will go up 30 cents from $11.25 to $11.55 for non-peak season rates and 35 cents from $14.10 to $14.45 during the peak season, May 1 through October 14.